Finding Solutions: Next Steps For Smile Direct Club Customers

Are you a Smile Direct Club customer affected by the shutdown? Here’s what to do.

By the Midtown Dental Group Team

Upset Smile Direct Club customer expressing frustration after the company's shutdown

If you’re one of the Smile Direct Club customers left in limbo after the company’s shutdown, you’re not alone. Smile Direct Club, which aimed to change the teeth-straightening industry with its direct-to-consumer model, has filed for bankruptcy. As a result, all treatments for current patients have stopped, even for those who already paid for services.

With no customer care available, many customers are understandably frustrated and unsure of what to do next. In this post, Midtown Dental Group will provide valuable information to help you move forward. We’ll explain why the company closed, what this means for you, and offer some options to complete your treatment.

What HAppened To Smile Direct Club?

Smile Direct Club promised to revolutionize the dental appliance industry with its clear aligners. Their direct-to-consumer model didn’t require dental office visits, which appealed to many customers.

However, several factors led to its downfall. First, the company faced criticism and lawsuits over the quality and safety of its products. Dental professionals, including our team at Midtown Dental Group, raised concerns about patient safety due to the lack of in-person dentist supervision.

The Covid-19 pandemic hit the company hard. Sales dropped significantly, and mounting legal fees further hurt Smile Direct’s financial stability. This eventually forced them to file for bankruptcy.

How Did Smile Direct Club Work?

Smile Direct customers had two options to submit their teeth records. They could either use an at-home kit to make molds or visit a Smile Direct location for a digital scan. However, no dentists were present at these locations to oversee the process or check the accuracy of the molds.

Instead, customers had to confirm on their own that they had recently seen a dentist and were free of issues like cavities or gum disease. There was no need to submit dental records, photos, or X-rays. A telehealth dentist would then create a treatment plan, and the aligners were sent to the customer. Progress was monitored remotely through an app.

Several dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, warned about the risks of using Smile Direct Club without proper supervision. Though the lower cost appealed to many, some customers reported poor results or even damage to their teeth and gums.

Implications for Existing Smile Direct Club Customers

The sudden shutdown has left customers angry and uncertain. Those in the middle of treatment now have unfinished results and no clear plan for what to do next. Without customer support, many are unsure how to proceed.

Customers who paid upfront are now in a difficult position. With the company filing for bankruptcy, getting a refund is uncertain. This financial loss adds frustration, especially for those who still need to complete their treatment.

Beyond the financial impact, some customers also reported problems with their aligners. Now, without Smile Direct’s support, they must seek solutions on their own, which could lead to additional costs and inconvenience.

In short, Smile Direct’s shutdown has disrupted both the financial and oral health of its customers, leaving them confused and distressed.

Affected By Smile Direct Club SHUTDOWN? HERE ARE YOUR OPTIONS

Though the situation is unfortunate, there are alternative treatment options available. If your treatment is incomplete, it’s important to consult a dental professional. They can evaluate your progress and help determine the best plan moving forward.

Evaluating Alternative Dental Treatment Options

Midtown Dental Group dentist holding Invisalign clear aligners for an ex Smile Direct Club patient to examine

One popular alternative to consider is Invisalign. Like Smile Direct Club’s aligners, Invisalign provides clear aligners to gradually adjust your teeth. However, Invisalign treatment involves regular in-person check-ins with a dental professional to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments, ensuring a safer and more effective treatment.

Another option is traditional braces. While not as discreet as clear aligners, braces have a long history of successfully straightening teeth.

It might be tempting to consider other direct-to-consumer aligner companies, but this could lead to the same issues as Smile Direct. These companies also carry the risk of bankruptcy, unfinished treatments, and poor product quality. When considering your options, it’s important to prioritize safety and effectiveness over cost.

Why Direct-to-Consumer Aligners Aren’t the Best Option For You

Smile Direct Club’s shutdown has revealed several problems with direct-to-consumer aligners. The biggest issue is the lack of in-person dental supervision. Without regular check-ups, potential issues can go unnoticed, leading to poor results or even harm.

Another concern is the one-size-fits-all approach. Direct-to-consumer companies don’t account for the unique aspects of each person’s oral health, which can result in ill-fitting aligners or inappropriate treatment plans.

Customer support is also unreliable with these companies. As we’ve seen with Smile Direct, when things go wrong, customers are often left without any help.

Finally, while these aligners may seem cheaper upfront, hidden costs—like correcting problems caused by the treatment—can make them more expensive in the long run.

Introducing Invisalign from Midtown Dental Group as a Potential Solution

Invisalign is a reputable teeth straightening treatment that uses clear aligners, much like Smile Direct Club. However, the Invisalign method incorporates a level of professional oversight and personalized care that sets it apart.

The process begins with a comprehensive dental exam and consultation. We use a 3D scan of your teeth to create a precise treatment plan tailored to your needs. You’ll be able to see a step-by-step visualization of your smile transformation.

Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. They are made of a proprietary, FDA-approved plastic that is free of BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. The aligners are comfortable, virtually invisible, and easy to wear.

During your treatment, you’ll have regular check-ins with your Invisalign-trained doctor to monitor your progress. These check-ups ensure that your teeth are moving as planned and allow for any necessary adjustments to your treatment.

In short, the Invisalign method combines the convenience of clear aligners with the safety and effectiveness of professional dental supervision, offering a reliable solution for those affected by Smile Direct Club’s shutdown.

How Midtown Dental Group Can Help

At Midtown Dental Group, we understand the confusion and frustration that Smile Direct Club customers are dealing with. As a team of dedicated dental professionals, we’re here to help guide those affected through this challenging situation and offer reliable solutions for their teeth straightening needs.

As certified Diamond-level Invisalign providers, we can help you transition smoothly from your current situation. We’ll start with a comprehensive dental exam and consultation to evaluate your progress, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan with Invisalign.

Throughout your treatment, we’ll provide regular check-ups and professional support to ensure your teeth are moving as planned. We’re committed to making your treatment as comfortable and effective as possible.

If you’re worried about the financial aspect, we offer a range of payment options to help make your treatment more affordable. We’re here to work with you in finding a solution that fits your budget while providing you with the high-quality care you deserve.

At Midtown Dental Group, we prioritize patient care and satisfaction above all else. You can trust us to guide you through this process and help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve been working towards.

In Conclusion

We want to assure all Smile Direct Club customers that there is a solution for your teeth straightening journey. To help you navigate this situation, we are currently offering a complimentary consultation for all affected individuals.

We invite you to schedule your complimentary consultation today. Let’s work together to ensure your teeth straightening journey continues smoothly, and you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve been working towards. You’ve dealt with enough uncertainty—it’s time to take a positive step forward with a team you can trust.