Historically, teeth straightening treatment has been a one-track process: either braces or nothing. But the rise of clear aligners has completely changed the game, giving customers multiple options to transform their smiles.
ClearCorrect is one of the industry’s pioneers. They presented the first major competition to Invisalign and have maintained a strong market position. SmileDirectClub is part of a new crop of at-home clear aligner companies aimed at streamlining the teeth-straightening process.
On the surface, these companies look comparable, but they’re actually quite different. And each one excels in different situations.
Table of Contents
Company Overviews
One of the first clear aligner companies to hit the market, ClearCorrect was more or less a product of necessity. In 2006, Dr. Willis Pumphrey had nearly 400 patients that needed to complete their aligner treatment, but no manufacturer. So, he started making them himself. Over a decade later, ClearCorrect is one of the nation’s largest clear aligner producers and partners with tens of thousands of dentists around the globe.
Compared to ClearCorrect’s long history, at-home aligner systems are fairly young. But SmileDirectClub is the oldest and most experienced among them. They started selling aligners in 2014 and grew rapidly as customers took note of home aligners’ superior convenience. SmileDirectClub’s immediate popularity inspired the rise of several competitors.
However, despite the competition, SmileDirectClub has maintained its majority hold in the home aligner space, having treated over 2 million patients to date. In just a few years, they’ve joined ClearCorrect as one of Invisalign’s most prominent competitors.
Scope of Treatment Comparison
On the surface, in-office and remote aligners may seem similar because they both use clear plastic trays to move the teeth. In truth, they have plenty of differences, and the biggest is their scope of treatment. Before you start looking at which is best for your budget or timeline, you need to know if ClearCorrect or SmileDirectClub can treat your specific condition.
ClearCorrect
SmileDirectClub
- 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 the teeth.
- Requires virtual check-ins every 90 days throughout treatment.
What ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub Treat
ClearCorrect has six different treatment plans, and according to their website, each has a different scope of treatment. They state the Flex, Mini, and One plans are all for mild or aesthetic corrections, Two is for moderate cases, Three for moderate-to-severe ones, and Unlimited for the most severe cases within their treatment scope.
Among the types of misalignments ClearCorrect can treat are:
- Crowding
- Gaps
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Snaggletooth
- Midline misalignment
SmileDirectClub states that their aligners are “designed for minor to moderate crowding, spacing, and general alignment concerns.” They note that their aligners can treat the following conditions:
- Mild-to-moderate crowding
- Mild-to-moderate spacing
- Mild-to-moderate overbite or overjet
- Limited underbite
- Localized crossbite
ClearCorrect, like most in-office aligner systems, can move all the teeth — with certain limitations. It needs to grip a tooth to move it, so small or overly pointed teeth might cause the aligners trouble. Remote aligners, in contrast, tend to not move the molars, although SmileDirectClub claims this doesn’t apply to them. If they accept a case, they feel their aligners can move any teeth necessary.
Just know that 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 ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub Customers Say
ClearCorrect has a case gallery where you can see some of their results, use before-and-after sliders, and check out featured patient success stories showing both simple and complex cases. However, we suggest you also look for unsponsored reviews on YouTube. While these often line up with the claims the company makes regarding scope of treatment, it’s a good idea to check out independent testimonials too.
Customers have sent us SmileDirectClub reviews, and they reflect the company’s claims regarding treatment scope. Most reviewers addressed crowding, spacing, and overbite issues — and these customers gave positive reviews at a high rate. A few reported using the system for crossbite, midline shift, underbite, overjet, or snaggletooth, and their reviews were generally positive, but not as consistently positive as reviewers with simpler cases.
Clinical Oversight
Direct oversight is the foundation of in-office aligner therapy. ClearCorrect providers typically have patients visit the office every 4–10 weeks. As a general rule, complex cases require more frequent visits while simpler cases need less monitoring. During these visits, your dentist or orthodontist will check your progress and make alterations if needed.
SmileDirectClub has no in-person visits as part of their standard care. However, they do require customers to upload photos of their teeth to their mobile app every 90 days. Their team will review these photos and make changes to your plan if necessary. If you would prefer to have a local dentist involved, SmileDirectClub also has a hybrid option called CarePlus.
Quality of Materials
ClearCorrect uses a premium tri-layer plastic called ClearQuartz to make their aligners. They claim that, when compared to some other orthodontic plastics, it offers better durability, power, and comfort. SmileDirectClub doesn’t disclose much about their plastic — just that it uses their Comfort Sense technology. This means the initial aligners are thinner and more flexible, then progress to thicker, stiffer plastic, easing you into treatment.
Affordability Comparison
Cost has always been an obstacle for adults seeking orthodontic treatment. Even the most cost-effective options aren’t cheap, and they’re not something you can purchase on a whim, so you might be carefully planning your finances to pay for treatment. And you’ll want to make sure you choose a treatment provider that won’t put you in a bad financial situation. By taking office visits out of the equation, at-home aligner companies can significantly cut costs, making SmileDirectClub cheaper than ClearCorrect in many cases.
ClearCorrect
SmileDirectClub
- No set sticker price; the average cost is $2,000–$6,000, depending on your plan.
- Financing varies depending on the dentist and may require a credit check or down payment.
- Your dentist’s office can receive payments directly from insurance companies, so your insurer can pay them directly.
- $2,250 sticker price ($3,900 for CarePlus).
- Financing requires a down payment but no credit check (everyone is approved!).
- SmileDirectClub will work directly with your insurance company, although some plans might require you to pay the full cost up front, then file for reimbursement.
Sticker Price
Check out any home aligner company’s homepage, and you’ll likely find their sticker price front and center. This is because home aligner companies usually offer attractive pricing, especially when compared to in-office brands. SmileDirectClub, for example, charges $2,250 upfront, $59 for the impression kit, and $125 for each set of aftercare retainers. If you go with their CarePlus option, you’ll pay $3,900 instead.
ClearCorrect doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all price because their costs depend on your specific dentist and the severity of your condition. That said, a full course of ClearCorrect treatment usually costs $3,000–$6,000. However, for minor cases of crowding and spacing, they also offer a few cheaper, less comprehensive plans: the Mini plan gives you 12 aligners, One gives you up to 24, Two provides up to 48, and Three includes up to 72. Plus, they have a more flexible alternative appropriately named “Flex.” This plan allows you to pay per aligner, so if you only need 15 aligners, you won’t pay for anything extra.
What About Insurance?
Sometimes, insurance companies consider orthodontic treatment cosmetic and refuse coverage, especially for minor cases that are often corrected with home aligners. But don’t worry — both ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub note that their customers sometimes receive partial coverage, making costs more manageable. However, you’ll need to contact your insurer to determine if you have coverage for orthodontic treatments. They’re often more likely to cover in-office treatments than at-home ones.
Dental offices that offer ClearCorrect can receive payments directly from insurance companies. SmileDirectClub partners with Aetna, MetLife, Anthem, Empire, United Healthcare, and others, and they’ll work directly with your insurance provider. In some cases, however, your provider might require you to pay for your treatment first, then file for reimbursement.
Financing Options
Most people are probably not prepared to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for treatment. The good news is that you don’t have to. SmileDirectClub provides financing and payment plans for every customer through SmilePay, which doesn’t even require a credit check. You’ll just owe a $250 down payment, then it’s $89 per month for 28 months.
Your dentist may offer an in-house financing or payment plan for ClearCorrect — or at least have advice for how to find one. These plans allow you to stretch out the cost of treatment over time. However, they typically require a down payment and a credit check, so if your credit is an issue, you may not be approved.
Convenience Comparison
Increasingly busy schedules and lengthy to-do lists might have you feeling like you simply don’t have time for teeth straightening treatment. After all, it requires dedication and commitment over the course of several months.
Fortunately, both at-home and in-office aligners have taken strides toward making their treatments more efficient and convenient. At-home aligner systems, with their elimination of office visits, are the significantly more convenient option. And we think SmileDirectClub has put itself even further ahead of the pack by offering multiple startup options and flexible wear schedules.
ClearCorrect
SmileDirectClub
- An in-person consultation with a dentist is required to get started, including photos and scans.
- Requires office visits every few weeks to monitor progress and receive new aligner sets.
- Average treatment time is 12–18 months, but the Mini, One, Two, Three, and Flex plans could last just a few months.
- Does not have a nighttime-only option, only the all-day, 22+ hour schedule.
- Gives you the option of either ordering an impression kit online or visiting a SmileShop location for a free 3D scan.
- Advertises an average treatment plan length of 4–6 months.
- You’ll complete treatment entirely at home — no office visits required.
- Offers a nighttime-only option that only requires ten hours of aligner wear per day.
Getting Started
Sometimes the most difficult step is the first one, going from dipping your toe to jumping in completely. We think SmileDirectClub has made it quick and easy to get started by streamlining the startup process. Most home aligner companies require you to make and submit molds of your teeth using an impression kit, but this can be difficult. As an alternative, SmileDirectClub has established 100+ SmileShops, where customers can receive free teeth scans that SmileDirectClub’s dentists will use to create their treatment plan.
If you’d rather start your journey in a dentist’s office, the SmileDirectClub Partner Network includes more than 1,000 dentists nationwide, where you can begin your treatment with an in-office consultation and teeth scan. Note that this dentist will only take your scans and submit them to SmileDirectClub — they won’t be involved in the full process.
Getting started with ClearCorrect isn’t typically difficult either. You simply schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist to discuss your options. They can take impressions and photos of your teeth right there in the office, then begin crafting your treatment plan. It’s as simple as visiting a SmileShop, but there might be a cost involved, depending on your dentist.
At-Home vs. In-Office Application
During your ClearCorrect treatment, you’ll need to schedule regular office visits so that your dentist can monitor your progress and make adjustments when necessary. This means that you’ll be spending some of your precious free time (or taking time off work) to schedule and attend these appointments. When your planner is already packed, that’s not an easy or exciting task, if you ask us.
We think SmileDirectClub is more convenient solely because they eliminate these regular office visits. After you’ve been approved for treatment, they will ship your aligners directly to your doorstep. Then, you’ll submit photos of your teeth every 90 days so their dental team can monitor your progress, but you won’t need to make any other in-person visits.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
If you can’t bear the thought of showing up to a wedding, graduation, or another special occasion before finishing treatment, you’ll want to consider the length of each treatment. No matter which company you choose, your treatment duration will depend on the severity of your condition. More severe cases simply take longer to correct.
But in general, SmileDirectClub has a shorter treatment time than ClearCorrect. Why? Because SmileDirectClub usually treats milder cases that don’t require drastic or complex movements. If you’re looking for averages, SmileDirectClub claims their average treatment plan is around 4–6 months long, while ClearCorrect often takes twelve or more. Your treatment might last longer or shorter than these average times, depending on your condition — but in general, this is what you can expect.
What About Nighttime-Only Treatment?
Typically, you must wear your aligners for 22+ hours per day. However, SmileDirectClub has introduced Nighttime Aligners, which only require you to wear them ten hours per day (overnight) instead.
These are the same exact aligners that you would receive for regular, all-day treatment. You just follow a different schedule, wearing each set ten hours per day for two weeks instead of one. While this flexible schedule makes treatment more convenient, it also extends your overall timeline to 8–10 months, according to SmileDirectClub. Plus, not wearing your aligners for an extended period of time each day could allow your teeth to shift back slightly.
ClearCorrect doesn’t offer a comparable nighttime-only option. They maintain that, for best results, you should wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Appearance Comparison
Looks aren’t everything, but they can play a big part in choosing a clear aligner company. Initially, the whole point of clear aligners was to provide quality teeth straightening treatment while avoiding metal wires and brackets. Today, aligner companies are constantly looking for ways to make their products look better.
Most home aligner companies’ websites will explain how their products are better looking or less visible than the competitors, yet this is somewhat subjective. It’s about choosing the look that you like best. But to make this decision, you’ll need to know the differences between each aligner’s appearance.
ClearCorrect
SmileDirectClub
- Uses a slightly opaque plastic.
- Cuts their aligners straight across to make them more powerful, but they may be more visible.
- Supplemental attachments like Engagers can make aligners more visible.
- Uses a frosted, textured plastic.
- Aligners overlap the gums to make them more powerful, but they may be more visible.
- Attachments are not compatible, so aligners stay clear and less noticeable.
Aligner Material
Some aligner companies produce smooth, translucent aligners and others make frosted, textured ones. You might think that the translucent aligners are less visible, but in our opinion, that’s actually not the case.
Because your teeth are porous, they have a naturally matte appearance. Frosted, textured aligners are designed to mimic this appearance; so we think they blend in better than smooth clear aligners which can be reflective and look artificially shiny. Both SmileDirectClub and ClearCorrect produce frosted aligners, so we think either one will look natural on your teeth.
But, this is just one opinion. Some customers prefer smooth, translucent plastic because they like the “gleam” it gives their teeth.
Aligner Cut
Similarly, companies use two primary methods for trimming their aligners: straight across the top and along the gum line. Both ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub’s standard aligners slightly overlap the gums. SmileDirectClub’s CarePlus aligners, however, have a scalloped edge that matches the gum line. A straight cut may help improve the aligners’ force transfer. But we think it can also make them more visible than aligners that are scalloped to match the gum line.
Additional Dental Attachments
ClearCorrect can treat a wide variety of conditions, even severe bite issues, but this could come at a cost. To treat more significant tooth and jaw misalignments, your dentist may employ additional orthodontics like elastics, expanders, or Engagers. Each of these could make your aligners more visible since they’re adding to the amount of hardware on your teeth.
Supplemental attachments aren’t available with SmileDirectClub’s treatment, so this added visibility isn’t a concern.
Patient Experience Comparison
Clear aligner treatment can be a long process, and you might have some questions and concerns along the way. You want a company with responsive customer service, reliable oversight, and (most of all) results. You might see mixed reviews about the SmileDirectClub patient experience, but on the whole, customers are often satisfied. That said, we think ClearCorrect’s in-person customer service and oversight can provide a much higher level of customer care and quality assurance.
ClearCorrect
SmileDirectClub
- Your dentist’s office functions as your primary customer support contact.
- You have the option of speaking with your dentist in-person.
- Office visits allow your dentist to monitor your progress in person.
- Refinements don’t typically cost extra with ClearCorrect’s full treatment. Refunds depend on the office.
- Customer service is available via phone, email, webchat, and mobile app.
- Received some negative reviews in the past, but seems to be turning it around.
- No direct dentist or orthodontist oversight during treatment.
- Will work to modify your plan if you’re not satisfied, plus offer a full refund within 30 days of starting treatment and prorated refunds after that.
- Their Lifetime Smile Guarantee ensures your smile forever.
Customer Service
SmileDirectClub says their customer service is available 24/7 via phone, email, and webchat. They also have an app that lets you upload photos of your teeth, track your progress, and chat with customer support. During ClearCorrect treatment, your dentist or orthodontist’s office functions as your primary customer support contact, which means you can take your questions directly to someone who knows and understands your case.
We dug into numerous online reviews to assess SmileDirectClub’s general customer satisfaction, and we discovered that they’ve accumulated some complaints over the years. Customers often report delays in communication and complaint resolutions. It appears that, around 2017, SmileDirectClub’s rapid expansion caused it to outgrow its customer service. More recently, they’ve been implementing initiatives designed to improve customer support, and their recent reviews have been more positive.
ClearCorrect customers can take their questions and concerns to their dentist instead of a remote customer service team. If you have a clinical question for SmileDirectClub, you’ll have to wait for their representatives to pass it along to the dental team. But with ClearCorrect, you can speak with your dentist’s office directly and even schedule additional office visits. We think this type of customer care is typically much more streamlined and personalized.
Oversight
While administering your SmileDirectClub treatment from home, you’ll be required to submit photos of your teeth every 90 days so their team can evaluate your progress. If you choose their CarePlus option, you’ll have some in-person care, plus additional remote oversight. But we don’t think these remote check-ins are as intensive as ClearCorrect’s fully in-person care.
During your ClearCorrect treatment, you’ll make an office visit around every 4–10 weeks where your dentist will monitor your progress and address any issues. It’s less convenient, but if you have a specific concern, they can check it out on the spot and provide a solution. Because your dentist is with you every step of the way, we think you can be confident that you’ll achieve the desired results.
Warranty & Refund Policies
Both ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub have strong track records of success, but even if an issue does arise, each company offers ways to get it back on track. SmileDirectClub offers full refunds within the first 30 days if you have a quick change of heart. After that, they’ll provide prorated refunds for unopened and unused aligners, but the amount depends on how many aligners you return.
If your final results don’t match your treatment preview, SmileDirectClub may approve you for refinements, although you’ll need to complete another impression kit to get them. With their Lifetime Smile Guarantee, SmileDirectClub will provide new aligners if your teeth happen to shift at all down the road. To qualify, you must purchase two retainers per year ($125 each) and wear them as prescribed.
ClearCorrect doesn’t have a company-wide refund policy because these processes are handled by individual dentists and orthodontists. ClearCorrect patients don’t often report needing refinements at the end of their treatment (since the dentist can make modifications throughout), but sometimes it happens. If you have ClearCorrect’s Unlimited plan, you won’t have to pay for any additional aligners. But if you’re on one of their other plans, you might.
Which Should You Choose?
Once again, we think both companies offer quality clear aligner treatments. Neither one is clearly or inherently better than the other. Rather, each one has its own strengths and each excels in different circumstances. So, your decision should be based on your unique condition, goals, and expectations.
Who Should Choose SmileDirectClub?
If cost, speed, and convenience are at the top of your priority list, SmileDirectClub might be a good fit for you.
Who Should Choose ClearCorrect?
If you’re dealing with a severe misalignment, or are uncomfortable administering treatment on your own, ClearCorrect might be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with ClearCorrect or SmileDirectClub?
For ClearCorrect, you’ll need to visit your dentist or orthodontist. They’ll assess your teeth and help you determine the best route forward. If you decide on ClearCorrect, they’ll also make impressions or take 3D teeth scans to get the process going. Getting started with SmileDirectClub is slightly different.
Many customers order an impression kit to make molds of their teeth at home. But they also maintain 100+ retail locations called SmileShops where you can get a free teeth scan instead.
How much do ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub cost?
There’s not a set ClearCorrect cost. It can vary depending on your condition, dentist, insurance, and location. But the average treatment costs $2,000–$6,000. SmileDirectClub has just one flat rate: $2,250 for your full aligner treatment. You’ll also need to purchase an impression kit (unless you go to a SmileShop) and aftercare retainers. For a closer look at pricing, read over our guides on the true cost of SmileDirectClub and ClearCorrect.
What are ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub customers saying?
It’s tough to get a consensus on ClearCorrect’s customer satisfaction because each dental office handles treatment and customer service for their patients. But based on the reviews we could find, customers are generally pleased with their results and customer experience. SmileDirectClub customers are typically happy with their treatment and results.
However, the company went through a rough patch a few years ago where they accrued some complaints about their support team. Since then, they appear to have made some changes that have garnered more positive reviews.
How long do ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub take?
Since ClearCorrect usually handles more severe cases, the treatment often takes longer, twelve months on average. SmileDirectClub claims an average treatment plan length of 4–6 months. However, these timelines can be shorter or longer depending on the severity of your condition and how consistently you wear your aligners.
What’s the difference between ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub?
ClearCorrect is an in-office treatment, so you need to schedule regular office visits where your dentist or orthodontist can monitor your progress and provide new aligners.
SmileDirectClub, on the other hand, doesn’t require any office visits. They ship all of your aligners at once and it’s your responsibility to administer them at home. The lack of office visits makes SmileDirectClub cheaper and faster, but it also means that you won’t have regular oversight from a professional.
Can I wear my aligners only at night?
Only if you choose SmileDirectClub. ClearCorrect says that the best way to move teeth is by wearing your aligners for 22+ hours per day. However, SmileDirectClub offers a nighttime-only treatment that only requires ten hours of overnight wear. It takes slightly longer, but if you don’t want to wear your aligners to work, school, etc., it could be a great option. Byte, NewSmile, and AlignerCo also have nighttime-only treatment plans.
What conditions can ClearCorrect and SmileDirectClub treat?
ClearCorrect can treat almost any dental or jaw misalignment because it can incorporate supplemental attachments for more power and intricacy. Because SmileDirectClub doesn’t have the same in-person oversight and available attachments, it’s restricted to treating mild and moderate cases of crowding and spacing.
What clear aligner company has the widest treatment scope?
Invisalign, ClearCorrect, 3M Clarity Aligners, and SureSmile can handle the widest range of conditions. We think Candid is another good in-office option. Their dentist-directed treatment isn’t quite as comprehensive as Invisalign, but it incorporates robust remote monitoring.
What is the cheapest clear aligner company?
AlignerCo. At just $995, their price beats every competitor we’ve reviewed by a few hundred dollars, and sometimes they run promotions that drop it even lower. And if you can’t pay that up front, you can jump on a financing plan, regardless of your credit score.
Check out our complete AlignerCo review for more info, or find other great-value options in our guide to the most affordable home aligners.
What other companies should I consider?
If you like the idea of home aligners, take a look at Byte, NewSmile, and AlignerCo. Byte claims an average treatment plan length of just 4–5 months, NewSmile is an affordable option with consistent remote oversight, and AlignerCo has some of the industry’s lowest prices. But if you prefer in-office treatment, you can’t go wrong with Invisalign, who has the industry’s most cutting-edge technology, strongest brand, and longest track record.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
Sometimes. Most insurance providers don’t cover home aligner treatment, although some might if you have orthodontic benefits. They’re more likely to cover an in-office treatment like ClearCorrect. The only way to find out for sure is to contact your provider and ask.
Are home aligners safe?
At-home clear aligner treatment plans are always designed and/or approved by a licensed dentist or orthodontist — as long as you’re buying from a legitimate clear aligner service.
The main concern regarding the safety of fully-remote clear aligner treatment is the lack of face-to-face care. Since you won’t be seeing a dentist in-person during treatment, you won’t receive the same level of support that you’d get with traditional in-office aligners like Invisalign or ClearCorrect. That said, a recent NIH-funded survey found the majority of at-home aligner customers were satisfied with their results, and only 6.6% experienced side effects necessitating a visit to their local dentist.
Read our guide to safe home teeth straightening treatment for more information.
Do home aligners hurt?
When you switch to a new aligner set every two weeks, you might experience some discomfort for the first day or two, but after that, you’ll hardly notice them.
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