Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, SmileDirectClub absolutely works. We customise each treatment plan using SmileOS™ – an innovative software that uses digital 3D rendering and our data from more than 2 million aligner treatment plans. With this advanced platform, SmileDirectClub’s network of UK-registered dentists and orthodontists can treat more patients, predict tooth movements with more precision, and better visualise our Club members’ results. Our at-home aligner kits provide a convenient option for reliable and affordable treatment.

During treatment, our dental experts are with you every step of the way, using regular virtual Smile Check-ins™ to track your progress. Our Customer Care team is available 24/7 via text, video chat, email, or phone to answer your questions, no matter how small – so we always know exactly how you and your smile are doing.

And when we say SmileDirectClub works, we’re so certain about it that we support your smile for life.¹ We’re fully committed to helping you get – and keep – a smile you love. Our Lifetime Smile Guarantee™ means we’ll work with you before, during, and after treatment to make sure you get the results you want¹ – at no additional cost to you.

Still unsure? Read SmileDirectClub reviews from our satisfied customers.

Our clear aligner therapy includes several sets of tight-fitting, custom-made, BPA-free clear plastic trays that gradually shift teeth into their desired position.

Our clear aligners come as a set of multiple aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by a SmileDirectClub affiliated, registered dentist or orthodontist who reviews your case. You’ll begin wearing a new set of aligners as prescribed, advancing you to the next stage of your new smile. We make it even easier by shipping your aligners directly to you.

Our aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won't irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do.

SmileDirectClub clear aligners are trimmed in a straight fashion across the top, allowing us to get optimal turning force to straighten your teeth. This also eliminates the need for buttons or attachments, which are generally considered unsightly or uncomfortable.

Every SmileDirectClub order begins with a free Smile Assessment and a remote impression kit or SmileShop appointment to determine whether you're suitable for the aligners. The clear aligner system is designed for minor to moderate teeth correction, including space between teeth, crowding, rotations, and some bite correction.

If you're eligible for treatment, you will typically need to wait six weeks after having your third molars (or wisdom teeth) extracted before starting with SmileDirectClub clear aligners. You may be able to start earlier if your dentist provides a signed letter confirming that it is safe for you to undergo our treatment.

If your dentist has recommended removal of wisdom teeth, then please follow their direction. If not, you can purchase our remote impression kit or book a 3D image appointment and a registered dentist or orthodontist will review your smile for you. If they determine that remote aligner treatment isn’t right for you, we will refund the cost of your impression kit.

The registered dentist or orthodontist assigned to you will review your smile and determine if SmileDirectClub aligners are the best fit for you. If they determine you are not eligible for treatment, the cost of your impression kit will be refunded in full.

The registered dentist or orthodontist assigned to you will review your smile and assess your eligibility for SmileDirectClub aligner treatment If they determine you are not eligible for treatment, the cost of your impression kit or a 3D image appointment is fully refundable.

Nighttime clear aligner™ therapy is a safe and effective path to a straighter smile. Like any clear aligner treatment plan, patients should follow their registered dentist or orthodontist’s prescription of 10 consecutive hours of wear per night. While the average time of treatment may be longer than the average 22-hour a day aligner therapy, this discreet and flexible alternative will safely achieve desired results.

Nighttime Clear Aligners™ provide a more discreet, flexible treatment plan for customers with mild to moderate spacing and crowding issues. SmileDirectClub’s custom-made, BPA-free clear aligners will safely straighten your teeth with at least 10 hours of continuous wear each night.

• Traditional 22-hour a day clear aligner therapy is a more convenient,⁹ faster option for customers seeking treatment for a timely event like a graduation or a wedding.

Each aligner set is custom-made to safely move your teeth within the prescribed time provided by your registered dentist or orthodontist. Any deviation from the prescribed treatment plan is not advised. 

Nighttime Clear Aligners is the first aligner system on the market that safely allows customers to wear clear aligners for only 10 continuous hours per night. Wearing Nighttime Clear Aligners while you sleep is more convenient to many people's lifestyle.

There are three key reasons to take advantage of SmileDirectClub’s Nighttime Clear Aligners™:

• Convenience: Customers can get the smile they’ll love while only wearing aligners for 10 hours per night;

• Affordability: Nighttime Clear Aligners™ cost 50% less than braces.⁶ You can get a smile you love for a flat fee.

• Accessibility: Customers using Nighttime Clear Aligners™ may have careers or lifestyles that preclude them from wearing aligners during the day. These customers now have the flexibility to only focus on straightening their teeth at night. 

Nighttime Clear Aligner™ therapy provides a more discreet, flexible teeth straightening solution for customers who cannot commit to 22 hours of daily wear. 10-hour aligners are safe and very discreet to wear because customers only wear them at night and when they sleep.

A free 3D image appointment can be done at any SmileShop. During the 30-minute appointment, a SmileGuide will create a 3D image of your smile and send it directly to our lab to generate your custom treatment plan. This will then be reviewed and approved by a registered UK dentist or orthodontist. SmileShops are located across the country. Find one near you on our Locations page. If you are not located near a SmileShop, or if you’d rather get started in the comfort of your own home, we'll send a prescribed impression kit to be sent to your door. Simply use the kit to take impressions of your smile, then send the impression kit back to us. Return shipping postage is included. All you have to do is drop your completed kit in the post!

You can purchase an impression kit for £39 here.

Remote clear aligner therapy isn't right for everyone. That's why we'll refund the cost of your impression kit if the dentist or orthodontist determines our clear aligners aren't a fit for you. Simply call our customer care team at 0800 031 8113 after learning about your eligibility, to have your refund processed.

We can help! Give us a call at 0800 031 8113 or send us a message. All you'll need is your receipt. Simply provide the date of the purchase and your order number, and we can generate a new code for you.

If our lab receives distorted impressions that prevent them from creating an accurate 3D model for our registered UK dentist or orthodontist to assess your eligibility for treatment, we will contact you to send another impression kit. We'll refund the price of the replacement impression kit at the time of aligner purchase.

We can help. Your all-in-one aligner box features an instructional booklet, but we also have video support here.

Once impressions are complete and ready to be shipped back, customers can choose one of the following two free options.

1. Schedule a collection.

   Customers will need to provide their return tracking ID located on the returns label on the bottom of their box.

   Customers can call 0345 607 0809 and press ‘0’ if they do not have a FedEx account to arrange a pickup (return ID is not located on the bottom of the box – it will be on the FedEx envelope)

   Or schedule a pickup online using link: (UK) https://www.fedex.com/en-gb/shipping/global-returns/how-to-return.html

2. Find a drop off location (Exc ROI)

   Using link: smiledirect.co/kitdropoff

Customers do not need a FedEx account to return their IK. The only number needed is the FedEx Tracking # printed on the return label. When customers ring FedEx if they don’t have an account, number advise them to press 0.

Please direct customers to FedEx customer services on 0345 607 0809 or email uk@fedex.com.

To speak to FedEx directly to arrange or discuss a pickup please call:
UK - 0345 607 0809.
(Press 0 if the customer doesn’t have an account number)

If you are eligible for treatment, it’s your first step to getting a straighter smile. During your visit, a SmileGuide will take a 3D image of your current smile, which will be used to create a treatment plan that will be reviewed and approved by a registered UK dentist. The best part is you only have to go once, and it’s just 30 minutes. Say goodbye to waiting rooms!

Our SmileShops are located across the UK. For a list of shops, visit our Locations page.

Simply book a SmileShop appointment on our Locations page. You’ll be given a few dates and times to choose from and our team will follow-up to confirm your scheduled appointment.

Life happens, and sometimes you run late. Please call us at 0800 031 8344 and let us know when we can expect you to arrive at the SmileShop. We'll do everything we can to fit you into the schedule.

Give us a call at 0800 031 8344 at least 24 hours before your appointment time to reschedule your appointment and avoid a cancellation fee.

About 20 to 30 minutes, give or take.

Our SmileGuides use a highly accurate 3D optical camera to capture an image of your smile, including your teeth and gum lines. This 3D image helps our affiliated dentists and orthodontists determine if you are eligible for SmileDirectClub treatment and allows our lab to create a personalised treatment plan that is reviewed and approved by one of our registered UK dentists or orthodontists.

SmileGuides come from a variety of backgrounds and are trained to efficiently and accurately capture a 3D image of your smile. Our SmileGuides are GDC registered dental professionals. We actively monitor and evaluate the quality of their work—including your experience. Our SmileGuides are able to answer any questions you have about our service, our process, our technology, and most questions about straightening your smile using clear aligners.

That’s no problem at all. We also offer an easy-to-use, at home impression kit that includes an online photo assessment and dental impressions.

Yes. Your new treatment plan will be reviewed approved and prescribed by a registered dentist or orthodontist. This ensures your new treatment plan corresponds with the Standards of Care established by the UK dental professional community. Source.

Yes, after we receive your impressions or 3D image, we create a custom treatment plan which shows a before and after 3D visualisation of how your teeth will move with treatment. If our doctors determine that our clear aligners aren't the right fit for you, we'll be happy to refund your impression kit. You can see examples of how our custom treatment plans work by visiting our Results page.

The registered UK dentist or orthodontist assigned to review and approve your treatment plan will determine the required treatment length for your needs, but we straighten most smiles in an average of 4-6 months.⁷

It’s possible. The registered dentist or orthodontist assigned to your case will decide what the safest and best treatment option is for you.

We include Chewies with your aligners to help you get a tighter fit. Simply insert your aligners, put your Chewie between your teeth, and chew as if it were a piece of gum. Use your Chewies for 10–15 minutes at a time, 2–3 times per day.

Because we custom-make your aligners to fit your mouth, our goal is to make your aligners the appropriate size to realign your smile while being as unobtrusive as possible. Your aligners should cover at least one third of each molar.

Wear your aligners all the time as directed by your prescribed treatment plan. Take them out for eating and drinking.

Much like the days after a good workout at the gym, most people experience some tooth soreness for a few days after wearing new aligners. This is perfectly normal. It is a sign that your aligners are working by moving your teeth into a straighter position. This soreness should gradually go away after the first few days. If the pain doesn't go away, contact our customer care team at 0800 031 8113.

Most SmileDirectClub customers don't need to make any additional visits to a dentist's office during their clear aligner treatment (for reasons related to the treatment) aside from regular dental cleanings.

We understand that mistakes happen. For starters, give our customer care team a call at 0800 031 8113 so we can understand where you are in your smile journey and our dental team can provide the best recommendation for your care based on your unique situation. Your treating dentist and our dental team may advise you to wear your last set of aligners or to move on to the next set. If we determine you need a replacement aligner, we will send the first set to you for free. Subsequent replacement aligners may be subject to a £70 surcharge depending on the circumstances. Either way – give us a call and we’ll work with you to develop the best path forward for your treatment.

Protect your investment! We strongly recommend you safeguard your new smile with our custom-fit SmileDirectClub clear retainers. Without retainers, teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original positions. One set costs £99 and is available to purchase toward the end of your treatment. Call our customer care team at 0800 031 8113 about 4–5 weeks before you finish your treatment plan to place your order.

As with any orthodontic treatment, you should wear a retainer regularly to maintain your new smile. You'll wear your retainers 24 hours a day (except for eating and drinking) for the first two weeks. After that, you should wear your retainers only while you sleep. We recommend replacing your retainers every six months to keep them fresh.

Making changes to your account information is easy. Log in to your account on our website or call us at 0800 031 8113 to update your shipping address, email, phone number, or credit card on file. We’re happy to help you keep your contact information current.

You can keep track of your aligners by logging into your account on our website. Click on your dashboard to enter the date on which you start wearing your first set of aligners and let the dashboard do the rest. You can log-in to see when you’re scheduled to change to your next set, which aligner you should be wearing, and how many days and aligners you have left in your treatment plan. If you ever get off course because of a vacation or forget to wear your aligners, you can always reset your dashboard by clicking the "Get Back on Track" button.

If at the end of your treatment plan, having followed the treatment guidelines, you haven’t achieved a straighter smile, contact us so your dentist or orthodontist can re-evaluate your results. If your re-evaluation is approved, you may be eligible for additional aligners to continue your journey. Don’t forget: You need to notify us within 30 days of completing your treatment plan for the warranty to remain valid.

To maintain your warranty:

• Wear your aligners as directed;

• Register your aligners at SmileDirectClub.co.uk/en-gb/patient-portal; and

• respond to each virtual check-in by sending an email with the requested photos.

First, get started with our £39 remote impression kit or a 3D image at a SmileShop. Once your new smile is ready, you have two convenient payment options. With Single Pay, make a one-time payment of £1739 – half the cost of our competitors.⁵ You can also pay over time with our SmilePay™ option. Under our 25-month payment plan, you pay an initial deposit of £73.73, then £73.66 a month for 25 months for a total payment of £1915.23 (£1739 financed at 9.9% APR following a soft credit check**). It is as simple as that. At the end of treatment, you'll want to purchase retainers to preserve your new smile. We sell these for £99 a set. You can learn more about our clear aligner pricing by visiting our Pricing page.

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover).

Yes! Under our 25-month payment plan, you can pay an initial deposit of £73.73, then £73.66 a month for 25 months for a total payment of £1915.23 (£1739 financed at 9.9% APR following a soft credit check**). That’s all. At the end of treatment, you'll want to purchase retainers to preserve your new smile. We sell these for £99 a set. You can learn more about our clear aligner pricing by visiting our Pricing page.

Yes! Call 0800 031 8396 and we'll be happy to help you process your payment for the remaining balance.

Yes. If your dental plan provides orthodontic benefits you may be reimbursed directly from your insurance company after purchasing your aligners. SmileDirectClub doesn't accept direct payment from insurance companies.

This payment service is only available in the U.S.

This payment service is only available in the U.S.

If one of our registered dentists or orthodontists determines that you are not eligible to undergo SmileDirectClub clear aligner treatment, we’ll gladly refund the cost of your impression kit. If, within the first 30 days of your treatment plan, you’re dissatisfied for any reason, contact us to return your aligners. Learn more on our Returns page.

No, sorry. You can only use one promo code per purchase.

Single Pay is the payment option that offers our overall best value and lowest price. Save up to £184 over other payment options with a one-time payment of £1739 and you'll be on your way to a smile you'll love!

SmilePay is our convenient monthly payment option. All you need to get started is to apply. You’ll pay an initial deposit of £73.73, then £73.66 a month for 25 months for a total payment of £1915.23 (£1739 financed at 9.9% APR following a soft credit check**).

This is not currently available in the UK.

SmileDirectClub is committed to supporting your Smile Journey™ for life. With our Lifetime Smile Guarantee, if you feel your smile isn’t working out during – or at any point after – treatment, we’ll make it right, at no additional cost to you. 

In the first 30 days of treatment:
If you decide that clear aligners aren’t for you within the first 30 days of receiving them, we’ll provide a full refund (shipping costs not included). Simply ship your remaining aligners back to SmileDirectClub. This 30-Day Money-Back Promise is part of our Lifetime Smile Guarantee. 

The 30-day time period starts the day your aligners are delivered to you and you’ve registered them online in your account. 

In the middle of treatment:
Your regular virtual Smile Check-ins are designed to track your progress. If you feel like something’s not right, or you’re not getting the results you expect, contact our dental care team. They will evaluate your treatment plan to determine if an update to your treatment plan and, possibly, additional aligners are necessary. If they are, we’ll create and ship new aligners, at no cost to you. 

If you decide that clear aligners aren’t for you, outside of the first 30 days, you can still return your unused aligners for a prorated refund (based on the percentage of aligners returned unopened and unused). Please note: You are responsible for shipping costs when returning aligners.

After treatment:
As long as you replace your SmileDirectClub retainers every 6 months and wear them as prescribed, you'll qualify for a free aligner touch-up each year if you ever need one.

Follow these steps to return your aligners:

• To ensure a full refund, make sure to return your unused aligners, in their original bags, within 30 days of receiving them.

• Please note, you are responsible for shipping costs. We recommend using a trackable carrier such as FedEx or UPS. This way, even if a shipment is lost in transit, we can process your refund.

• For address and further information, call 0800 031 8113.

Getting started with SmileDirectClub aligners is completely risk-free. Our 30-Day Money-Back Promise is designed to let you experience your aligners to ensure your satisfaction. If you decide SmileDirectClub aligners are not for you within the first 30 days, we’ll refund the full cost.

Impression kit
We’ll refund the cost of your risk-free impression kit if your assigned dentist or orthodontist determines our clear aligners aren’t a fit for you.

Aligners
If you’re within the first 30 days and you’re not happy for any reason, you can return your unused SmileDirectClub clear aligners, and all payments you’ve made for the aligners will be refunded. The 30-day time period begins the day your aligners are delivered to you and you’ve registered them online in your account. 

If you’re past the initial 30-day window and are not happy with your treatment, you can also return your unused SmileDirectClub aligners for a prorated refund for all unopened and unused aligners.

It’s that simple, and we’re that confident. But please note, you’re responsible for any shipping charges when returning your aligners.

To remain eligible for the Lifetime Smile Guarantee, follow these steps.

During treatment:

1. Register your aligners when you receive them, either online in your account or in our mobile app

2. Wear your aligners for the prescribed amount of time

3. Complete your regular virtual Smile Check-ins

4. Stay up-to-date on payments

After treatment:

1. Replace retainers every 6 months

2. Wear your retainers every night as prescribed

During treatment, teeth can sometimes be stubborn and not shift as expected. This is completely normal. In fact, it’s why your dentist or orthodontist conducts regular check-ins to track your progress.

When an adjustment might be needed, our dental team flag this for your treating doctor who will then review and approve a modified treatment plan. When an aligner touch-up is needed and the new treatment plan has been approved and prescribed by your doctor, we will create and ship new aligners, at no cost to you, so you don’t miss a beat.

If you’re unsure about asking for a touch-up, please contact us via chat, phone call, or email to speak with our dental team.

You could be eligible for an aligner touch-up if you:

1. Wear your aligners as prescribed throughout your treatment plan, except when eating or drinking anything other than cool water.

2. Register your aligners at SmileDirectClub.co.uk/checkin.

3. Respond to each regular Smile Check-in from your dentist by sending an email with the requested photos.

During treatment, if you’re concerned your teeth aren’t moving as expected, please contact us via chat, phone call, or email to arrange a Smile Check-in with our dental team. 

Share your concerns with our team and ask about an aligner touch-up. They will evaluate your plan and if it’s decided an aligner touch-up is needed, we will create and ship new aligners, at no cost to you.

Things come up. We get it.
If you are currently in treatment, you will become eligible again as long as you:

1. Check in your aligners (check your email or the app to do this)

2. Complete your future Smile Check-ins (via email or our app)

3. Are current on your payments

4. Purchase retainers after treatment, replace them every 6 months, and wear them as prescribed

If you just finished treatment, you can become eligible again as long as you:

1. Are current on your payments

2. Replace retainers every 6 months and wear them as prescribed

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, contact us to find out.

Currently the Lifetime Smile Guarantee™ is for new Club members, Club members currently in treatment, and Club members who have finished treatment within the past 30 days.

bright on is our premium whitening, prescribed by one of our dentists for customers 12 or older. It is a full system of teeth whitening that gets your teeth to their brightest bright.

It is included in the cost of your clear aligner therapy. During the 3D image appointment at the SmileShop, our SmileGuides who are UK registered dental professionals will provide instructions for use of the teeth whitening. All customers who complete this process will receive a continuation of their bright on™ teeth whitening treatment in their aligner kits so you can brighten your smile while you straighten it.

A 1-week supply of bright on contains 1 pen and when used daily will get your teeth to their brightest bright.

We recommend using a 1-week supply of bright on once every 90 days.

Enhance the power of your bright on premium teeth whitening with the same type of LED light technology used by dentists. This cool blue LED light activates our Bright Boost™ formula to work even faster.

First brush your teeth but do not floss. Then open the bright on premium whitening pen and twist the bottom until the gel is visible on the brush. Brush the gel onto your front top and bottom teeth in a circular motion. Then plug the light into your phone using the appropriate attachment, insert it into your mouth, and wear it for up to 10 minutes. It’s normal for the gel to foam on your teeth, and it’s harmless if you happen to swallow some. Once finished, take out the light and spit out any excess gel.

Remove the detachable Android and iPhone cables from the LED light to avoid damaging them. Using lukewarm water, rinse and wipe off the mouthpiece. Allow the light to dry in a well-ventilated place. Once dry, pack it into its plastic case.

Yes, bright on is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and lactose-free.

Using teeth whitening with bonding or fillings can discolor your teeth. bright on does not whiten veneers.

bright on is only available to customers who have visited a SmileShop and have had their first teeth whitening application under the direct supervision of one of SmileGuides who are UK registered dental professionals. Only customers who have purchased clear aligner therapy will receive a continuation of their bright on™ teeth whitening treatment in their aligner kits.

SMILECHECK is our proprietary technology system that connects you and your prescribing dentist or orthodontist and manages your treatment plan and dental case records. Through a secure provider portal, your dentist can view images and dental impressions, and prescribe your treatment. These tools equip SmileGuides and lab technicians in performing their work and managing your case file. And SMILECHECK provides you, the customer, direct access to upload photos and images, manage your account, and view your treatment plan.

Our minimum age requirement for clear aligner treatment is 12 years old, and patients must have all permanent teeth present, except for teeth 1, 16, 17 and 32. For patients under the age of 16, we need a parent or guardian's consent on the Medical / Dental History Form provided during the evaluation step to proceed with the SmileDirectClub clear aligner treatment. Customers aged 16 to 18 will need to produce a pre-signed parental consent form, either printed out/shown on a mobile phone, or be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the appointment.

No. At the moment, SmileDirectClub clear aligners are only available to eligible customers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, the UK and Ireland.

Yes. We have several before and after photos and video testimonials on our Results page.

Yes, you may purchase impression kits and aligners for more than one individual. The best way to do so is for each patient to have an account tied to a unique email address, regardless of who made the purchase. While we’re actively working to update our platform to allow a single user account to manage multiple customers, for now you will need to purchase each kit under a different email address to ensure proper prescription and monitoring of treatment. If you only have one email address, there are many free email services available that you can use.

Yes! If you cancelled your order, you can restart with SmileDirectClub at any time. To get started, submit another Smile Assessment by selecting Am I A Candidate?

If you’ve addressed the eligibility concerns raised by the registered dentist or orthodontist, you may be able to restart the eligibility assessment process. To get restarted, submit a new Smile Assessment by selecting Am I A Candidate?

We’re here to help you get a straighter, brighter smile. If you have followed the treatment plan as recommended by your registered UK dentist or orthodontist and at the end of treatment, you don’t achieve a straighter smile or the results you had hoped for, please contact us so your registered UK dentist can re-evaluate your results. If your re-evaluation is approved, you may be eligible for additional aligners to continue your journey. Learn more about our Club Warranty on the Returns page.