Eliminating interaction with a dentist or orthodontist allowed SmileDirectClub to charge as much as 60% less than Invisalign and traditional braces. Because of this, patients with slight spacing or crowding issues were better candidates for SmileDirectClub than someone with more serious orthodontic problems.Â
Dr. Steven Davidowitz, a cosmetic dentist in New York City, says that “invisible aligners are effective for mild spacing and crowding issues, like closing a gap between teeth. It can be especially useful for people who wore braces as kids and didn’t wear a retainer after their braces were removed, so their teeth have shifted a little over the years.”Â
Many orthodontists and dentists on RealSelf say that an evaluation for any clear aligner should be done by a qualified provider. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a dentist from O'Fallon, Illinois, cautions that "if you have undiagnosed root or tooth decay, gum disease, or other pathologies, a clear aligner may make these problems worse.” Dr. Davidowitz agrees. “It’s important to have a dental professional assess your overall mouth health before starting a program, to determine if you’re a good candidate,” he says.Â
In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists had filed complaints against SmileDirectClub with 36 state dental boards. The American Dental Association also filed a citizen petition in an attempt to correct what they say were misleading, inaccurate, or harmful statements.
While the regular checkups required with metal braces and Invisalign can be a hassle, they allow your dentist to monitor your progress and make adjustments, which can improve results.
“Without expert oversight and the attachment features used with Invisalign to deliver the force required to predictably move teeth, there’s only so much that can be done,” says Dr. Davidowitz.
