SmileDirectClub recently announced the shutdown of its global operations. Since the company served more than two million clients since its founding, closing its doors has left many people not sure how they can continue to straighten their teeth. Luckily, your local dentist is trained and equipped to get you the orthodontic services you need to enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile. Here’s what you should know about the SmileDirectClub closure and how you can continue your treatment.
What Was SmileDirectClub?
SmileDirectClub was founded in 2014 on the promise of revolutionizing the orthodontic industry by selling clear aligners directly to consumers. This program was marketed as a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional braces. Clients received kits so they could make and mail in their own bite impressions, and they would receive guidance through video appointments with affiliated dental professionals. The dental community as a whole strongly cautioned patients against using this service due to the risk of problems caused by user error.
How Can I Continue Straightening My Teeth?
When SmileDirectClub shut down, many patients were left in the middle of treatment without a clear way to continue it. The company no longer offers its “Lifetime Smile Guarantee” or any customer service support, and many clients have expressed frustration and uncertainty about getting refunds. The company has recommended customers to seek further treatment through their local dentist or orthodontist.
How Can My Dentist Help?
Luckily, SmileDirectClub wasn’t the only game in town for people looking to straighten their teeth with clear aligners. Invisalign is a tried and proven orthodontic method that can treat alignment issues like gaps, crossbites, underbites, and open bites with a series of customized clear aligners while under the close supervision of a qualified dental professional. Because all of the patient’s checkups are in person, there is far less risk of an important oral health matter going unnoticed.
Keeping your orthodontic treatment safely in the hands of trained dental professionals is the best way to achieve your ideal smile. Consulting with your dentist can determine if Invisalign can be an excellent treatment for you.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Rudolph earned his dental degree at the Maryland School of Dentistry before serving in the U.S. Navy for seven years. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Kosciusko County Dental Society, and the Indiana Dental Association. His office in Warsaw, IN offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to Invisalign treatments. To schedule an Invisalign consultation, contact his office online or dial (574) 269-1787.