SmileDirectClub marketed itself as a faster and more affordable alternative to traditional orthodontic methods. It was founded in 2014 and has served over two million clients since then. The company received significant pushback from the dental community throughout its existence and has recently declared bankruptcy and ceased operations. Here’s what SmileDirectClub’s former clients should know about the situation and how they can continue straightening their teeth with a qualified orthodontist.
What Was SmileDirectClub?
SmileDirectClub was founded in 2014 and promised to revolutionize the orthodontic industry. The company sold clients clear dental aligners through the mail and major retailers and provided them with remote visits with dental professionals. Patients would take their own bite impressions and ship them to the company so customized clear aligners could be made. This process cut out a lot of the professional dental work that comes with traditional orthodontics and passed the savings on to customers.
If you think this sounds too good to be true, the dental community agrees with you. The American Dental Association has never given SmileDirectClub its approval and has cautioned potential clients about the dangers of attempting to straighten one’s teeth without direct supervision from a dental professional. SmileDirectClub was valued at around $8.9 billion when it went public in 2019, but the company could never turn a profit. It lost $86.4 million in 2022 and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September of 2023. In December, it announced that it would cease operations.
How Can I Continue My Orthodontic Treatment?
Realigning teeth is a very complex process, and every orthodontic case is unique. Without qualified supervision, someone can do significant harm to themselves while attempting to straighten their smile. Miscalculations can move teeth out of alignment further, making them harder to clean and more vulnerable to injury and decay.
Luckily, your local orthodontist will be more than happy to help you realign your smile the right way. After a consultation, they can tell you about which orthodontic treatments can be effective for you and provide you with professional services without the risk of error that comes from DIY methods. Talking to your orthodontist can set you on the path to a healthier and more beautiful smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Travis Rottman earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and continues to expand his skillset through postgraduate courses. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor afforded to only 6% of dentists. His office in Sachse, TX offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry in addition to orthodontic treatments. To schedule an orthodontic consultation, contact the office online or dial (972) 848-0073.