SmileDirectClub has partnered with Smile Brands Inc and its 450 affiliated dental practices across 18 states to allow consumers to begin their clear aligner journey in the dental chair, according to the companies.
In January 2020, SmileDirectClub launched its SmileDirectClub Partner Network direct-to-office treatment model to create an additional path for consumers to begin clear aligner treatment with the company and its telehealth platform.
“Our partnership with Smile Brands and its affiliated practices is a key step in our continued mission to increase access to affordable, accessible care,” said David Katzman, chief executive officer and chairman at SmileDirectClub.
“Dentists across the country want the ability to offer SmileDirectClub clear aligner therapy to their patients, and a segment of consumers prefer to start their journey in their regular dentist’s office,” said Katzman.
“Until now, the in-office clear aligner therapy solution offered by dentists and orthodontists has required too high a cost and time commitment for many patients. They can now offer a more cost-effective and equally efficacious and safe option to patients through our telehealth platform,” he said.
The partnership will enable Smile Brands’ affiliated doctors to offer SmileDirectClub clear aligner treatment with a 3-D scan or physical impression performed in the office and treatment completed using the SDC telehealth platform. It will provide three ways for customers to get started on their treatment:
- With a 3-D scan or dental impression performed at a Smile Brands’ affiliated dentist or orthodontist office
- At one of SmileDirectClub’s SmileShops
- With a doctor-prescribed at-home impression kit
Regardless of how the treatment begins, it is prescribed and monitored remotely by state-licensed dentists and orthodontists from start to finish using SmileDirectClub’s teledentistry platform, the companies said.
“We are dedicated to making it easier for dental professionals to provide access to affordable oral healthcare, and being the launch partner for the SmileDirectClub Partner Network furthers that mission,” said Steve Bilt, chief executive officer at Smile Brands Inc.
“Many patients are excluded from traditional orthodontic care by cost and the challenge of missing work or school for frequent office visits. I believe this places unnecessary long-term economic and social limitations on people,” Bilt said.
“This partnership enables us to meet a growing patient need while saving valuable chair time for our affiliated dental practices—a win-win for both patient and practice,” he said.
“Our partnership with SmileDirectClub will also introduce hundreds of new patients to our dental offices to affordably address any other oral health needs they have as they start their teeth straightening journey at Smile Brands,” Bilt said.
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