SmileDirectClub Reviews (UK): Real Opinions & Experiences

SmileDirectClub has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Due to the company's uncertain future, we recommend you try SmileDirectClub alternative aligner brands.

So, you're interested in at-home teeth straightening with SmileDirectClub?

Lots of companies have started offering remote orthodontics in the UK in a relatively short space of time, so it's understandable that you want to know more before you take the plunge.

Checking some SmileDirectClub reviews from the UK will hopefully help you understand more about this brand and what the treatment involves.

At Dentaly.org, we've reviewed over 15 UK clear aligners, providing unbiased and trustworthy information to help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

We hope this helps you get better informed about what to expect from at-home aligners and whether SDC is the right choice with the following SmileDirectClub product reviews.

Use our discount code “DENTALY5OFF” to save an additional 5% on your treatment.

SmileDirectClub overview

In case you're not too familiar with how SmileDirectClub (SDC) works, we'll quickly explain before we jump into our SmileDirectClub reviews. They provide clear aligners to straighten your teeth, a bit like the Invisalign system.

The big difference is that at-home aligners don't require visits to a dentist's office; instead, a dentist prescribes and monitors your treatment remotely and your aligners are sent to you in the post.

You have two options to get started with your SDC treatment. The first, is to order your impression kit online. The kit will be delivered to your home, so you can take the impressions of your teeth on your own and send them back.

Your second option is to go to a physical Smile Direct location, known as a SmileShop, where a representative will take 3D scans of your teeth.

Whichever option you choose, a dentist or orthodontist will then analyse your teeth and prescribe a treatment plan. All your aligners are posted to you at once, and you can begin your treatment, switching to a new set of aligners every week or two as instructed.

Your dentist or orthodontist will monitor your treatment remotely, periodically checking in to make sure your teeth are moving as planned.

The result, in theory, is straighter teeth that cost you a lot less than if you visited the dentist for braces. However, we do recommend you visit a dentist for a general check-up before starting any at-home treatment, as it's important to deal with any untreated cavities, gum disease, and other issues before wearing aligners.

SmileDirectClub is not our top pick for aligners. From our product comparisons we have found that SmileDirectClub are more expensive than other options, and they aren't made from the clearest material.

In addition, they've just recently been ordered to stop requiring their customers to sign NDAs to get refunds…

SmileDirectClub UK reviews

It's easy to find SmileDirectClub reviews from American users because the brand has been operating there for so much longer. So, let's look at some SmileDirectClub reviews from the UK.

In the UK, where the brand is still quite new, there is a smaller pool of reviews to choose from since not so many people have undergone treatment yet.

Review sites

You can take a look at TrustPilot, where SDC has 4.2 stars from over 4,500 reviews.

One reviewer named Carina was especially pleased with not only the customer service but also her treatment , saying:

“I am blown away by the positive customer service experiences I have had with SmileDirectClub.

I took my policy out last year and due to unforeseen circumstances was unable to maintain the schedule set out for me. I've had numerous conversations with SDC over the phone and more recently in-store at the Leeds branch with Sobiya.

The compassion I have received from all members of staff I have encountered has been amazing and really helped me with my mental health struggles. I can not recommend this company enough.

I also have seen such a drastic improvement in my teeth, even though I haven't managed to maintain the intended schedule. I am still on my SDC journey but with the progress I've already seen, I am fully positive that my smile will feel perfect for me by the end of my treatment.”

– Carina, TrustPilot SDC reviewer

Use “DENTALY5OFF” to get an additional 5% discount.

Here are a few more SmileDirectClub Trustpilot reviews which give an idea of what the process is like, from having a scan to wearing your first aligners, and finally to completing treatment:

“Currently a month into my treatment and very impressed with the results so far. Amy was very helpful and professional.”

“I received my box in 3 weeks so that was great and within the time period they gave me. Initially my teeth felt weird when I put the aligners in but by day 3 they were fine. I am now on Week 2 and can feel a slight pressure on the teeth so they must be working. I wear mine all day apart from when I eat which is approx 3 times a day, breakfast lunch and dinner. I can't snack when the aligners are in so its great to stop me from snacking.”

“I finished my treatment with SmileDirectClub and was not happy with a few of my teeth. I rang up and the lady was lovely and very accommodating, explaining I could come in for another appointment and get a new set of aligners made and sent out for free. I have now had my appointment with the new Manchester store which was very fancy and very welcoming. The ladies here truly are lovely and will definitely put a smile on your face! Thank you so much for helping me to achieve the smile I want. Highly recommend SmileDirectClub to anyone who wants their teeth straightened and is looking for a flexible and very affordable plan.”

“Alot of fake reviews and misconceptions on this company. I finished my treatment 6 months ago and the whole process has been brilliant. My teeth are 10 times better and they even gave me 3 retainers free of charge. The whole process was so easy and smooth, even after treatment I said I think I needed a few more trays to get them as straight as I wanted and they were very happy to, and my case was accepted. I really could not recommend them enough.”

While most patients have seen great results from remote aligner treatment, some people experienced complications and wish they had seen a dentist face-to-face. Read more about the differences between Smile Direct and Invisalign.

Video reviews of SmileDirectClub

Let's take a look at some people who have documented their SmileDirectClub experience online.

SmileDirectClub unboxing and first impressions

This video from Georgia, it is not a review as such, because she has only just received her box of aligners. But it's interesting to see her opening the box, talking us through what's inside, and then fitting her first set. You can see how you need to use the “chewies” provided to get the aligners to click into place.

One thing Georgia has struggled with is the limitations with eating and drinking. She thinks it's unrealistic to take them out every time she drinks something other than water, and instead, she uses a straw.

This is not the recommendation with SDC or any other brand of aligner, as the sugar from the drinks can get trapped under the aligners and damage your teeth.

If you're going to wear clear aligners, be prepared to follow the instructions and only drink water while wearing them.

Smile Direct review after 1 week

“I was in agony for two days”

Molly's 1-week update mentions some difficulty getting the aligners in and out. She also noted a slight delay with receiving her aligners, although this was sorted out after she contacted customer service.

Aisha's 2-month update

“It's a really simple process… I don't have a bad thing to say about it.”

Aisha is two months into her treatment and is really beginning to notice the results. Watch her video review below to find out how she is getting on.

Aisha's treatment has been very straightforward, and she is happy with the results so far. The only thing she would like to see is a more thorough check-in process with SDC.

SmileDirectClub Nighttime Aligners review

Finally, we are visiting Claire's channel for her review at the end of her treatment, as she explains the whole process and reflects on her results.

Claire attended a smile shop to have her initial impressions taken and was happy with the 4 month plan originally provided to her for the minor tweaks that were required to be made to her teeth.

On her one- year update, Claire is on her third round of treatment. She has one lower tooth that has not been fully corrected by the course of treatment. She gives a SmileDirectClub in depth review that there are improvements to her teeth however she has not achieved the perfect smile that she was looking for.

Conclusion

We hope this collection of SmileDirectClub reviews from the UK has been helpful. You can read more about these aligners in our full article. While the reviews of SmileDirectClub suggest a positive outcome for minor adjustments our product testers recommend you have a look at NewSmile aligners.