Blog

02/01/2024

Smile Direct Club Closure – What to do next

If you’re currently in the middle of your Smile Direct Club treatment and are concerned about the next step following the company’s closure, here’s everything you need to know about the next steps.

If you’ve been following the tabloids recently, then you may have heard the news about Smile Direct Club.

Earlier this month, the United States-based company that has “improved more than two million smiles and lives” filed for bankruptcy – leaving current Smile Direct Club patients in the dark about what will happen with the rest of their treatment.

If your Smile Direct Club treatment is ongoing, we understand that the abrupt closure is concerning, but in this post, our expert orthodontics at Shawlands Dental Care will walk you through the next steps following Smile Direct Club’s closure.

Why did Smile Direct Club close?

On their website, Smile Direct Club published a statement earlier this month, which reads:

“SmileDirectClub has made the incredibly difficult decision to wind down its global operations, effective immediately.

“For new customers interested in SmileDirectClub services, thank you for your interest, but aligner treatment is no longer available through our telehealth platform.

“For existing customers, we apologize for the inconvenience, but customer care support is no longer available.”

This comes a couple of months after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, or reorganisation bankruptcy, to give themselves some time to try and sort out their finances. However, after efforts to get their founders to buy them out of bankruptcy failed, the company announced its closure on the 10th of December.

Can Smile Direct Club patients get their money back?

When any company goes bust, it can be difficult for customers to get their money back.

In a Which? article, consumer law expert, Lisa Webb said that customers will likely find themselves at the back of a long queue of creditors. And where refunds are available, they will be handled by the liquidators but they’re unlikely to amount to much, if anything at all.

If you’re still waiting for your aligners to be delivered, you may be able to claim your money back via Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, and Webb states that this is likely the best way to get your money back.

So, if you paid for your treatment using a credit card, you should contact your provider for expert help and support.

What should I do if I’ve already started treatment with Smile Direct Club?

If you’ve been left stuck in the middle of your treatment, you aren’t alone.

In a Sky News report, one customer the media giant interviewed says they had four weeks remaining of their aligner treatment when Smile Direct Club went into liquidation, highlighting the fact that their treatment so far has been rendered “pointless” because their teeth will shift back into their former position.

And thousands of other Smile Direct Club customers find themselves in a similar position.

If this is the case for you, the best thing to do is seek advice from a local dentist, to see if they’d be able to help with the remainder of your smile journey.

What are the alternatives to Smile Direct Club?

It could be a simple case of wearing a retainer to maintain your progress if you were nearing the end of your treatment with Smile Direct Club’s aligners.

However, you may need to switch treatments altogether, moving to an in-practice clear aligner treatment, like Invisalign, for example.

Invisalign works in the same way that Smile Direct aligners do but compared to online dental services like Smile Direct Club, dentist-led treatment is a little more pricey.

Many dental practices offer payment plans to help patients pay for their treatments more comfortably, including Invisalign, and here at Shawlands Dental Care, we offer 0% finance that allows you to spread the cost of your orthodontic treatment over 24 months.

Is seeking alternative orthodontic treatment really necessary?

Not only is seeking alternative treatment essential if you want to straighten your smile, but it’s also detrimental to your oral health.

If you’re in the middle of treatment with Smile Direct, you shouldn’t just leave your teeth the way they are and should talk to a dental professional as soon as possible about alternative orthodontic treatments.

Leaving your teeth unbalanced can cause a myriad of issues, including:

• Gum recession
• Chipping and breaking
• Further tooth movement

Can I continue my orthodontic treatment with Shawlands Dental Care?

Absolutely!

We understand that the ongoing situation is incredibly distressing and frustrating for Smile Direct Club patients, which is why we’re offering FREE help and advice regarding the next steps of your orthodontic treatment.

Here at Shawlands Dental Care, we work with a team of experienced, highly skilled orthodontists and would be more than happy to discuss your options and help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Book your FREE consultation with us today!

If you’ve been affected by the closure of Smile Direct Club, let us help.

To book a FREE consultation with our team, give us a call today on 01416 321 378 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch with more information as soon as possible.