Smile Direct Club and SmilePath are two of the leading at-home clear aligner providers in Australia.
Both companies offer a convenient and affordable way to straighten your teeth without the need for traditional braces or in-office treatments.
However, there are some differences between the two that are worth considering before making a decision.
Smile Direct Club has treated over 1.5 million customers since their start in 2014, making them a highly experienced provider.
They offer a total cost of $2,250, which is slightly higher than some other home aligner companies, but much less than in-office treatments.
When purchased with a single payment, the cost of Smile Direct Club is $2,250. This is significantly less than braces and Invisalign, which often cost $3,000-$8,000.
On the other hand, SmilePath offers a monthly payment plan of $2749, which may be more manageable for some customers.
It is important to note that while both companies offer similar services, there are some distinct differences in their treatment plans and customer service.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Smile Direct Club and SmilePath to help you make an informed decision on which provider is right for you.
Overview of Smile Direct Club
Smile Direct Club is a clear aligner brand that offers remote treatment options for straightening teeth.
The company was founded in 2014 and has since treated over 1.5 million customers, making it one of the most experienced providers in the industry.
Smile Direct Club offers a range of treatment options, including aligners for mild to moderate cases of teeth misalignment.
Customers can choose from two payment options for the bulk of the treatment: a one-time payment of $1,950 or a deposit of $250 and $89 a month for 24 months (which comes to $2,386 in total).
The treatment process begins with a free online assessment, where customers can determine if they are a good candidate for clear aligners.
If they are, they can order an impression kit to take molds of their teeth at home, or visit a SmileShop for a 3D scan of their teeth.
After the molds or scans are taken, a licensed dentist or orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan for the customer, which includes a series of clear aligners that gradually shift the teeth into the desired position.
The customer will wear each set of aligners for 22 hours a day for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set.
Throughout the treatment process, customers can communicate with their assigned dentist or orthodontist through the Smile Direct Club app, which allows them to track their progress and ask any questions they may have.
Overall, Smile Direct Club offers a convenient and affordable option for those seeking clear aligner treatment.
However, it is important to note that clear aligners may not be suitable for all cases of teeth misalignment, and a consultation with a licensed dentist or orthodontist is recommended before beginning any treatment.
Overview of SmilePath
SmilePath is an Australian-based clear aligner company that offers at-home teeth straightening services.
They aim to provide an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment.
SmilePath is a relatively new company, having been founded in 2019, but they are quickly gaining popularity in Australia.
SmilePath uses a remote treatment model, which means that customers do not have to visit a physical location to get started.
Instead, customers can order an impression kit online, take their own dental impressions at home, and send them back to SmilePath for evaluation.
Once the impressions are approved, SmilePath will create a custom set of clear aligners that will gradually shift the teeth into the desired position.
One advantage of SmilePath is their affordability. Their prices are lower than many other clear aligner companies, making them a good option for those on a budget.
SmilePath also offers payment plans to help make the cost more manageable.
While SmilePath does not offer in-person teeth scans or remote oversight, they still provide excellent service at a reasonable rate.
Their customer service team is available to answer any questions or concerns that customers may have throughout the treatment process.
SmilePath also provides a satisfaction guarantee, which means that if a customer is not happy with their results, they can get a full refund.
Overall, SmilePath is a great option for anyone seeking affordable teeth straightening services in Australia.
Treatment Process
Smile Direct Club
Smile Direct Club offers a convenient and affordable way to straighten teeth without the need for regular visits to an orthodontist.
Here’s how the treatment process works:
Start with a free assessment: The first step is to take a free assessment to determine if you’re a good candidate for Smile Direct Club. This involves answering a few questions about your teeth and taking some photos of your smile.
Get a 3D scan: If you’re a good candidate, the next step is to get a 3D scan of your teeth. This can be done at a SmileShop or with an at-home impression kit.
Receive your treatment plan: Using the 3D scan, Smile Direct Club creates a custom treatment plan that includes a series of clear aligners designed to gradually shift your teeth into place.
Wear your aligners: Once you approve your treatment plan, Smile Direct Club sends you your custom aligners. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Track your progress: You’ll have regular virtual Smile Check-ins™ with a dental professional to track your progress and make sure your treatment is on track.
Finish your treatment: Once you’ve completed your treatment plan, you’ll receive a set of retainers to help maintain your new smile.
Overall, the Smile Direct Club treatment process is designed to be simple and convenient, with most people seeing results in as little as 60 days.
However, it’s important to note that Smile Direct Club is not suitable for everyone, and some people may require more extensive orthodontic treatment.
SmilePath
SmilePath is an Australian-based clear aligner company that offers a simple and convenient treatment process.
The company utilizes a remote treatment model that allows patients to straighten their teeth from the comfort of their own home, without ever having to visit a dental clinic.
The SmilePath treatment process begins with a free online assessment, which involves answering a few questions and uploading photos of the patient’s teeth.
Based on this information, SmilePath’s team of orthodontists will determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for clear aligner treatment.
If the patient is deemed eligible, they will receive a 3D treatment plan that outlines the expected movement of their teeth throughout the treatment process.
Once the patient approves their treatment plan, SmilePath will manufacture a series of custom clear aligners that are designed to gradually shift the patient’s teeth into their desired position.
The aligners are shipped directly to the patient’s doorstep, along with detailed instructions on how to wear and care for them.
Patients will wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks before switching to the next set in the series.
Throughout the treatment process, patients will have regular virtual check-ins with their assigned orthodontist to ensure that their teeth are moving as planned.
Overall, the SmilePath treatment process is designed to be simple, convenient, and effective.
With no in-person visits required, patients can straighten their teeth on their own terms, without having to disrupt their busy schedules.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to comparing Smile Direct Club and SmilePath, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost.
Both companies offer at-home clear aligner treatment options that are significantly less expensive than traditional braces or Invisalign.
However, there are some differences in pricing between the two providers.
Smile Direct Club’s sticker price is $2,250, which includes the cost of the aligners, an impression kit, and a set of aftercare retainers.
However, it is important to note that discounts or insurance coverage can sometimes reduce that price, and the SmilePay financing plan can help make it more manageable.
The financing plan requires a $250 down payment and $85 a month for 26 months.
On the other hand, SmilePath’s pricing starts at $2,965, which includes the aligners, impression kit, and aftercare retainers.
While this may seem like a higher price point, SmilePath offers a few distinct advantages over Smile Direct Club.
For example, SmilePath’s treatment plan is supervised by a licensed orthodontist, whereas Smile Direct Club’s treatment plan is supervised by a dentist or orthodontic technician.
Additionally, SmilePath offers a satisfaction guarantee and will refund the full cost of treatment if the patient is not satisfied.
It is also worth noting that both Smile Direct Club and SmilePath offer discounts and promotions from time to time.
For example, Smile Direct Club has been known to offer discounts of up to $400 off the cost of treatment, while SmilePath has offered free teeth whitening kits with the purchase of aligners.
Overall, both Smile Direct Club and SmilePath offer affordable at-home clear aligner treatment options.
While Smile Direct Club may be a better choice for those on a tight budget, SmilePath may be a better choice for those who want the peace of mind of having a licensed orthodontist oversee their treatment plan.
Effectiveness and Results
Both Smile Direct Club and SmilePath are clear aligner companies that offer at-home teeth straightening solutions.
The effectiveness of their treatments depends on various factors, such as the severity of the patient’s dental issues, compliance with the treatment plan, and the quality of the aligners.
Smile Direct Club claims that their aligners can correct mild to moderate dental issues, including crowding, spacing, and mild bite problems.
They use a proprietary technology called SmileCheck to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth and design a personalized treatment plan.
The aligners are made of BPA-free plastic and are customized to fit the patient’s teeth.
According to Smile Direct Club, their aligners can deliver results in as little as 4-6 months.
SmilePath, on the other hand, also offers at-home teeth straightening solutions using clear aligners.
They claim to use advanced technology and orthodontic expertise to create aligners that are comfortable, effective, and affordable.
SmilePath aligners are made of a special BPA-free plastic that is designed to be durable and flexible. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on their aligners.
Both Smile Direct Club and SmilePath have positive reviews from customers who have used their services.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of their treatments may vary depending on the patient’s specific dental issues and how well they follow the treatment plan.
In summary, both Smile Direct Club and SmilePath offer at-home teeth straightening solutions that can be effective for mild to moderate dental issues.
The quality of their aligners and the expertise of their orthodontic teams are key factors that can impact the effectiveness of their treatments.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
When it comes to customer reviews and feedback, both Smile Direct Club and SmilePath have their fair share of positive and negative comments.
Smile Direct Club has over 2,400 reviews on ConsumerAffairs, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Many customers praise the convenience and affordability of the service, as well as the effectiveness of the aligners.
However, some customers have reported issues with the quality of the aligners, poor customer service, and difficulty getting refunds.
SmilePath, on the other hand, has a smaller number of reviews available online. However, the majority of reviews are positive, with customers praising the quality of the aligners and the level of customer service provided.
Some customers have reported issues with the aligners not fitting properly or with delays in the shipping process.
Overall, it is important to keep in mind that every person’s experience with these services will be different. It is important to do thorough research and read reviews from multiple sources before making a decision.
Pros & Cons: Smile Direct Club
Pros of Smile Direct Club
Smile Direct Club is an affordable and convenient way to straighten teeth without the hassle of traditional braces.
Here are some of the benefits of Smile Direct Club:
- Cost-effective: Smile Direct Club is less expensive than traditional braces or Invisalign. The cost of Smile Direct Club ranges from $1,950 to $2,500, depending on the length of treatment.
- Convenience: Smile Direct Club allows patients to straighten their teeth from the comfort of their own home. Patients receive a kit with everything they need to take impressions of their teeth, which are then used to create custom aligners.
- Time-saving: Smile Direct Club treatment typically takes 4-6 months, which is faster than traditional braces or Invisalign.
- Easy to use: Smile Direct Club aligners are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. Patients can remove them to eat, brush, and floss.
Cons of Smile Direct Club
While Smile Direct Club has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Limited treatment options: Smile Direct Club is only suitable for mild to moderate cases of crowding and spacing. Patients with severe orthodontic issues may not be eligible for treatment.
- No in-person consultations: Smile Direct Club does not offer in-person consultations, which means patients may not receive the same level of personalized care as they would with traditional braces or Invisalign.
- Potential for complications: While rare, some patients may experience complications with Smile Direct Club treatment, such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
- Lack of supervision: Unlike traditional braces or Invisalign, Smile Direct Club treatment does not involve regular visits to an orthodontist. This means there is less supervision and oversight, which could lead to complications if the aligners are not used correctly.
Pros & Cons: SmilePath
Pros of SmilePath
SmilePath is an at-home clear aligner provider that has gained popularity in Australia.
Here are some of the pros of using SmilePath:
Affordability: SmilePath is a more affordable option compared to traditional braces or Invisalign. The cost of SmilePath treatment is $1,674 AUD, which is significantly lower than the cost of Invisalign treatment, which can range from $5,000 to $9,000 AUD.
Convenience: SmilePath aligners are delivered directly to the patient’s door, eliminating the need for frequent visits to the orthodontist’s office. This makes it a more convenient option for people with busy schedules.
Appearance: SmilePath aligners are clear and virtually invisible, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to traditional braces.
Customer Experience: SmilePath has received positive reviews from customers who have praised the company’s customer service and support.
Cons of SmilePath
While SmilePath has several advantages, there are also some cons to consider before choosing this option:
Limited Treatment Options: SmilePath aligners may not be suitable for people with more severe orthodontic issues. The company only offers treatment for mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth.
Longer Treatment Time: SmilePath treatment may take longer compared to traditional braces or Invisalign. Treatment can take up to 12 months or longer depending on the severity of the case.
Limited Availability: SmilePath is only available in Australia, limiting its availability to people in other countries who may be interested in the treatment.
Overall, SmilePath is a more affordable and convenient option for people looking to straighten their teeth.
However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with more severe orthodontic issues.
Final Verdict
Both Smile Direct Club and SmilePath offer convenient, affordable, and effective solutions for those seeking to straighten their teeth without traditional braces.
However, there are some notable differences between the two services that may influence a person’s decision.
Smile Direct Club has treated over 1.5 million customers since its launch in 2014, making it a more established brand.
They also offer a Nighttime Clear Aligners option for those who prefer to wear aligners only at night.
However, Smile Direct Club’s treatment plans may be more expensive than SmilePath’s.
SmilePath, on the other hand, is a newer company but offers lower prices for their treatment plans.
They also use an AI-powered algorithm to create a personalized treatment plan for each customer, which may be more accurate than Smile Direct Club’s manual process.
However, SmilePath’s customer support may not be as comprehensive as Smile Direct Club’s.
Ultimately, the decision between Smile Direct Club and SmilePath comes down to personal preference and budget.
Both companies have their pros and cons, and it’s up to the individual to weigh them and decide which service best suits their needs.
