To begin with, there is a difference between the working of a regular dental X-ray and the function of the smile direct hub. In the case of dental X-rays, the technicians utilize a big wand-like CAD camera and take images of your teeth and oral cavity. Then, they stitch together to form 3-D images. However, your experience with dental scanning teeth is going to be different. If you are wondering about the difference factor, then why not see it from the eyes of a real user?

The scanning procedure

A real user shares her experience using SmileDirectClub, which goes like this. She sat on the chair with an associate facing hard. It is neither a prolonged nor a painful process. However, having a person running a camera all over the oral cavity feels somewhat awkward.

How does it work?

With SmileDirectClub, you can take the impression home or try scanning in person. The impression kit is available online, which you can order and deliver at home. You can use the equipment to capture your teeth’s impressions and send them back via mail. The company also has many physical locations to walk in and have free scanning.

Questions they ask

If you want to visit a physical store for scanning, you are likely to fill out a survey focusing on your dental health and teeth. So you are likely to get questions like:

• Whether you have any periodontal disease?
• Do you still have any baby teeth un-extracted?
• What are your actual goals for undergoing this scan?

There are many such questions that the team is likely to ask. You might find it awkward to answer them all. However, these questions have some value regarding how effective your aligner treatment could be. Often, such questions help bring out any hidden oral issues that are otherwise unknown to you. This is a practical step towards optimized dental care. This is because most Americans skip their dental visits and need help understanding if there is anything wrong with their dental health.

Expect Transparency

The dental associates might get it all. The information that they need to understand your oral condition. They also tend to your unique needs. However, they seldom make any promises to deliver what exactly you are asking from them. Instead, they would send their findings to a practicing orthodontist for their recommendation.

Using the App

SmileDirectClub has its app. The associates would recommend downloading it. However, you can go for the assessment and the follow-up procedure, even without the app. However, if you wish to download it, you must use an email ID and register an account.

Wait to get the results.

Your doctor would send a standardized email. It would have a link that leads to the 3D image of your treatment plan.

Our concerned reviewer’s treatment plan shows how her top line of teeth will likely shift after 6 months. If she signed off on the recommended schedule and paid for the aligners, she would receive all the necessary aligners.

Getting your aligners

You will likely get all your aligners for your chosen plan at once. It can take 4-5 weeks to get them once you order. Even if you do not download the app, you must set up an account on the company website. You need to register the details of the aligners there only. All along the treatment plan, there would be regular check-ins through email. You need to send pictures to the doctor to review the alignment progress there.

You can also get something that the people at SmileDirectClub term “aligner touch-ups” in case you need adjustments during or after the treatment. You can get them for free if you wear the aligners regularly and respond to photo requests.

On a conditional basis, the company also offers a 30-day money refund policy.

Using a retainer

After completing your treatment period, you must keep wearing a retainer. This is quite like other forms of braces; it supports the new teeth’ positions. However, retainers do not come for free here. You should purchase it from SmileDirectClub. Similar to the aligners, even the retainers are made from high-quality clear plastic.

Pros and cons of these aligners

It’s time to learn what the actual user liked about the product.

• It is less expensive than its peers in the industry.
• It is ideal for more details and mild corrections, provided you have healthy teeth and gum.
• The company terms itself “the smile zone.” This is evident in their sincere efforts.
• The team has very responsive and helpful customer support. And it offers various ways to connect.

That being said, even SmileDirectClub has its share of limitations. For example:

• Their services stay confined to manufacturing aligners.
• The team does not support or provide access to teeth or gum health. The unit does not tend to any other aspect that needs an orthodontist’s attention.
• These aligners are unsuitable for cases involving complicated or severe changes in alignment.

Aligners or braces

While choosing between conventional braces and aligners, you should consider the following pointers:

• Braces work as a metal wire, which remains fixed to the middle of each tooth you need to reposition. These braces are now available in different shades. Nowadays, orthodontics often uses these to expand palates. This helps in the gradual shifting of the upper jaw. Mounts are available in various price ranges. You can get partial or complete coverage by insurance.
• Aligners are clear, plastic-made trays. So, they work as invisible braces. Aligners are customizable because the doctors create a mold specific to your teeth’ shape per the 3D impression of your bite and teeth. And not all insurance companies cover it.

It would help if you choose your option only after careful evaluation.