Smile Direct Club Vs Your Local Dentist for Invisalign

A Transparent Take on Testimonials

Big businesses like Smile Direct Club have the power to pick and choose the reviews they showcase. For a more candid perspective, it's wise to peruse unfiltered feedback on platforms like the Better Business Bureau and Yelp.


According to an article by nbcnews.com, SmileDirectClub has received more than 1,800 complaints nationwide from the BBB, which has given the company an average rating of 3.97 out of 5 stars. The article also reports that some customers have experienced pain, dental problems, and poor customer service after using SmileDirectClub’s at-home teeth straightening kits. Some dentists and orthodontists are also concerned about the quality and safety of the company’s products and services. The article suggests that at-home teeth straightening services like SmileDirectClub may not be as simple, easy, or cheap as they seem and that customers should do their research, consult with their dentists, and weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.

Perks of Picking Smile Direct Club

Money Matters: Smile Direct Club's affordable at-home solution costs $1,895 as a one-time payment or $2,290 in monthly installments of $85. (Note: At our office, you'll receive direct care from Dr. Sharma for $77 per month. After completing treatment, a $99 retainer is required. Sometimes, spending a little extra for a doctor's touch is worth it.)

Time-saver: Enjoy the convenience of treating yourself at home. Get your smile scanned at a local branch or order an at-home impressions kit from Smile Direct Club. 

Effortless Beginnings: A remote orthodontist uses your smile scans to create a custom treatment plan. Your aligners arrive by mail without ever meeting your orthodontist.

Drawbacks of Choosing Smile Direct Club

Elevated Failure Rates: Despite the lower cost, high failure rates may lead to increased expenses in the long run.

One-size-fits-all Approach: Smile Direct might not be suitable for everyone, and some patients may need additional, costly treatment. A qualified Invisalign dentist can guide you to the best option for your dental health, saving you time and money.

Subpar Support: Numerous Smile Direct Club customers report unimpressive customer service, with phone calls leading to automated responses and a maze of options. Dr. Sharma and her team are always there for you.

No Buttons: Smile Direct doesn't use buttons, a crucial element of the Invisalign treatment process that ensures reliability. Buttons are temporary attachments that secure the aligners to your teeth.

Paying for Multiple Impressions: Since even professional dentists may not perfect impressions on the first attempt, it's no surprise that many Smile Direct Club customers face rejected impressions. If your initial impressions fail, you'll be charged 50% of the original cost for a new kit. Conversely, Dr. Sharma and her team do quick and accurate scans that avoids the gag reflex and messy re-impressions.

Exploring Payment Options

Additional Pitfalls of Smile Direct Club

The Better Business Bureau has logged over 2,000 nationwide complaints about Smile Direct Club, mainly concerning customer service issues like faulty aligners, delivery delays, and payment snags. However, some complaints detail concerns about treatment results, including damaged teeth and nerve complications.


For a safe and effective teeth straightening treatment, it's vital to consult a professional in person.

Advantages of Collaborating with Dr. Sharma

Working with a professional dentist like Dr. Sharma offers the advantage of expert guidance during your treatment. If something isn't going as planned, she can adjust your treatment accordingly.


While Smile Direct Club provides some support, there's no substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a dentist. Dentists undergo years of training, equipping them with unparalleled insight into bite correction.


In summary, when it comes to straightening your teeth with clear aligners, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of Smile Direct Club against the benefits of working with a dental professional like Dr. Sharma. While Smile Direct Club may appear cost-effective and convenient, the potential for high failure rates and one-size-fits-all treatment plans may lead to unsatisfactory results. On the other hand, partnering with a trusted dentist for your Invisalign treatment ensures personalized care, expert guidance, and a higher likelihood of success in achieving a beautiful, confident smile.

Curious about Invisalign? Discover more about Georgetown Family Dentistry's Best Invisalign offer.

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