More than 60% of the counties across the US do not have an orthodontist’s office, creating a vast gap of limited access to this potentially life-changing solution, especially in rural communities. That’s one reason why SmileDirectClub created the country’s first remote teledentistry platform to give orthodontists, dental professionals, and customers access to high-quality orthodontic care along with its SmileDirectClub aligner treatment.
Since launching in 2014, SmileDirectClub has become one of the fastest-growing health tech companies and now serves more than a million customers worldwide. Both its clear aligner technology and other telehealth solutions can save customers up to 60% of the cost of traditional orthodontic care, making proper dental care both more affordable and more accessible.
SmileDirectClub Adds Additional Dental Practice Partners
One of the fastest-growing health technology companies in the country, SmileDirectClub continues to expand its footprint through its latest partnership with Michigan-based Unified Smiles.
Unified Smiles has an affiliated network of hundreds of dental practices throughout the US. By partnering with SmileDirectClub, United Smiles can now offer SmileDirectClub’s innovative clear aligners and first-of-a-kind telehealth platform for orthodontia. Kevin Burniston, Vice President of Sales at Unified Smiles, recently summed it up-
“Unified Smiles and our affiliated dental practices are proud to partner with SmileDirectClub, enabling us to offer an innovative way for patients to get a smile that they’ll love through teledentistry, Unified Smiles has grown as an organization based on our extensive knowledge of dentistry and by offering products and services proven to ensure dentists and their patients thrive. We are pleased to add clear aligner therapy with SmileDirectClub as a service that will help bring new patients to our affiliated dental practices.”
Unified Smiles patients will now have access to SmileDirectClub’s clear alignment treatment, prescribed and monitored by state licensed dentists and orthodontists using the company’s telehealth platform.
SmileDirectClub Orthodontic Care Is Covered by Major Insurance Carriers
SmileDirectClub also recently announced a partnership with MetLife. One of the leading dental insurance providers in the US with more than 20 million users, MetLife now offers in-network coverage of SmileDirectClub’s remote orthodontic care. SmileDirectClub’s Chief Executive Officer, David Katzman, recently stated-
“With this partnership, SmileDirectClub’s innovative clear aligner treatment is now covered by almost all major insurance providers in the U.S. We’re proud to join with MetLife in our mission of making orthodontic care convenient and affordable for everyone.”
SmileDirectClub Partner Network Is Now Available in More Than 1,000 Partner Locations
Unified Smiles is now part of the SmileDirectClub Partner Network, which has now grown to include more than 1,000 partner locations in the US. Through these partnerships, SmileDirectClub has continued to expand access to care.
Chris Thompson, Vice President of the Professional Channel at SmileDirectClub, recently summarized the advantages-
“Unified Smiles is the latest major dental support organization to join SmileDirectClub on its mission to provide everyone with access to a healthier, straighter, and brighter smile through our pioneering telehealth solution for orthodontia. We’re excited to partner with Unified Smiles and their network of dental professionals.”
How the SmileDirectClub Treatment Plan Works
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After a 3D scan or impression is taken of a patient’s teeth, SmileDirectClub designs a custom treatment plan for each customer. Its clear aligners are manufactured in SmileDirectClub’s FDA-certified and registered facility in Tennessee. Once aligners are shipped, patient progress is monitored by the SmileDirectClub team of state-licensed dentists and orthodontists through virtual check-ins until treatment as customers progress through the customized treatment plan. Consistent monitoring of aligner tracking helps deliver more predictable alignment and greater clinical outcome control.
SmileDirectClub has multiple treatment options, including aligners requiring 22-hour per day use or Nighttime Aligners™ designed for 10-hour nighttime wear. While Nighttime Aligners™ take longer to complete the treatment plan versus round-the-clock aligners, some prefer the option not to have to wear aligners during the day. Wearing clear aligners full-time can reduce treatment to as little as five months while the nighttime-only option can take up to 11 months.
Regardless of the options you choose, SmileDirectClub’s network of affiliated dentists and orthodontists provide safe, efficacious, and convenient teeth straightening solutions. By delivering care virtually and safely through the company’s digital platform, orthodontic care can be delivered more affordably than traditional options.
Clear Aligners vs Braces
Unlike braces, which cannot be removed and make many wearers uncomfortable regarding their appearance, clear aligners are a virtually invisible way to inconspicuously achieve a straight smile. Clear aligners are designed to minimize aligner appearance while gently aligning teeth. They are removable for cleaning and brushing.
Another benefit of using clear aligners is oral health. Many patients with braces find it difficult to practice proper dental hygiene. Once braces have been attached, it often takes a more consistent and robust cleaning regimen to avoid swollen gums or tooth decay. Patients often develop calcium deposits on the front of their teeth after wearing braces, which may be visible after removal, or require additional cosmetic work.
One of those benefiting from clear aligners is a 24-year old Cleveland resident, Cassidy.
Cassidy’s Story
“I had snaggleteeth.” Cassidy forlornly explained when describing her condition.
She was insecure about her appearance and therefore hesitant to smile her entire life. Unfortunately, her family couldn’t afford braces when she was growing up. She thought about it as an adult but the cost was still a concern. When she learned she could save up to 60% of the cost of traditional orthodontic care with SmileDirectClub, she promptly began saving.
She got her aligners right after the birth of her daughter, Elaina. Less than six months later, she said it’s been life-changing.
“Now I don’t think twice about talking to strangers, and I smile a lot more at people, and I feel like people are smiling more at me.”
