Does Insurance Cover Smile Direct and What You Need to Know

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Smile Direct is a popular option for straightening teeth, but many people are left wondering if their insurance will cover the cost. Fortunately, Smile Direct is considered a cosmetic procedure, which means it's not typically covered by dental insurance.

However, some insurance plans may cover Smile Direct if it's deemed medically necessary, such as for teeth alignment issues caused by a misaligned bite. This is a grey area, and it's best to check with your insurance provider to see if they have any specific coverage for Smile Direct.

Smile Direct's cost is typically around $1,850 for the entire treatment, which includes the aligners and any necessary adjustments. This cost can be a significant burden for many people, which is why it's essential to understand your insurance coverage before committing to the treatment.

Insurance Coverage

SmileDirectClub offers a way to check your coverage for their aligners, which may be convenient. You'll need to provide your email address and telephone number, and agree to potential marketing text messages and phone calls.

Insurance Agent Sitting Next to Smiling Clients
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Some insurance policies will cover some or all of the cost of aligners from SmileDirectClub, up to $500. You should contact your insurance company first to confirm coverage.

The company's introduction to SmileDirectClub actually came through UnitedHealthcare's relationship with Warby Parker. This partnership shows that insurance companies are open to working with new businesses.

Warby Parker cofounder Dave Gilboa advises other companies to "really understand the motivations of different insurance carriers" when seeking reimbursement. This means finding insurance companies that might be motivated to work with a more nimble business.

Aetna's president, Jerry Dioguardi, believes that covering services like SmileDirectClub helps the insurance business transition to a consumer-centric approach. This means making the case to consumers that the insurance is valuable.

SmileDirectClub has big physical expansion plans with CVS Health, which acquired Aetna last year. This partnership will allow patients to get a 3D image of their teeth taken at a "SmileShop" in the pharmacy.

SmileDirectClub Overview

Decorative cardboard illustration of signboard with Insurance title under umbrella in rain on blue background
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SmileDirectClub is a popular online dental service that offers affordable and convenient teeth straightening options. They're known for their clear aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth.

SmileDirectClub was founded in 2014 by Alex Fenkell and Jordan Katzman, with the goal of making orthodontic treatment more accessible and affordable for people of all ages.

Their at-home teeth straightening kits are available for adults and teens, and can be purchased with a one-time payment or through a monthly payment plan.

SmileDirectClub has treated over 1 million patients since its inception, with a reported success rate of 95% or higher.

Their clear aligners are designed to be worn for 22 hours a day, and are typically replaced every 1-2 weeks as your teeth move into place.

Comparison and Cost

Smile Direct Club is a popular option for straightening teeth, but the cost can be a concern. The average cost of Smile Direct Club is around $1,850 to $2,300.

Close-up image of an insurance policy with a magnifying glass, money, and toy car.
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Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific plan and provider. In fact, some insurance plans may cover up to 50% of the cost, depending on the details of the plan.

However, it's essential to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage, as each plan is unique.

Smile Direct Club vs Invisalign

Smile Direct Club was founded in 2014 by Jordan Katzman and Alex Fenkell, two friends who were tired of dealing with insecurities about their orthodontics in college.

Smile Direct Club has experienced rapid growth, becoming the most successful at-home aligner system and a serious competitor to Invisalign.

The company has helped over a million people achieve the smile they deserve, and its mid-tier pricing makes it more affordable than Invisalign, with potential savings of up to 60% on the cost of Invisalign treatment.

Smile Direct Club Cost

You can get started with Smile Direct Club for $59 by ordering an impression kit. Alternatively, you can visit a Smile Shop location for a free scan of your teeth.

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Smile Direct Club charges $1,950 for the aligners, but they offer financing options to make it more affordable. You can take your system on credit with Smile Pay financing.

With Smile Pay financing, you'll need to make a down payment of $250 and 24 monthly installments of $89. This financing option doesn't require a credit check.

Benefits and Advantages

Smile Direct Club offers a range of benefits and advantages that make it an attractive option for those looking to straighten their teeth.

One of the most significant advantages is the cost, which is a third to a quarter of the cost of Invisalign.

The at-home teeth straightening process also means no trips to the orthodontist, which can be a major convenience for those with busy schedules.

Smile Direct Club's in-house financing options are also available, making it easier to fit the treatment into your budget.

Insurance covers a large part of the treatment costs, which can help make the treatment more affordable.

Here are some of the key benefits of Smile Direct Club:

  • Affordable smile correction.
  • Free teeth whitening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What insurance does smile solutions take?

We accept all PPO insurance plans. Our knowledgeable staff will help you understand your coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.

Which is cheaper, Smile Direct or Invisalign?

Smile Direct Club's invisible aligners are generally cheaper, starting at $1,850, compared to Invisalign which starts at $3,000. However, Invisalign offers a 0% interest payment plan that may make it more affordable.

How much is SmileDirectClub without insurance?

SmileDirectClub starts at $1,850 per treatment, but costs may vary depending on your specific dental needs. If you have severe misalignment, you may want to consider other options.

Ruben Quitzon

Lead Assigning Editor

Ruben Quitzon is a seasoned assigning editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in finance and journalism, Ruben has honed his expertise in covering complex topics with clarity and precision. Throughout his career, Ruben has assigned and edited articles on a wide range of topics, including the banking sectors of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

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