SmileDirectClub will offer its clear aligners through the wholesale channel, providing dentists and orthodontists with an in-office option. It will support this new distribution channel through its existing clear aligner manufacturing operation in Antioch, Tennessee, which the company says is the largest 3-D printing facility in the United States. SmileDirectClub also will open a second manufacturing facility in Kyle, Texas, in 2020 to meet increased demand.
“We have seen increasing demand from the dentists and orthodontists in our network who wish to provide SmileDirectClub clear aligners to their in-office patients, and with our agreement with Align Technology now expired, we are no longer obligated to stay in the direct-to-consumer channel,” said SmileDirectClub cofounder Alex Fenkell. “We’re excited to expand our offering and welcome new providers to add an important and needed offering to their suite of services.”
“Clear aligner therapy technology advances now enable patients who otherwise would not have been candidates in the past to avoid the discomfort and time commitment of traditional metal braces,” said Dr. Jeffrey Sulitzer, SmileDirectClub chief clinical officer.
“Of the more than 200,000 licensed dentists and orthodontists in the United States, only an estimated 30% offer clear aligner therapy in their offices. We are looking forward to opening our network to providers who wish to join us in our mission to broaden access to premium care at an affordable price,” Sulitzer said.
SmileDirectClub’s clear aligners are designed to correct mild to moderate malocclusion. All aligners are registered with the US Food and Drug Administration and produced at certified US manufacturing facilities using BPA-free materials. The average treatment plan for SmileDirectClub aligners is only six months, according to the company.
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