So, you’ve decided it is time to address those tooth alignment issues that have always bothered you. Your next step is selecting a treatment!
With so many options available, and more seeming to hit the market in the UK every year, choosing a clear aligner service isn’t easy. However, one factor that can help you quickly eliminate certain options is cost.
At-home clear aligners are nearly always more affordable than their in-office counterparts, and SmileDirectClub is the biggest name in the mail-order aligner game. This system is affordable, especially when compared to Invisalign. But what is the true cost of using SmileDirectClub? Let’s find out!
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Sticker Price
Like most at-home clear aligners, SmileDirectClub has one flat rate that all customers pay: £1,739. This includes all the aligners you’ll need for treatment, support and check-ins throughout the process, a case for your aligners, Bright On teeth whitening, an “outie” tool to make aligner removal easier, and “chewies” that help you get your aligners into place.
That is a lot that is included in the cost of the treatment kit. However, this doesn’t cover everything you need.
Additional Costs
While your aligner kit is at the heart of your SmileDirectClub treatment, it isn’t all you need. Here are some additional costs that will impact your bottom line.
Impression Kit
In order to determine if you are a good fit for treatment and design your aligners if you are, SmileDirectClub needs to know the exact shapes and positions of your teeth. Their impression kit lets you create accurate molds of your teeth and ship them off to the company for evaluation.
This kit costs £39.00, though it is often at a discount. Be sure to check their homepage before you order to see if any coupon codes are listed.
Your other option is to get a free 3D scan at one of their UK SmileShops. They currently have 11 permanent locations but also host pop-up clinics — temporary locations that are usually in place for 1-2 days at a time.
Retainers
There are two phases of correcting tooth alignment: active treatment and the retention phase. Active treatment is when you wear your aligners and are actively changing the position of your teeth. The retention phase is when you are holding your teeth in their corrected positions so they do not migrate back to their old spots. For this, you need retainers.
SmileDirectClub retainers cost £99 per set. You will likely need to replace yours about every six months. While you could get retainers from a dentist or another remote dentistry company, SmileDirectClub requires you to use theirs to be eligible for their guarantee.
Refinements
What happens if you decide midway through treatment that you aren’t liking your results, or you get to the end of treatment and your smile doesn’t match the digital preview you were given? In most cases, refinements with SmileDirectClub come without additional charges. You just need to be approved by the company and they will send you more aligners.
SmileDirectClub goes further than most at-home aligner companies and offers their Lifetime Smile Guarantee. This gives you access to free “aligner touch-ups” for the rest of your life. However, you must follow their treatment plan, order two sets of retainers every year, and wear your retainers correctly to qualify.
Discounts & Promotions
We all love a good sale, and SmileDirectClub often offers discounts on its products. In addition to those they offer seasonally, they have ongoing discounts for both students and current and former members of the military. If you fall into either category, speak with their sales team to get the discount codes so you can apply them to your purchase.
As for their temporary discounts, you’ll need to stay on top of things on your own. Sign up for their emails to catch discount codes and keep an eye on their website.
Sometimes, you can also find deals through third-party sites. However, before you download anything or buy into limited-time deals, make sure both the site and the vendor are legit. Both Groupon and RetailMeNot often have SmileDirectClub deals.
Financing Options
Instead of paying £1,739 up front, you might find it easier to afford treatment if the cost is broken up into smaller chunks. SmileDirectClub offers SmilePay financing, which spreads out the cost of treatment over 23 months. You make a £73.73 down payment, then 25 monthly installments of £73.66. Just keep in mind that you’ll pay more in the end: £1,915.23.
What About Insurance?
National Insurance covers dental treatments that improve your oral or overall health. SmileDirectClub can only make small changes related to mild-to-moderate crowding and spacing. This means that you cannot use your benefits to cover SmileDirectClub treatment.
If you have a private policy that includes extras, you might be able to purchase SmileDirectClub, then file for reimbursement from your policy provider. However, SmileDirectClub does not accept direct payments from insurers in the UK.
How Does the Cost Compare to Other Treatment Options?
We know: £1,739 isn’t a small chunk of change. However, when you view this price in comparison to other options, it becomes a lot more reasonable.
For example, Invisalign is the leading clear aligner provider across the globe, offering highly effective in-office treatment. But it comes with a much steeper price: as much as £5,500 (and even more in some cases).
At-home aligner companies are cheaper, and SmileDirectClub’s price is pretty standard for the industry. Here is what you can expect to pay for their biggest competitors in the UK:
- Straight Teeth Direct: £1,650
- Virtuoso: £1,999
- NewSmile: £1,495
- Diamond Whites: £1,990
This makes SmileDirectClub one of the more expensive options. However, they do have a solid track record in multiple countries and are one of the oldest at-home aligner companies in the world.
Want To See How They Compare?
Learn more about how SmileDirectClub compares to the competition in our review of the top five clear aligner services in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Cost may be a driving factor in the clear aligner system you choose, but don’t let it fully control your decision. There are many variables at play with aligner therapy that can make one option a better fit for you than others, even if it isn’t the cheapest. Look into the convenience, appearance, and effectiveness of all your options before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Club Warranty?
SmileDirectClub backs all its treatments with the Club Warranty. This policy covers you if you are unhappy with your results or your teeth end up shifting after your treatment is complete — assuming you meet the criteria. These are:
- Following your treatment plan correctly.
- Order two sets of retainers every year after active treatment.
- Wearing your retainers correctly.
So long as you meet these, they will cover the cost of refinements.
Will SmileDirectClub reimburse me if I am unhappy with my final results?
No. If you are eligible for their Club Warranty, you can correct those results free of charge but the company does not issue refunds.
Can I receive financing for SmileDirectClub?
They offer SmilePay, which is their own in-house financing. There is no credit check needed. You make a £73.73 down payment, then 25 monthly installments of £73.66.
Is there a penalty if I pay off my plan early?
No, but you still pay the full amount of interest.
How can I know if my private insurance policy will reimburse me for SmileDirectClub treatment?
You have to speak directly with your provider. They can tell you what their policies are on covering extras related to cosmetic treatments.
Can I use multiple discounts to lower the cost of SmileDirectClub?
Not on the same purchase, but you can use more than one over the course of treatment. For example, you can use a discount on your impression kit, then when you buy the treatment kit, use another discount, then perhaps a coupon code when you buy retainers.
How do I know when it is time to switch aligners?
You keep track of this through their website or app. You just log into the account when you start treatment, enter the date you first put in your first aligners, and then the system will remind you when to switch from then on. You can always log in to check on things if you have questions.
Why don’t SmileDirectClub aligners cover the molars?
They do go over the molars, covering about 1/3rd of each. This helps keep the aligners unobtrusive and less irritating to the tongue.
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