Patient Education
SmileDirectClubClosed—WhatNow?YourRealOrthodonticOptions
Written by Dr. Thao Vu
Reviewed by Dr. Judy Nguyen
·March 6, 2026
SmileDirectClub closed. What do you do now? Learn about real orthodontic options with professional supervision. Get expert care at Bloom Orthodontics & Bloom Smile Studio.

SmileDirectClub filed for bankruptcy and closed. If you were a patient, you were left with unfinished treatment and no one to call.
You wanted convenience. You deserved better.
Here's what to do next.
What Happened to SmileDirectClub?
SDC filed for bankruptcy. Operations shut down. Thousands of patients were left mid-treatment.
The company's model depended on minimal professional oversight. That created regulatory problems and, for many patients, dental problems.
This isn't about bashing. It's about facts.
Why At-Home Aligners Seemed Like a Good Idea
The promise was attractive.
Convenience. No office visits. Treatment from home.
Lower upfront cost. Seemingly cheaper than orthodontist care.
Remote monitoring. App-based tracking.
What patients actually got: algorithm-generated treatment, minimal professional oversight, and no one to call when things went wrong.
The Problem with No Professional Oversight
Orthodontists are specialists for a reason. Years of training focused on tooth movement.
Teeth moving incorrectly cause damage. Roots can resorb. Gums can recede. Bites can worsen.
No X-rays means hidden problems get missed. Cavities. Gum disease. Bone loss.
No physical exam means wrong treatment. The algorithm doesn't see your whole picture.
Your Real Options Now
Clear aligners (clear aligners) with an orthodontist. Professional supervision at every visit. Custom treatment planning. Removable. Nearly invisible. The same discretion SDC promised, done properly.
Lingual braces (InSmile Braces). Completely invisible. Fixed. No compliance worries. 100% professional oversight.
Clear ceramic braces. Less visible than metal. Fixed treatment. In-person care throughout.
All options include: real examinations, X-rays, custom planning, and someone who answers when you call.
Why Orthodontist-Supervised Treatment Is Better
Real examinations. Not photo uploads. Hands-on assessment.
X-rays. Seeing the whole picture. Roots, bone, everything.
Custom planning. Designed by an expert, not generated by algorithm.
Regular adjustments. Problems caught early.
Someone to call. That's the one thing SDC couldn't offer.
The Cost Question
At-home seemed cheaper. But SDC patients who had problems ended up paying more. Corrective treatment costs more than doing it right the first time.
Orthodontist treatment has predictable cost. Financing is available. Insurance may help.
See our clear aligners cost and lingual braces cost pages for specifics.
What to Look for After SDC
Board-certified orthodontist. Not a general dentist.
Experience with adult patients.
Discreet options available. We offer both clear aligners and lingual braces.
Transparent pricing. No surprise fees.
Flexible scheduling. We work around your calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to my SmileDirectClub treatment?
SDC filed for bankruptcy and closed. If your treatment was incomplete, the company no longer exists to fulfill it.
Are at-home aligners ever a good idea?
Professional oversight is essential for safe tooth movement. Without it, problems can develop that are expensive to fix.
Is orthodontist treatment more expensive?
The upfront cost is higher. But professional supervision means catching problems early, and you have someone to fix anything that goes wrong.
What discreet options do you offer?
Clear aligners and InSmile Braces (lingual braces). Both are discreet. Both have professional supervision at every step.
How do I verify an orthodontist is qualified?
Ask about board certification and residency training. We're happy to share credentials.
Ready to see what's possible? Book a free consultation and let's finish what SDC started — the right way.
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Complimentary consultations at both locations. No pressure, no commitment — just clarity about your options.