When clear aligners emerged in the late 90s, they were a revelation, giving adults a way to straighten their smiles without any wires and brackets. And while they were innovative from the start, providers have never stopped blazing new trails, developing more affordable and convenient treatment models.
Two names that might have grabbed your attention are SureSmile and SmileDirectClub — a pair of the largest and most established providers. While they might seem similar, their products and methods are actually fairly different. So, which one is the right choice for your smile? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
Company Overviews
SureSmile might not be a household name, but it is actually one of Invisalign’s biggest in-office competitors. Some people assume that being lesser known means it’s a lesser treatment, but that’s not true here. In fact, SureSmile can treat all classes of malocclusions and rivals Invisalign in every category.
The company got its start in 1998 making a more responsive archwire for lingual braces, then began producing clear aligners in 2007. Over the years, they’ve fine-tuned their planning software, materials, and aligner design. The result? A system that’s considered effective and reliable, yet still comes in at a lower price point than most of its in-office competitors.
SmileDirectClub was one of the first in a wave of clear aligner providers who let you complete your entire treatment from home. They started in 2014 and grew rapidly as adults sought more convenient, affordable Invisalign alternatives. While they are no longer the only name in the game, SmileDirectClub is still the at-home aligner giant, and so far, they’ve transformed over two million smiles.
Our Review Methodology
Smile Prep’s reviews are prepared and presented from the perspective of a well-informed consumer. Our starting point for all of our reviews is a careful survey of a company’s marketing claims and available third party customer reviews. We rely on the accuracy of company claims and do not independently verify them. Our reviews use this information to help our readers get information about the available options in a centralized location. You can learn more about our review process by checking out our publishing principles.
At-Home vs. In-Office Treatment: The Pros and Cons
SureSmile and SmileDirectClub both offer clear aligner sets that slowly and surely move your teeth into new positions. However, their procedures are extremely different. A dentist must administer SureSmile’s entire treatment in person, while SmileDirectClub allows you to do everything remotely.
Which is better for you depends on your unique situation. Here are the overarching advantages and drawbacks of in-office and at-home aligners.
Pros of In-Office Treatment:
- In-office aligners can incorporate attachments, such as engagers, buttons, and elastics. These little extras allow dentists and orthodontists to make bigger tooth shifts and even alter your jaw alignment.
- Regular office visits provide detailed monitoring throughout your treatment. This makes it easy to catch issues before they can derail your progress, and can even let you speed up treatment.
- Working one-on-one with your doctor gives you a treatment tailored to your priorities, and we think it makes it easier to resolve questions and concerns.
Cons of In-Office Treatment:
- Every office visit comes with a price — your doctor’s time isn’t free, after all! Most dentists and providers will request that you make appointments every few weeks, and those expenses add up.
- Office visits require a lot of time as well. This often means using your free time or taking time off work.
Pros of At-Home Treatment:
- While their price points vary, at-home aligners are almost always cheaper than in-office options. You might save thousands of dollars by going with at-home aligners.
- Since they don’t require office visits, you don’t need to rearrange your schedule to use at-home clear aligners.
- Some at-home aligners offer nighttime-only treatment plans that only require 10+ hours of daily wear.
Cons of At-Home Treatment:
- They can only address mild-to-moderate cases of crowding or spacing, typically in the front six teeth. A few companies have a slightly larger scope of treatment, but jaw misalignments nearly always require in-office treatment.
- While many companies work hard to offer personalized and responsive customer service, it tends to fall short of what you’ll get with in-person treatment.
Whether you go with in-office or at-home treatment, we think you’re likely to receive quality care. The best choice for you depends on your alignment concerns, comfort, and budget. SureSmile and SmileDirectClub have both transformed millions of smiles, but to make a well-informed decision, you’ll need to understand where each excels.
Scope of Treatment Comparison
At a glance, in-office and at-home aligners might seem more or less the same. They both use plastic trays to move the teeth, but one treatment requires office visits and the other doesn’t. Yet that lack of office visits translates into multiple major differences between the two, starting with treatment scope. While no aligner system can address every orthodontic problem, SureSmile can address more than SmileDirectClub.
SureSmile Treatment Scope
SmileDirectClub Treatment Scope
- Treats all classes of malocclusions, including many skeletal components.
- Can move all the teeth, including the molars.
- Typically requires office visits every 4–10 weeks.
- Primarily for mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing.
- SmileDirectClub says their aligners can move all teeth.
- Requires “virtual check-ins” every 90 days throughout treatment.
What SureSmile and SmileDirectClub Treat
SureSmile is made by Dentsply Sirona, one of the largest dental equipment and supplies manufacturing companies in the world. According to Dentsply, SureSmile can treat class I, II, and III malocclusions. Among the issues they treat are:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
The SmileDirectClub website states that their aligners “are designed for minor to moderate crowding, spacing, and general alignment concerns.” They go on to say their aligners address the following:
- Mild-to-moderate crowding
- Mild-to-moderate spacing
- Mild-to-moderate overbite or overjet
- Limited underbite
- Localized crossbite
Like most in-office aligner systems, SureSmile can move all the teeth, including the molars. It isn’t good at raising and lowering teeth or moving ones that are overly small or pointed — but that’s common for clear aligners.
Remote aligners typically focus on the frontmost 6–8 teeth in either arch, but SmileDirectClub says they are not limited to the social six. If they accept a case, that means they feel their aligners can move any teeth it requires.
Something to keep in mind: We couldn’t find info on how often they approve cases that require — or would benefit from — molar movement, and we also don’t have data on how SmileDirectClub’s range of molar movement compares to in-office options.
What SureSmile and SmileDirectClub Customers Say
SureSmile has a handful of patient testimonials on their website. We’d suggest using YouTube to locate some independent ones, though. That’s not to say that the reviews you find won’t be positive. We found many individuals on YouTube supporting SureSmile’s claims regarding its scope of treatment, including people with complex cases who felt satisfied with their results.
As for SmileDirectClub, quite a few customers have shared their reviews with us. On the whole, they reflect the company’s claims regarding treatment scope. Most clients were looking to correct crowding, spacing, and overbite issues — and these customers often awarded four- or five-star ratings. Not as many reported using the system for things like crossbite, midline shift, underbite, overjet, or snaggletooth, and their reviews were generally positive, but not with the same consistency as simpler cases.
Clinical Oversight
SureSmile’s clinical oversight comes in the form of in-person visits. Depending on your case and your dentist’s preferences, they’ll typically schedule appointments every 4–10 weeks. During these office visits, they can apply or alter attachments, which help SureSmile’s aligners treat a wider range of misalignments.
SmileDirectClub’s oversight is via their mobile app, where customers are required to upload photos every 90 days. Their team then evaluates these photos to determine if you need adjustments. If you want more direct oversight, SmileDirectClub has an option called CarePlus. This hybrid model blends in-person care with remote monitoring, so a local dentist will be part of your treatment.
Quality of Materials
Clear aligners are only as good as the materials they’re made from. SureSmile uses Essix ACE. This dental plastic is widely trusted, and clinical studies have found it to be safe and effective.
SmileDirectClub produces most of its aligners in-house, but doesn’t disclose the specifics of their plastics. They just state that they use Comfort Sense technology — a steady progression from thinner, more flexible aligners to thicker, stiffer ones, allowing you to comfortably adjust over time.
Affordability Comparison
Having a straight smile can improve your health and confidence, but these boosts shouldn’t come at the expense of your financial wellbeing. Orthodontic treatments have always been expensive, but at-home aligners like SmileDirectClub are typically a lot more affordable than in-office ones like SureSmile.
SureSmile Affordability
SmileDirectClub Affordability
- The cost varies but most people will pay between $2,000 and $6,000.
- The Complete plan includes whitening and an aligner seating tool.
- Financing varies based on your doctor’s terms.
- Has a $2,250 sticker price ($3,900 for CarePlus).
- Charges $125 for retainers after treatment.
- Also charges $59 for an impression kit (unless you visit a SmileShop).
- Financing requires a down payment but no credit check, so everyone is approved.
Sticker Price
In-office treatments rarely have a set sticker price, and SureSmile is no exception. While the company itself charges providers certain fees, your provider might tack on extra charges related to the equipment they use and your office visits. Your cost will also depend on whether your dentist chooses the Complete or Select plan.
The Complete plan charges one price for all the aligners you need over three years — no matter how many that might be. The Select plan charges per aligner, making it potentially less expensive. In general, Complete is a good value for complex cases, while Select is best if you need smaller shifts. The average cost of SureSmile treatment is $4,000. However, not every provider offers both options, and they’ll typically decide which one is best for your case.
SmileDirectClub, like most at-home clear aligner companies, has a set price: $2,250, no matter how many aligners you need. Yet unlike most of their competitors, they don’t charge more for their nighttime-only system. Just keep in mind that you will also need to pay $59 for the impression kit (unless you visit a SmileShop) and $125 for each set of aftercare retainers. If you choose CarePlus, you’ll pay $3,900, but you’ll also receive two years worth of retainers.
What About Insurance?
If you have a dental policy that includes orthodontic benefits, it should cover at least part of your SureSmile treatment — assuming your doctor is in-network. To find out, bring your insurance card with you to your initial consultation.
SmileDirectClub isn’t covered nearly as often, but they have partnerships with several insurance providers who can pay them directly. Even if they don’t partner with your provider, it might still be possible to purchase your treatment and then apply for reimbursement from your insurance company.
If you have an HSA or FSA account, check the terms, because your administrator might allow you to apply those funds to your aligner treatment.
Financing Options
The cost of either treatment is cheaper than Invisalign and most braces. However, it still might be more than you can pay all at once. If you choose SureSmile, you’ll need to talk to your dentist about their payment plans or work with a third-party financier. Many offices provide interest-free options, but some don’t offer any financing at all. If financing is important to you, consult your dentist about it before making a purchase.
SmileDirectClub offers financing directly to their customers. Called SmilePay, their plan doesn’t require a credit check, just a down payment of $250. Then, you pay $89 per month for 28 months. CarePlus requires a $500 down payment, then 28 monthly payments of $115 instead.
Convenience Comparison
Your daily life is a juggling act of work, family, friends, chores, and hopefully a little self-care. When you get a rare window of free time, you might not want to fill it with a trip to the dentist. In our opinion, SmileDirectClub’s completely remote treatment, flexible wear schedules, and multiple startup options make it more convenient than SureSmile.
SureSmile Convenience
SmileDirectClub Convenience
- You select a provider and they handle the entire start-up process.
- Most people need to visit their doctor around once every three months.
- Treatment typically takes about 6–18 months.
- There is no special nighttime-only system, though it is possible a doctor might provide an adjusted wear schedule.
- You can order an impression kit online, visit a SmileShop location for a free 3D scan, or schedule a consultation with one of their partnering dentists.
- You’ll complete the entire treatment at home — no office visits required.
- They claim the average treatment plan length is 4–6 months.
- Offers a nighttime-only option that only requires ten hours of daily wear.
Getting Started
Overall, we think in-office treatments are less convenient than at-home ones. However, some customers say getting started in a dentist’s office is easier than using an impression kit at home. With SureSmile, you’ll find a provider, book an appointment, and let your dentist take it from there. It might take some time, but they’ll take all the diagnostics necessary for designing a treatment plan.
SmileDirectClub recognized that impression kits can be difficult, so they came up with a couple of solutions. You can certainly order their kit for $59 if you’d like, but we’d suggest watching some tutorials online before attempting to use it. If you’d rather not make molds of your teeth at home, you can get a free teeth scan at one of their 100+ SmileShops. They also have a network of more than 1,000 partnering dentists across the US who can provide dental scans — although you might need to pay.
The Office Visit Trade-Off
Choose SureSmile and you’ll make office visits around once every three months — or more frequently if your dentist requires it. These visits might load up your schedule, but they give you regular in-person oversight to ensure that treatment stays on track. Plus, they allow for the use of attachments, which help facilitate larger teeth and jaw shifts.
Still, during treatment, you’ll have numerous visits that each last about an hour, plus travel time. SmileDirectClub might not be capable of complex tooth shifts, but they let you align your smile without a single doctor’s appointment.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
In-office aligners usually take longer than at-home options, mostly because they treat complex cases that take longer to resolve. SureSmile treatment usually takes 6–18 months, which is often about 40% less time than braces require. However, SureSmile offers a device called the VPro, and studies have suggested that high-frequency vibration devices like this might encourage faster dental shifts. Of course, results vary depending on the patient.
SmileDirectClub claims their all-day plans usually last 4–6 months and their nighttime-only plans typically take 8–10.
What About Nighttime-Only Treatment?
We think clear aligner therapy is inherently more convenient than braces. You don’t need to adjust your diet, relearn how to brush and floss, or get awkward adjustments from your doctor. But aligners come with certain hassles too — mainly you have to remove them to eat or drink anything besides plain water, then clean them and brush your teeth before putting them back in. If you love snacking or have a serious coffee habit, this can take up a lot of time during your day.
SureSmile’s aligners are meant for all-day wear. Some doctors might provide an adjusted wear schedule if it works for your smile, but most will require you to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours per day. SmileDirectClub has a nighttime-only system that you’ll wear for ten consecutive hours a day — typically overnight.
Appearance Comparison
The biggest draw of clear aligners is their near invisibility. Many adults just don’t like how braces look, and aligners offer similar results without a single bracket or wire. Still, not all clear aligners look the same, and different people will have different opinions about which look best. SureSmile and SmileDirectClub both make discreet aligners, but there are some subtle differences that might push you toward one over the other.
SureSmile Appearance
SmileDirectClub Appearance
- Uses textured, shiny plastic.
- Might use a scalloped or straight aligner cut, depending on the plan.
- Can incorporate attachments.
- Uses a frosted, textured plastic.
- Cuts their aligners straight across the top so they slightly overlap the gums.
- Cannot incorporate attachments.
Aligner Material
SureSmile’s plastic is shiny, but also textured. In our opinion, the shine can look slightly artificial, since your teeth surfaces are matte, though many people love the look of a gleaming smile. However, the texture mimics the pores in your enamel, which can help disguise your aligners.
SmileDirectClub uses a matte, textured plastic that we think more closely matches the look of your natural teeth. However, if you want your teeth to look smooth and shiny, you might not appreciate this.
Aligner Cut
One spot where clear aligners often announce their presence is at your gum line — especially when you smile wide. Scalloped aligners perfectly match your gum line, while straight-cut aligners have a visible overlap. SureSmile lets your doctor choose the cut that best meets your needs, so you could end up with either.
SmileDirectClub’s standard aligners overlap the gums rather than following the gum line, so they might be a touch more noticeable. For their CarePlus aligners, however, they advertise a scalloped cut.
Supplemental Attachments
Supplemental attachments help induce more complex and precise dental shifts. However, they can also draw attention to your aligners. When necessary, your dentist can incorporate elastics, buttons, spacers, or engagers in your SureSmile treatment. While they’ll likely use tooth-colored or clear options, these attachments are still noticeable. SmileDirectClub cannot use attachments, so they’ll maintain their low profile.
Patient Experience Comparison
Right now, you probably feel like an expert on SureSmile and SmileDirectClub. But while we’ve covered most of the essential info, we still haven’t addressed all the little details that make up the patient experience.
Oversight, communication, and guarantees might not be attention-grabbing, but they can be the difference between a satisfying or disappointing smile journey. SmileDirectClub appears to have taken measures to provide reliable support, but in our opinion, they can’t match the personalization of in-person care from a dentist.
SureSmile Patient Experience
SmileDirectClub Patient Experience
- You’ll usually contact your dentist by phone, although some offices have other communication channels.
- You enjoy in-person oversight around every 4–10 weeks.
- Refinements vary based on your plan, and refunds are between you and your doctor.
- Guarantees vary by doctor.
- Customer service is available via phone, email, webchat, and mobile app.
- Requires virtual check-ins throughout treatment.
- Will work to modify your plan if you’re not satisfied, plus offers a full refund within 30 days of starting treatment.
- Their Lifetime Smile Guarantee ensures your smile forever.
Communication Channels
Many people today aren’t fans of phone calls. The problem? You can only reach most doctors over the phone, and sometimes by email. While you might be able to contact your dentist about your SureSmile treatment via text or webchat, you shouldn’t count on it.
SmileDirectClub gives you more options. Their team is available seven days a week by phone, email, web chat, and through their mobile app. So if you are phone-phobic, SmileDirectClub has your back.
Oversight
No treatment is perfect 100% of the time, so there’s always a small chance something can go wrong. Sometimes our teeth just don’t respond as expected, and some people have trouble wearing their aligners consistently. Regular oversight allows a dentist or team to catch these problems early, so they are easier to correct.
SureSmile usually requires in-person check-ins every 4–10 weeks on average. SmileDirectClub requires you to submit photos of your teeth every 90 days. This is less time-consuming than frequent in-person visits, but we think it’s much less comprehensive. Plus, if your treatment only lasts four months, you’ll only have one check-in.
Choose the CarePlus treatment and SmileDirectClub says you’ll have video check-ins with a hygienist or dental assistant every six weeks. Plus, you’ll have the option of scheduling extra in-person appointments with your partner dentist.
Refund & Warranty Policies
It’s rare for anyone to reach the end of treatment and be dissatisfied with their results, but occasionally, it happens. What recourse do you have if you are part of the rare few whose aligner treatment fails to meet expectations?
If you’re on SureSmile’s Complete plan, you get as many aligners as you need for three years, so your dentist can provide a refinement at no extra cost. If you have the Select plan, you’ll need to pay for more aligners, but how much depends on your dentist.
SmileDirectClub offers full refunds within the first 30 days. Beyond that, you’ll need to contact the company for other options. If you’ve worn your aligners or retainers as directed and completed your virtual check-ins, they will often issue a refinement at no charge as part of their Lifetime Smile Guarantee.
Which Should You Choose?
We think SureSmile and SmileDirectClub are two excellent companies that deliver high-quality aligner treatment. However, each one has unique strengths and excels at treating different cases, so choose your treatment based on your specific needs and goals.
Who Should Consider SureSmile?
Anyone who is set on in-person treatment or has a significant correction to make, but doesn’t want to pay Invisalign prices.
Who Should Consider SmileDirectClub?
People who need a convenient smile-straightening method, want to save money, and are ready to embrace remote treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with SureSmile or SmileDirectClub?
For SureSmile, you need to contact a local provider by using their Find a Provider tool, or searching on Google. SureSmile also makes braces, so confirm that your dentist offers the aligners when you call. For SmileDirectClub, go to their website and order their impression kit, complete it, and send it back in. Or, you can visit one of their SmileShops or dentist partners for a teeth scan.
How much do SureSmile and SmileDirectClub cost?
SureSmile doesn’t have a set price, but will typically fall into the $2,000–$6,000 range. SmileDirectClub costs $2,250 and gives you the option of all-day or nighttime treatment.
What are SureSmile and SmileDirectClub customers saying?
In both cases, reviews lean positive, especially for SureSmile. SmileDirectClub has received some complaints regarding their customer service in the past, but their reviews have improved in recent years as they’ve taken measures to provide more reliable, personalized support.
How long do SureSmile and SmileDirectClub take?
SureSmile usually takes 6–18 months while SmileDirectClub claims their average timeline is 4–6 months. Just remember that this difference is because SmileDirectClub typically takes on milder cases than SureSmile.
Can I wear my aligners only at night?
SmileDirectClub offers a nighttime-only plan, but SureSmile does not.
Which conditions can SureSmile and SmileDirectClub treat?
SmileDirectClub can correct mild-to-moderate misalignments, like crowding, spacing, and limited bite issues. SureSmille can address all classes of malocclusions.
What is the cheapest clear aligner company?
AlignerCo is the cheapest company we’ve reviewed. They cost $995 for all-day aligners or $1,145 for nighttime-only treatment.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
Sometimes. Not all dental policies include orthodontic benefits. If yours does, it should cover at least part of your in-office aligner treatment. However, providers are less likely to cover at-home aligners like SmileDirectClub. Talk to your insurance provider to get the specifics.
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