Why You DO NOT Want to Use Smile Direct Club

Dr. Baptiste • July 10, 2020

No one ever really enjoys hearing that they are exactly the same as everyone else, because honestly, no one is EXACTLY alike the next person. Luckily, your teeth have the same idea. Everything that is going on inside your mouth is uniquely your own. Unfortunately, for programs such as Smiles Direct Club, they do not care that your mouth is different.

Dentists and orthodontics take great pride in caring for their patient’s needs. It cannot be stressed enough that every person’s case is diverse and unlike the next patient that relaxes in the dentist’s chair, and therefore each patient receives a through examine to positively assess their treatment plan. Orthodontics and dentists can all agree that their field is much more complicated than most realize.

With new technology developing in the last several years in orthodontics, clear aligners are much more popular over traditional metal braces. Some companies have caught on to this fact and have profited from it. Programs such as Smiles Direct Club are more focused on their marketing advances than actual dentistry. Their big influences stress on social media and word of mouth that they make having a straight, pretty smile affordable for those who cannot afford traditional orthodontic treatments. Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of braces and a payment plan that only covers the materials and not having office visits, since there are no dentists in a Smile Shop (Smiles Direct Club physical storefronts) is appealing to most patients. Using flashy marketing to draw in prospective new patients, you are shown the ease of having “custom” aligners sent to your home every few weeks, and in no time you will have that beautiful smile you always dreamed of.

Many dentists have been in a vicious battle over the years with the popularity of mail-order orthodontics. That’s not to say that both cannot coexist together, but because these companies such as Smile Direct Club, are trying (and succeeding) at delivering this treatment to the masses, it hinders those patients in the long run whose cases are more severe than only a few crooked teeth.

When you arrive at a Smile Shop you are greeted by the marketing team again by branding the walls in their signature colors of purple and white. Once you are signed in, the patient is taken to a back room where an assistant takes 3D pictures of your teeth, which include all the lovely plague that may have built up since the last time you went to the dentist. A supervisor will come in and double check that all pictures have been taken. You are then told that a dentist will review the images off-site and once they give the all clear, your aligners will begin arriving in the mail for you to use.

While this all sounds simple and easy, again one must remember that no two mouths are the same. This device that Smile Shops use to take pictures of your teeth do not show what lies beneath. No x-rays that show bone growth, or undeveloped teeth. The pictures that are used to make Smile Direct aligners only show what is seen by the rest of the world, or cosmetic.

Baptiste Orthodontics takes the time to not only understand the patient’s case, but gets to know about their patients as well, including consulting with them about their treatment plan. If you are looking for an orthodontic plan tailored to you, with clear aligners, such as Invisalign in Orlando,call Baptiste Orthodontics today to schedule your visit.

How Often Should You Should Change Your Rubber Bands on Braces
March 13, 2026
So, how often you should change your rubber bands on braces? Understanding the schedule, and how to wear them correctly, can keep your treatment on schedule.
How to Look Good with Braces
March 6, 2026
This guide covers how to look good with braces with a few style updates, smart hygiene habits, and simple photography techniques so you can look your best.
Can You Use Hydroxyapatite with Braces?
February 27, 2026
If you’re wondering, can you use hydroxyapatite with braces? The answer is yes, and it can complement your daily hygiene to protect enamel during orthodontic care.
Can You Use Whitening Toothpaste with Braces?
February 20, 2026
If you are wondering, can you use whitening toothpaste with braces? The short answer is sometimes, but with caution and realistic expectations. Learn more here.
Is It Too Late to Get Braces if You're an Adult?
February 6, 2026
So, is it too late to get braces if you're an adult? No, but there are more things to consider. Learn all there is to know using this comprehensive guide.
Get all of the facts related to children's dental health from your trusted experts at Baptiste Ortho
February 2, 2026
Get all of the facts related to children's dental health from your trusted experts at Baptiste Orthodontics in Orlando, Florida.
Can You Get Braces With Wisdom Teeth? What to Know
January 30, 2026
If you are wondering, can you get braces with wisdom teeth, the short answer is yes, with the right plan in place.
Can You Get Your Teeth Cleaned with Braces?
By AXPM Marketing January 23, 2026
If you’re wondering if you can get your teeth cleaned with braces, the answer is absolutely, routine care is essential for a healthy smile throughout treatment.
How to Put Rubber Bands On Braces
January 16, 2026
This guide explains what they do, why they matter, and how to put rubber bands on braces correctly so you know how to put rubber bands on braces with confidence.
Can You Get Braces with Missing Teeth?
January 9, 2026
So, can you get braces with missing teeth? Yes, you can often get braces even if you have missing teeth. Learn the details here.
Show More