SmileDirectClub has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Due to the company's uncertain future, we recommend you try aligner brands like those mentioned in this article. Read more about the situation.
Are you looking for Smile Direct Club alternatives to straighten your teeth? Smile Direct Club is a popular brand of at-home clear aligners, and while many people do align their teeth with this brand, there are other companies you may want to check out as well.
Some of the most popular alternatives to Smile Direct Club include Invisalign, Byte, and ALIGNERCO. Each of these brands has a lot in common, but also some special features that can help you decide which is the best option for you.
In this article we'll talk about:
- The best Smile Direct Club alternatives
- Their costs, treatment time and eligibility requirements
- How to choose the brand for you
We hope that this information helps you choose the best orthodontic treatment for your needs.
If you don't have a lot of time and you'd like to see a quick comparison of our top picks for orthodontics and Smile Direct Club alternatives, have a look now:
Treatment for All Cases - Hybrid in-office and remote treatment
- In-person visits with your orthodontist for safe, effective treatment
- Treats even complex cases of misalignment
- Various pricing options
Discover the flexibility and effectiveness of Impress Invisible Braces, the hybrid orthodontic solution that blends in-person care with the convenience of remote appointments. Suitable for both kids and adults, Impress offers a range of treatment options designed to cater to various needs, from mild to severe cases of misalignment. With the initial consultation happening in person, you're assured of a tailored treatment plan that can address even the most complex orthodontic issues.
Impress Treatment Plans:
- Impress Super Light ($6,999): Perfect for mild cases, this plan promises results in up to 3 months, making it the quickest route to a better smile.
- Impress ($4,599): Designed for moderate cases, this option aims to perfect your smile within 4-10 months.
- Impress Plus ($5,599): Tailored for moderate cases requiring a bit more time, this plan spans 11-14 months.
- Impress Advanced ($6,999): The go-to choice for complex cases, offering comprehensive treatment over 11-24 months.
- Teens ($4,599): Specifically designed for teenagers, this plan addresses mild cases within 4-10 months, ensuring a confident smile during those crucial years.
- Impress Kids ($4,599): Offering orthodontic treatment for children, this plan covers a period between 8-18 months, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
With flexible payment plans available, starting your journey to a perfect smile has never been easier or more accessible. Whether you're looking for a quick fix or need extensive treatment, Impress Invisible Braces provide a tailored solution that meets your needs and budget. Click below to get started!
Best service - Complete treatment 100% remotely
- Amazing customer service
- Nighttime-only option
- $1,495 or $55/month
NewSmile aligners are made from the clearest Essix plastic and come with a daytime or nighttime-only option to suit you. For just $1,495 you'll receive everything you need to straighten and whiten your teeth – and maintain your new smile:
- Home impression kit
- Full aligner treatment
- Free whitening
- First set of retainers
- A full refund if you're not a good fit
NewSmile goes above and beyond to provide a great experience to all their customers, beginning with a live video call to help you with your teeth impressions. Mail these back, and they'll send a 3D Treatment Preview for you to approve before going ahead.
Best value - Complete treatment 100% remotely
- 4-6 month average treatment time
- Nighttime-only option
- $949 or $77/month
If you're looking for the best value aligner package, here it is! For just $895 you'll get:
- Impression kit
- Full aligner treatment course
- Free teeth whitening kit
- Your first set of retainers
In short, everything needed to straighten your teeth remotely and keep them looking great, with a full money-back guarantee if you're not a suitable candidate.
This low price doesn't mean you're compromising on quality of care, though. ALIGNERCO just choose not to put so much into marketing, and they pass on the savings to their customers. They are also known for their responsive and helpful customer care, which is important when you're doing things from home.
Plus, if you're in New York, you can visit their SmileStudio for a free consultation and help taking your impressions.
Nighttime-only aligners are also available for anyone who doesn't want to wear aligners during the day.
Faster treatment - 3-4 month average treatment time
- Assessed and planned by orthodontists
- Includes whitening and first retainers
- $1,999 or $70/month
Byte's HyperByte technology uses High Frequency Vibration to help your teeth move faster and with minimal discomfort. Their average treatment time is just 3-4 months, compared to 6 months for most others.
Treatment includes your first set of retainers. You'll also get their BrightByte 3-in-1 foam to whiten your teeth, clean your aligners and freshen your breath. And their Byte-for-life guarantee means you'll get free adjustments if your teeth start to move again.
Begin by ordering an impression kit so their orthodontists can assess whether you're a good match.
Flexible options - Single-arch treatment option
- Nighttime aligners available
- Free refinements & 2 sets of retainers
- $699 (single-arch) or $999 (dual-arch)
Smileie's aligner treatment is not only affordable, but flexible too. You have the option of single-arch treatment for just your top or bottom teeth, as well as nighttime-only treatment. And whichever package you choose, monthly payments are available.
On top of this, Smileie offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee which includes free refinements if needed. Their aligners are made in the US and treatment takes 4-6 months on average.
Get the best discount when you purchase your aligner package up-front, including:
- Home impression kit
- Teeth whitening kit
- Two sets of retainers
- A full refund if you're not a good candidate
Packages start at $699 for single-arch treatment. Click below to check for current discounts!
Table of contents
How does Smile Direct Club work?
First, let's talk about how Smile Direct Club works:
Smile Direct Club (Smile Direct or SDC) used to follow the typical treatment plan of most at-home clear aligners — order your impression kit, receive your aligners in the mail, and do remote monitoring with a dentist.
They're now transitioning to a new treatment model wherein you visit a partner dentist in person at the beginning of your treatment for a consultation, and for 3D scans of your teeth.
Now let's have a look at the basic factors:
- Average cost of Smile Direct Club: $2,050
- Average treatment time: 4 to 6 months
- Eligible cases: Mild to moderate cases
Smile Direct's best payment plan if you're looking to spread your costs out is $89/month with a $250 deposit
Smile Direct Club Alternatives
There are plenty of SDC alternatives to choose from today, so to help you wade through it all we've chosen some of our top picks. Have a look!
Byte: The fastest option
Byte — $1,999 ($70/month) | |
Pros | Cons |
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Find out more about Smile Direct Club vs Byte in our full guide, read our comprehensive Byte review, or get started with Byte now by ordering your impression kit. Use code SMILEBRYTE to get 80% off your kit.
NewSmile: The clearest option
NewSmile — $1,495 ($55/month) | |
Pros | Cons |
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Read our NewSmile review to find out more, or see if you're eligible for NewSmile now to get started.
ALIGNERCO: The budget option
ALIGNERCO — $949 ($77/month) | |
Pros | Cons |
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If you only have minor issues to fix and you want the most affordable treatment, you can get started with ALIGNERCO now, or read our ALIGNERCO review to find out more.
Is Invisalign a good alternative to Smile Direct Club?
Invisalign is one of the brands of invisible braces that began the clear aligner revolution. The main difference between Invisalign and SDC is that Invisalign is an in-office brand. With regular visits with your dentist, this type of aligner can treat even more severe cases of malocclusion.
This also means it's more expensive than at-home clear aligner brands — potentially thousands of dollars more expensive. But, if you want to straighten your teeth, and you have a more complicated case to treat, then Invisalign may be the best option for you.
If you'd like to find an Invisalign dentist in your area, you can call 866-383-0748 now. You'll be connected with a live operator who can put you through to a dentist who offers Invisalign near you.
Whichever brand you choose, it's important that you take your time considering the options, and remember that cheaper isn't always better.
Other companies like Smile Direct Club
There are so many clear aligner brands out there nowadays that it can be hard to tell the difference between many of them. Some other brands that are similar to Smile Direct Club, but neither as well-known nor as noteworthy are Smilint, Smilelove, and SnapCorrect.
- Smilint: One-size-fits-all option with no monitoring throughout treatment (Not recommended, but very cheap)
- Smilelove: Follows a standard clear aligner process, focused on fast results
- SnapCorrect: Standard clear aligner brand, nothing notable
Smile Direct Club vs braces
So, what's the difference between Smile Direct Club and braces? A lot actually. But have a look at the following table where we've summed it all up:
Smile Direct Club | Braces | |
Appliance | Transparent, removable tray that must be worn for 22 hours per day | Fixed, non-removable metal brackets and wires; worn 24/7 |
Cost | $1,950 | $2,500 to $7,500 |
Treatment length | 4 - 6 months | 18 - 24 months |
Monitoring | Regular remote monitoring with an SDC dentist | Regular in-office visits with your orthodontist |
Eligible cases | Mild to moderate | All cases |
Conclusion
Smile Direct Club is a popular at-home clear aligner brand, but it certainly finds itself in good company. There are plenty of Smile Direct competitors that you can choose from, and a few who we think go the extra mile and rise a bit above SDC.
Our top picks as SDC alternatives include NewSmile, Candid, ALIGNERCO, and Byte, for the high quality of service they offer and their success in treating patients.
If you'd like to hear what customers are saying about SDC, you can check out our Smile Direct reviews article.
And if you're interested in hearing what the CFO of SDC has to say about where the company is now, and their vision for the future including their partnering dentists, check out the following clip:
FAQs
Who are Smile Direct competitors?
Some of the most popular competitors to Smile Direct Club include Invisalign, Candid, Byte, NewSmile, and ALIGERNCO. Invisalign is an in-office brace with treatment similar to that of regular braces. The others are types of at-home clear aligners like Smile Direct.
Can SmileDirectClub be cheaper?
Smile Direct Club costs $1,950, making it potentially thousands of dollars cheaper than traditional braces or brands like Invisalign. Sometimes there are discounts available as well. This may bring the price down, even more, when there are limited-time offers.
Can you negotiate with SmileDirectClub?
No. Smile Direct offers a fixed price for their aligners. Both their standard 22-hour per day treatment and their nighttime treatment cost $1,950. They also have treatment plans available.
Why should you not use SmileDirectClub?
SDC treatment may not be the best treatment for everyone. For example, if you have a severe case of malocclusion, you may need to see an orthodontist for regular braces.
Can your teeth fall out with Smile Direct?
No. Your teeth shouldn't fall out with Smile Direct Club. If they do, then there is an underlying issue that should have been dealt with before you began treatment.
PRNewswire.com: A “bulletproof” solution for practice transformation, Dr. Craig Spodak joins Candid. Consulted 8th March 2022.