We all have things we don’t really love about ourselves. We typically grow out of some of those things over time. Others we grow to actually love. And some, well, some we choose to change. I’ve always had a pretty sizeable gap in between my two front teeth. Some might say it’s not a big deal, but to me it was. It never stopped me from smiling wide (smiling is my favorite, after all! 😁), but any time I’d see a picture of myself, I’d notice the gap first. Such is life, amiright?
My teeth were otherwise pretty straight, so expensive and relatively unnecessary orthodonture wasn’t really on the table growing up. My dentist always had very nice things to say about my teeth. While I’m sure we could have ventured down the orthodonture route if we so chose on our own, it was never recommended by my primary dentist. And in a family with five kids, we certainly weren’t seeking out expensive cosmetic treatments. (That being said, it’s not even something I ever even thought to ask for. I’m sure had I asked, my parents would have done all they could to gather information and explore the options.)
Fast forward to now. A few months after my 32nd birthday, I decided that I was tired of feeling self-conscious. I’m not one to spend a lot of money on clothes, shoes, or beauty treatments (though I am a nail polish junky through and through), so when I started my research and found that Smile Direct Club makes is so easy to afford, I was intrigued. What finally sold me on the deal was when I discovered that though it’s a teledentistry program, they use the same scanning technology and process that is used for Invisalign.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH SMILE DIRECT CLUB
I’m going to cut to the chase here. Smile Direct Club has some polarizing reviews. Sure, teledentistry can seem risky–but if you do your due diligence, it can really work for you. It goes without saying (though they are sure to say it, over and over and over again), you should absolutely be seeing your regular dentist before, during, and after your treatment plan. You should also be sure to tell your dentist that you’re going through the treatment. I know some have really negative feelings about the program, but I also know plenty of dentists think it’s a great option. Funnily, those same dentists also seem to be the ones who don’t offer Invisalign through their practices… (That’s just my observation.)
From day one, I have had a positive experience. The only even slightly annoying thing I’ve encountered through my entire journey thus far was that I was taken back for my scan at the Smile Shop 30 minutes after my scheduled appointment. If you know me, you know how much I hate wasting time. But even still, they got me in and out quickly–and never once did I feel rushed.
MY SMILE DIRECT JOURNEY TIMELINE
- My scan appointment at the smile shop was on Friday, September 21, 2018.
- I received my 3D scan for review on Monday, September 24
- My aligners shipped on October 12, 2018
- I received my aligners on October 15, 2018
- I started my treatment on October 15, 2018
- I am scheduled to complete my treatment on March 3, 2019
INVISIBLE ALIGNER “ON THE GO” KIT
I don’t leave the house much, but when I do, I always take my little travel kit with me. (Yes, even if I’m just running to the gas station or to Target–you never know what can come up!) My kit includes:
- A travel toothbrush
- My smile direct club case (some like to keep this in the house–but if you watch the video down below, I just leave my aligners on the table or kitchen counter unless they’re soaking. I’d rather do that at HOME than accidentally lose them while I’m out.)
- SDC issued “chewie” (These are used to “seat” your aligners. If I’m being honest–I’ve never HAD to use one of these. I do chew on one for a few seconds when switching to a new tray–but that’s mostly just for good measure.)
- Lip balm (The SDC balm is thebomb.com)
- Travel toothpaste
- Mouthwash (I just continue to refill this little guy up from my big one at home.)
- Travel floss/picks
- Colgate Wisps (I also keep a bag of these in my car. They’re not ideal–but DEFINITELY come in handy in a pinch. I also have some around the house because the little pick on the end is great for getting stuff out of my teeth before brushing/putting my aligners back in.)
A DAY IN THE LIFE WITH INVISIBLE BRACES + AN IN-DEPTH Q&A
To find out how much it costs and the answers to all your questions, check out the video below!
IS SMILE DIRECT RIGHT FOR YOU?
It just might be! I’ve had a really easy and positive experience thus far. (At the time of writing this post, I am on Month 4, week 4, day 6 of a 5-month treatment plan). If you’re ready to get started, you can use my referral link and code to receive 50% off your at home impression kit OR to schedule a free Smile Shop scan!
CODE: AMB5MKDTSEQAPB
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