If you’ve been watching TV or scrolling on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen companies offering at-home teeth aligner kits.
And you may wonder how safe these ‘DIY’ clear aligners are, especially if you remember SmileDirectClub filing for bankruptcy and closing its doors at the beginning of 2024.
Like other at-home teeth straightening companies, SmileDirectClub promoted affordable, convenient clear aligner treatment from home – no orthodontist appointment necessary.
Instead, SmileDirectClub left thousands of unhappy customers with significant complaints, unresolved problems, and seriously damaged smiles.
SmileDirectClub was shut down due to the damage it was causing people’s smiles, but now they’re back under a new name — and we do not recommend giving them a try.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What You Need to Know About At-Home Teeth Aligners
If you’re considering at-home clear aligners, you’ll want to hear this. DIY teeth straightening might sound easy and affordable, but it comes with serious risks that could leave you paying far more in the end.
Here’s why you should think twice before trusting any mail-order teeth aligners with your precious smile, and why real, doctor-led orthodontic treatment is the safest, smartest choice:
What Happened to SmileDirectClub?
First, let’s refresh our memories about SmileDirectClub. What happened to them?
SmileDirectClub was a mail-order clear aligner company that ultimately received thousands of customer complaints:
- SmileDirectClub racked up 1,762 complaints with the Better Business Bureau in just three years.
- They were sued for misleading customers and manipulating online reviews to cover up negative experiences.
- Patients reported severe dental damage, including advanced gum disease, misaligned bites, and permanent tooth loss.
Are At-Home Teeth Aligners Safe?
Needless to say, any type of ‘at-home teeth straightening’ comes with significant risk. Mail-order aligners claim to provide “doctor-directed” treatment, but here’s the truth:
- You never actually meet an orthodontist in person, and you don’t have a doctor guiding you through treatment.
- You take your own smile impressions at home, which means you’re essentially creating your own treatment plan. If your impressions aren’t precise and accurate, your clear aligners won’t be either.
- No one is checking your progress in person to ensure that your teeth are moving safely and predictably. You’re on your own!
When orthodontic treatment isn’t led by an orthodontist, you can’t ensure that your aligners will fit properly. A poorly fitted aligner can cause irreversible damage to your smile, leading to tooth loss, gum recession, and worsening bite misalignment, which can cost a lot more to correct!
What’s marketed as a “cheap” alternative to Invisalign® can quickly turn into a nightmare, and a much bigger bill in the long run.
The Real Cost of Cheap Teeth Aligners
Many at-home teeth aligner customers unfortunately find that DIY aligners come with hidden costs.
- If treatment goes wrong, you’ll have to pay to repair your smile with a qualified orthodontist.
- If you wind up with loose teeth or damaged gums from DIY teeth straightening, you’ll have to pay for dental or periodontal repairs as well.
- A lot of these DIY aligner companies have ‘no refunds’ baked into their many pages of fine print.
Choose a Real Orthodontist: The Safe, Rewarding Choice
With Dr. Lin and our team at Fellow Orthodontist in Manhattan, NYC, you don’t have to take risks or settle for shortcuts. You can have the convenience you want and the expert care your smile deserves.
DIY aligner companies love to promise convenience, affordability, and results. Here’s what that actually looks like when your treatment is led by a real orthodontist:
Convenience, Without Compromising Your Care
At-home aligner brands market convenience as their biggest benefit, but convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of your health.
At Fellow Orthodontist, we’ve built a modern treatment experience that’s just as convenient and far safer.
With our virtual care approach, we reduce in-office visits by up to 60%. You’ll only need to visit us every 3 to 4 months.
In between visits, you’ll stay connected directly with Dr. Lin through the My Invisalign™ App, so your progress is still being monitored by a board-certified orthodontist every step of the way.
It’s the best of both worlds: fewer visits, and real expert care.
Personalized Treatment: Only What You Actually Need
Not every smile needs full orthodontic treatment.
That’s why we offer Invisalign® Touch-Up treatments for patients who just want to refine small areas of their smile. Instead of a one-size-fits-all box shipped to your door, you’ll receive a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to your goals, your bite, and your long-term dental health.
Real Expertise Matters
When it comes to moving your teeth, experience matters.
Dr. Lin is a board-certified orthodontist and a trusted consultant for Align™ Technology, the company behind Invisalign®. He works with orthodontists across the country to help them master Invisalign treatment and optimize their results.
As a certified Blue Diamond Invisalign® Provider, Dr. Lin has successfully treated a high volume of complex cases using Invisalign, including cases that DIY aligner companies simply are not equipped to handle safely.
Truly Doctor-Led Care
With DIY aligners, “doctor-directed” treatment often means a name on a file, not a doctor actually overseeing your care.
At Fellow Orthodontist, Dr. Lin personally performs over 90% of your treatment to ensure the best possible outcome. When you invest in your smile, you deserve hands-on care from the board-certified expert you chose, not a hand-off to an assistant or a remote reviewer.
Your Happiness is Guaranteed With Us
Many at-home aligner companies hide behind strict no-refund policies and complicated fine print.
We believe your orthodontic experience should feel exciting, not stressful.
That’s why Dr. Lin offers a 100% Happiness Guarantee. If you’re not happy within the first 100 days of treatment, we’ll refund your money. No stress. No fine print. Just confidence in your care.
Your Smile Is Too Precious for Shortcuts
DIY teeth aligners may promise an easy fix, but your smile is a lifelong investment that deserves expert attention.
When you choose Fellow Orthodontist, you’re choosing safe, personalized, doctor-led care designed to give you a healthy bite, a confident smile, and results that last.
Start Your Smile Journey the Right Way
If you’re considering clear aligner treatment, schedule your consultation with us. You can even start from home with a virtual consultation or a quick smile assessment via text, if you prefer.
We’d love to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your smile. Come experience the difference of modern, expert orthodontic care in Manhattan.
