Treatment FAQ

smile direct what to do with the trays after treatment

by Rocio Gislason Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Use a pump of BrightByte foam right into your aligner or retainer trays. Spread out the foam uniformly to cover the within the aligners. Put the aligners over your teeth and set about your day. 4. Retainers & Aftercare. After treatment, you will receive a tailor-made retainer that guarantees your teeth remain in area.

Full Answer

Will my teeth shift after SmileDirectClub treatment?

Wearing a retainer is the only way to prevent your teeth from shifting once your treatment is complete. SmileDirectClub is typically much less expensive than Invisalign or traditional braces, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. For the first year or so after SmileDirectClub treatment, your teeth will can shift rapidly without proper aftercare.

What happens after SmileDirectClub treatments?

While SmileDirectClub’s procedures differ vastly from traditional orthodontics, what you do after treatment is pretty much the same. It’s up to you to maintain your new smile once you finish your aligner plan, and if you want your results to last a lifetime, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place.

Do I need a retainer after SmileDirectClub treatment?

While SmileDirectClub’s procedures differ vastly from traditional orthodontics, what you do after treatment is pretty much the same. It’s up to you to maintain your new smile once you finish your aligner plan, and if you want your results to last a lifetime, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Why Do I Need a Retainer?

How long does SmileDirectClub take to straighten your smile?

SmileDirectClub has two treatment options: original aligners or Nighttime Aligners. The original aligners can straighten your smile in four to six months and should be worn 22 hours a day. They’re ideal for customers who want an expedited straightening treatment.

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What do you do with old aligners smile direct?

Get off to a risk-free start. If you decide SmileDirectClub aligners aren't for you within the first 30 days of use, we'll refund your cost 100%. Even after the first 30 days, you can return your unused aligners for a prorated refund. That's our promise to you.

How long do I keep my smile direct aligners in?

4-6 monthsFirst, SmileDirectClub aligners are a series of doctor-directed, custom-fitting plastic trays that help straighten teeth that need mild to moderate adjustment, for up to 60% less than braces. And our average treatment time is 4-6 months. Here's what else you should know about using our clear aligners.

How do I send back SmileDirectClub impression kit?

Contact our customer care team at 800-848-7566 to initiate the return process. SmileDirectClub needs proof of shipment to honor a refund, so please use a trackable carrier like FedEx or UPS.

Do you brush your teeth after SmileDirectClub?

Remember to brush your teeth after eating and before popping your aligners back in. Never use bleach, alcohol, or other harsh cleaning agents. Skip the boiling water, too, which can warp your aligners.

Can I use my last set of aligners as a retainer?

So, is it a good idea to use the last set of aligners as retainers to keep teeth in place? “Aligners lose their integrity fairly quickly. It is OK to use an aligner as a retainer for 3-4 weeks, but after that the aligner plastic starts to wear down and can break.

Can I bite down on my aligners?

By biting down on chewies a few times a day for 5-10 minutes at a time, you will help seat the aligner, which means the aligner fits tightly against your teeth. Using chewies regularly will increase the likelihood that you will finish treatment on time.

Is there a lawsuit against SmileDirectClub?

The California case was one of three SmileDirectClub filed against licensing boards made up of industry professionals, rather than state regulators, in 2018 and 2019. District court judges in Alabama and Georgia allowed those cases to proceed, and the 11th Circuit affirmed last year.

Can I vape with SmileDirectClub?

Still, SmileDirectClub gets this question a lot. And we know it can be difficult to quit smoking. Or you may be using vaping as a way to help you quit. Regardless, it's still not advised to smoke or vape while wearing your aligners.

Can I change my smile direct aligners early?

Your orthodontist is going to give you a schedule of when you need to change your aligners. Don't ignore it. Don't think you can wait a few more days before changing them or that you can change them a day or two early. Changing them early or late can harm the overall treatment.

How often should I soak my aligners?

once dailyYou'll need to clean your Invisalign aligners every day. Food and bacteria can build up quickly on the trays, so frequent cleaning is a must to keep them clear and smelling fresh. You'll want to soak your trays at least once daily. You can rinse them more often depending on how often you eat and take them out.

Can you put aligners in mouthwash?

It is recommended that you use an antimicrobial mouthwash when you are wearing Invisalign because the aligners can increase bacterial activity in the mouth. After you have cleaned your teeth and your Invisalign aligners, you can put them back in your mouth.

Why do my aligners smell?

Many Invisalign patients complain that their aligners begin to smell bad throughout the day. The reason why that is happening is because the dry saliva and plaque that builds up creates the perfect home for bacteria, causing this foul smell. To avoid this, simply brush your aligners every time you take them out!

How long will I need to wear my retainers all day?

You will gradually decrease the number of hours you wear your retainers per day. Most SmileDirectClub patients only need to wear them all day for t...

How often do I need to replace my retainers?

It depends on the type. SmileDirectClub suggests you replace theirs twice a year, while you’ll need to replace other types every 2 to 7 years.

How quickly will my teeth start to move if I don’t wear aligners?

This depends on how long it’s been since you finished treatment. Early on, even 12 hours can make a big difference. If you finished aligner treatme...

Can retainers damage my teeth?

Retainers that are well made and properly maintained should never harm your teeth. Make sure you get yours from a reputable provider and follow the...

Can my retainers get damaged?

Yes, usually by foods that are too hard, crunchy, or sticky. Heat can also hurt them, so keep removable retainers out of the heat and sun.

How do I clean my retainers?

This varies between retainer types. You can (and should) brush any of them with a regular toothbrush. If you get fixed retainers, you also need to...

What if my retainer is too tight?

If it is a new retainer, it might just feel tight. Wait a day for your teeth to adjust. If it is an old retainer that feels tight, chances are you...

Where should I put my retainers when I’m not wearing them?

Every time you remove them, put them in their protective case. Never place them where they can get damaged or lost, such as in pockets, bags, or na...

How can online retainer companies make sure their products fit my teeth?

They use molds of your teeth, the same process as the initial impression kit. They’ll mail you putty and trays so you can take impressions of your...

Are mail-order retainers risky?

As with any product, we encourage you to do your research and verify that the companies you’re considering are legitimate and have lots of satisfie...

How long do SmileDirectClub aligners last?

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.

What is a smile guide?

SmileGuides come from a variety of backgrounds and are trained to efficiently and accurately capture a 3D image of your smile. Many of our SmileGuides are registered dental assistants, dental hygienists, or home health aides. We actively monitor and evaluate the quality of their work—including your experience.

How long does it take for aligners to go away?

It is a sign that your aligners are working, gently moving your teeth to their final destination. This soreness should gradually go away after the first few days of wearing new aligners. If the pain doesn't go away, contact our customer care team at 800-848-7566.

Can you get a refund for a 3D impression?

Yes, after we receive your impressions or 3D image, we create a custom treatment plan which shows a before and after 3D visualization 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.

Can you get a new smile if you have a dentist?

Yes. Your new smile will be reviewed, modified (if necessary), and approved by a state licensed dentist or orthodontist. This ensures your new smile is improved and aligns within the "Standards of Care.". For more details, read our blog post.

Is SmileDirectclub refundable?

The licensed dentist or orthodontist assigned to you will assess your smile and determine if SmileDirectClub aligners are the best fit for you. If they determine they're not the best fit for your needs, the cost of your impression kit or scan is fully refundable.

What do you get after Invisalign treatment?

The first thing that every Invisalign treatment plan patient will receive after their Invisalign treatment is completed is an Invisalign retainer.

How to avoid getting food stuck in retainers?

Another important step, especially with clear plastic retainers. In order to avoid getting food stuck inside retainers, they should be removed while eating. Once an individual is done eating, they should brush their teeth, rinse their retainer and place it back into their mouth.

What is a clear plastic retainer?

Clear Plastic Retainers. These are similar in appearance to the Invisalign treatment trays but are composed of tougher material. A Vivera clear Retainer will slip over the teeth in the same way Invisalign trays do. Since nothing goes over the roof of the mouth, is easier for individuals to speak while wearing them.

Why is Invisalign not working?

This cannot work due to the fact that the trays are not made for long term wear and can become weakened over time.

How to clean a retainer?

The first is that an individual can thoroughly scrub their retainer using soap and water. The other option is purchasing tablets that are specifically made for cleaning retainers.

Can you drink hot water while wearing a retainer?

With clear plastic retainers, hot beverages should not be consumed while the retainer is inside the mouth. The heat from the beverage can melt the retainer so it no longer fits properly over the teeth. 3. Avoiding Harmful Actions. While you wear your retainer can save teeth from several harmful damages.

I moved on to M1W2 a day early, but they are so tight I'm afraid I'm hurting my teeth more than helping. Should I go back to W1?

Last night, I moved on to my M1W2 set a day early because my M1W1 set was feeling pretty loose (plus, this week it would have been inconvenient for me to switch on Friday night like I was supposed to). They are very tight, and my teeth feel almost numb. I had to skip breakfast because I couldn't even get the bottom set off.

Is my bite forever ruined after SDC aligners? (photos)

I just did 5 months treatment with Smile Direct Club aligners. I have four veneers at the top of my mouth. I got the aligners to fix my bottom teeth primarily and make my top teeth a little less rounded. The bottom teeth are fixed, great. However, I feel like my top teeth have been shifted awkwardly.

What options do I have to fix my bite where two teeth are hitting each other and causing pain?

I finished treatment with Smile Direct Club (SDC) and my teeth are straight, but the upper left and lower left central incisors are hitting each other and causing pain. I contacted SDC and was told to ask my dentist to perform an occlusal equilibration procedure. My dentist said this procedure would not help and SDC screwed up my bite.

Aligners caused gap between teeth? 1 year into SmileDirectClub, is there a reason for this? (photo)

Im a year and several months into my clear aligner treatment. (Smile direct club) just within the last few weeks ive noticed this gap between my top two front teeth that was never there before. Is there an legitimate reason why this would be part of my plan to straighten my one canine? Or could something be going wrong?

Will filing my aligners too much effect my treatment?

I am experiencing a lot of pain from my aligners from digging into my gums causing bleeding and a sore where the aligner is touching. I have to file it down quite a bit to avoid irritation. I'm worried however that I'm filing to much on the aligners and I'm not going to get the results I'm looking for.

I'm on month 5 of 7: I haven't really noticed any difference in my teeth

My bottom teeth are still very crooked. If I'm not happy with my results at the end can I just stop paying for the treatment or do I have to keep paying them? I really doubt my teeth will shift in the last 2months that r left.

Will my teeth not show as much after this? (Photos)

I just got a midcourse correction plan for my teeth (smile direct club) because my one canine wasn't moving anymore like it should. In this new plan i noticed that they are now also moving my front teeth up as well. I already don't have a very big smile as it is. Im afraid moving my teeth up will make them show even less.

All done!

Hello all! I would like to update everyone on my SDC journey. I completed my last (18th) tray sometime in May. As you can see from my pictures, my bottom teeth are perfectly straight now! I am so happy! I browsed through some of the other reviews on Realself..

Tray 9 and tray 13 (out of 18)

Hello all! I'm about to finish my 5th month of 6 soon, so I'd like to share with you some updates with my progress. I think the photo evidence I have provided here tells it all! Look at the progress between month 3 and 5!! I can't believe it! I was kinda disappointed with the lack of visible progress in my first 3 months (9 trays), but once month 4 hit I began to see a lot of improvement! I just put in my last tray for month 5 (very tight), and I think my bottom teeth are near perfect.

5th tray - What I've learned

So I have just switched to my 5th tray (of 18). I’ve included a picture of my bottom teeth, where the most work is going. I don’t notice much of a difference yet. I will include a list of things that I have learned during my first month of treatment. I hope this helps you all! 1. My treatment begins by pushing all my teeth forward.

How often do SmileDirectClub customers send pictures of their teeth?

A few weeks later, she received dental aligners and followed the instructions to send in photos of her mouth every 90 days. SmileDirectClub told her the treatment would be reviewed remotely by one ...

How long did Dr. Harwood stop his dental treatment?

Harwood said that he stopped his treatment after about 3 months, before the 90-day mark when customers are asked to send photos of their mouths to SmileDirectClub to monitor progress. He also said that he tried to get in touch with his assigned dentist, but that he was unable to do so.

Why did Anna Rosemond get braces?

Rosemond eventually got braces to correct her crossbite and straighten her teeth. Courtesy of Anna Rosemond. But NBC News hidden cameras recorded employees at SmileDirectClub shops in Ohio, New Jersey and Alabama advising potential customers they didn’t have to see a dentist before starting treatment.

Is SmileDirectClub a dentist?

Greenspon-Rammelt said that SmileDirectClub's network of dentists, not the company itself, is responsible for treatment plans , but said that undesirable results could occur if patients aren’t adhering to the program correctly.

Who is the legal officer of SmileDirectClub?

SmileDirectClub said that they can't comment on individual cases like Rosemond's and Harwood's because of privacy concerns, but the company's chief legal officer, Susan Greenspon-Rammelt, said the company has helped more than 750,000 people with its network of licensed dental professionals.

Can you move your teeth without supervision?

Dr. Chung Kau, chairman and professor of orthodontics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said moving teeth without in-person supervision can lead to permanent harm. Problems with a person’s bite aren’t just cosmetic. “If you can't get a proper bite, that affects the entire function of your jaw,” Kau said.

Does SmileDirectClub require a confidentiality agreement?

If customers can show the treatment didn’t work and want a refund outside the return window, SmileDirectClub requires they sign a confidentiality agreement, raising the possibility that there may be more complaints than have been made public.

How long does it take to get straight teeth with SmileDirect?

SmileDirectClub straightens most smiles in an average of 4-6 months, but the exact length of your plan is up to the state-licensed dentist or orthodontist overseeing your case.

How long does it take for smile aligners to arrive?

Your aligners typically arrive at your doorstep in 4–5 weeks. Here are a few ideas for what you can do while you wait for your aligners.

How long does it take to get a smileshop appointment?

A SmileShop appointment takes about 30 minutes and is completely free. (And we’ll send you home with a SmileDirectClub swag bag.) Find the SmileShop nearest to you and schedule your free appointment here.

How long does it take to get your impressions?

Taking your impressions is easy and only takes about 30 minutes from the comfort of your own home. Mail them back to us using the included prepaid label, and we’ll start creating your smile plan as soon as we receive and approve your impressions.

How long does it take to get a retainer?

Retainers are custom-made for your new smile and take 2–3 weeks to get to you. Wear your very first retainer set all the time for 2 weeks, just like you would your aligners.

How long does it take for SmileDirectClub to straighten your teeth?

SmileDirectClub has two treatment options: original aligners or Nighttime Aligners. The original aligners can straighten your smile in four to six months and should be worn 22 hours a day. They’re ideal for customers who want an expedited straightening treatment.

How long does it take for SmileDirect to ship aligners?

Customers can choose between regular SmileDirectClub aligners, which require 22 hours per day of wear, or Nighttime Aligners, which you wear for 10 hours at night.

How does SmileDirectClub work?

SmileDirectClub provides customers with an affordable way to improve their smile with its invisible braces. Each treatment plan is crafted by a licensed dentist or orthodontist, and customers receive regular virtual visits during treatment. SmileDirectClub offers two ways to pay: upfront or monthly over 24 months. Its program is less expensive than traditional braces.

How long does a whitening pen last?

Includes eight pens for an entire full year of whitening. Provides two full one-week treatments. Results from each week-long treatment lasts for up to six months. Helps remove tough teeth stains. Includes LED light for maximum visibility.

Does SmileDirectClub cover orthodontics?

SmileDirectClub works with most insurers who cover orthodontic treatments, including UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. If you have questions about your coverage, SmileDirectClub can contact your insurer and give you information about your benefits.

Is there a risk with SmileDirectClub?

There is no risk to learning if you are a candidate for treatment with SmileDirectClub, and the company includes a Lifetime Smile Guarantee. Though some have reported poor results, SmileDirectClub works to resolve those issues.

Does SmileDirectClub have a dentist?

Yes. Every SmileDirectClub treatment is completely prescribed, directed and managed by state-licensed doctors who have at least five years of experience in in-person aligner therapy. Customers get regular virtual appointments with dental professionals and have 24/7 access to SmileDirectClub’s dental care team.

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