One of the questions we’re often asked is: Is it cheaper to use a DIY aligner company like Smile Direct Club than visit a specialist orthodontist?
The answer is simple. Yes.
Just as it would be cheaper to fix your own car than take it to a mechanic, if you don’t involve the expertise of a specialist, prices tend to be lower.
However, if you don’t fully understand the problem you’re trying to solve, it could be more costly in the long run — no matter if it’s your car or your teeth. Doing it yourself could cause more harm than good.
In this post, we explain why Smile Direct Club (and other online aligners) tend to be cheaper than seeing a professional orthodontist, and why that’s not always beneficial.
First, what’s the difference between Invisalign and Smile Direct Club?
Aligners, in general, are a great way to straighten your teeth. They offer comfort and discretion compared to traditional fixed braces, and they can be removed when you’re eating or brushing your teeth.
Invisalign and Smile Direct Club are both convenient, clear plastic aligners. However, that’s largely where the similarities end. To highlight the differences, we’ve outlined the respective treatment methods below:
1. The Invisalign treatment process
- First, you make an appointment with a specialist orthodontist
- Next, you visit the specialist for an initial consultation and assessment
- A personalised treatment plan is created based on professional 3D scans and x-rays
(Note: this is a vital step often missing from DIY online aligners. The scans and x-rays help us determine the best course of action. Without a specialist’s expertise, you could embark on a treatment that does more harm than good.) - Custom aligners are designed specifically for your mouth and treatment goals
- Finally, you visit the specialist at regular intervals to monitor your progress
Why is this method more expensive? Invisalign tends to be a bit pricier for the simple reason that it’s more thorough and more effective than DIY aligners. The use of 3D scans and x-rays means any periodontal issues (relating to the structure and support of your teeth) are caught early. And the use of attachments and regular checkups means a specialist can handle issues like crowded, hard-to-move teeth or malocclusion (“poor bite”) with care.
Read more: Top problems Invisalign can (and can’t) fix, and what to consider.
2. The online aligner treatment process
- You start by using an at-home kit to create an impression of your teeth
- Next, you send the mould to the online aligner provider
- Aligners are made based on the mould and posted to you
- You follow the instructions provided
- Finally, you check in remotely with the provider’s dental expert (usually every 3 months)
Why is this method cheaper? Online aligners like Smile Direct Club tend to be less expensive due to the lack of direct dental supervision (often remote only). They usually focus on the front six teeth and solve more cosmetic issues, like gapped teeth. If you have severe misalignment or problems with your bite, a DIY approach could make matters worse.
Read more: Why we recommend Invisalign over online aligners.
Why should you pay more for a specialist?
There are certain risks associated with DIY aligners. Paying that bit extra to see a specialist face-to-face can help you avoid them. Here’s how:
We check the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbones
Before we take moulds and plan your treatment, we examine your teeth, gums, and jawbones to make sure they’re healthy enough for tooth movement.
If you progress with DIY treatment without first establishing your oral health, you could risk long-term damage.
We monitor you regularly to make sure your treatment stays on track
As specialist orthodontists, we’re trained to keep a close eye on every aspect of your treatment. With regular and thorough examinations, we make sure your teeth are moving, slowly but surely, into the desired position.
Sometimes, during these examinations, we may notice an issue, either with your teeth or bite. Should that happen, we can alter the treatment to keep everything on track.
DIY aligners, like Smile Direct Club, simply can’t offer this same attention to detail. This means you could be months down the road with a set of aligners before discovering there’s a problem.
Remember, your teeth are priceless
You only get one set of adult teeth — don’t mess around with them. Any damage caused by DIY aligners can, at best, result in corrective treatments. And at worst? The damage won’t be reversible.
So, instead of risking the long-term health of your teeth in pursuit of a saving, spend a little more and visit a dental professional. A healthy, straighter smile is worth the investment.
