Smile Direct Club uses clear aligners to straighten teeth and removes the need for routine orthodontist visits. They focus on addressing mild to moderate misalignment and some bite issues. NBC News spoke to several smile direct club customers who needed additional professional treatment by an orthodontist. One of them, Rosemond, had a severe crossbite that caused strain on her mouth and head muscles and led to headaches. She signed up for Smile Direct Club because it was more affordable than traditional braces.

However, some users have experienced problems with their SmileDirect Club treatment. Some have even required professional treatment from an orthodontist after using the product.

Cost

SmileDirectClub offers a quick and affordable way to straighten teeth with clear aligners. Customers begin their journey by creating a 3D image of their teeth in one of their SmileShops or by purchasing a kit to make dental impressions at home. Afterward, the company designs an individualized treatment plan for each patient and remotely checks in with them via photos.

However, many customers are disappointed by their experience with SmileDirectClub. The Better Business Bureau has logged over 1,800 nationwide complaints about the service, including many cases of harmful treatment results, such as broken teeth and nerve damage.

The co-founders of SmileDirectClub, Katzman and Fenkell, are both dentists, but they don’t require patients to meet with them in person. They say they have a network of more than 200 dentists and orthodontists who oversee treatment. The company has also allegedly asked dissatisfied customers to sign NDAs and not talk about their experiences publicly. This behavior has led to a class action lawsuit against the company.

Treatment Time

Smile Direct Club is marketed as a teeth straightening solution for mild to moderate misalignments, but it is not designed to address complex problems such as bite issues. During the initial telehealth appointment, a dentist assesses your case to ensure that your dental issues can be addressed with their remote treatment method.

The company’s bankruptcy filing has prompted many questions about how it will handle outstanding payments and whether any compensation for current patients will be provided. In its FAQ, the company says more information will be available once the bankruptcy process determines next steps. It’s likely that those who have paid in full will receive priority when it comes to any payouts.

Results

In this era of meal delivery kits and monthly subscription boxes, it’s easy to see the appeal of online dental services. But have these services gone too far? Smile Direct Club is a mail-order service that offers individuals a set of clear aligners to straighten their teeth. Individuals can visit a Smile Shop for a 3D scan or purchase an at-home kit to create their own impressions. Once a team of dentists and orthodontists has assessed the results, they create a personalized treatment plan.

However, the company’s at-home alignment process isn’t ideal for everyone. Many orthodontists and dentists agree that it’s only able to accomplish mild adjustments. They also argue that it puts patients at risk for health complications. Additionally, the company has a history of suing critics and muzzling dissatisfied customers. They’ve sued the Michigan Dental Association for writing an article that highlighted the company’s legal and patient safety risks. Moreover, they’ve also filed ethical complaints against professionals who speak out against the service.

Reputation

Despite Smile Direct Club’s claims of success, the company has a tarnished reputation among dental professionals and customers. NBC News has uncovered complaints about customer service and the quality of its products from people who used the service. These complaints include problems with home impression kits, inaccurate treatment plans and miscommunication between SmileDirectClub employees and patients.

Some of these problems have been severe. For example, SmileDirectClub customer Rosemond spent thousands on traditional braces after her aligners caused a crossbite that put strain on her neck and jaw muscles, leading to headaches. She tried to contact her designated dentist at SDC multiple times, but she couldn’t get ahold of him and was forced to seek out another orthodontist.

SDC is currently facing lawsuits from professional associations and regulators over allegations of false advertising, unfair business practices, and violations of consumer protection laws. It’s also been accused of suing critics and muzzling unhappy customers. These tactics could put patient safety at risk, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.