Have you heard about DIY, cheap at-home clear aligners?
SmileDirectClub made big promises about affordable, convenient teeth straightening — only to leave thousands of unhappy customers with complaints, unresolved issues, and damaged smiles.
After filing for bankruptcy, SmileDirectClub shut down… but now they’re back under a new name.
What You Need to Know
If you’re considering at-home clear aligners, you’ll want to hear this! DIY teeth straightening might sound easy and affordable, but it comes with serious risks that could leave you paying far more in the end.
Here’s why you should think twice before trusting any mail-order teeth aligners with your smile — and why real orthodontic treatment with a board-certified orthodontist at Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics, is the safest, smartest choice.
Let’s not forget:
- SmileDirectClub racked up 1,762 complaints with the Better Business Bureau in just three years.
- They were sued for misleading customers and manipulating online reviews to cover up negative experiences.
- Patients reported severe dental damage, including advanced gum disease, misaligned bites, and permanent tooth loss.
The Dangers of DIY Clear Aligners
Mail-order aligners to provide “doctor-directed” treatment, but here’s the truth:
- You never actually meet your orthodontist in person.
- Your impressions are done at home, leaving room for major errors.
- No one is checking your progress in person to ensure your teeth are moving safely.
A poorly fitted aligner can cause irreversible damage, leading to tooth loss, gum recession, bite misalignment, and costly corrective treatment. What seemed like a cheap alternative to Invisalign® or custom orthodontic care could turn into a dental nightmare — and a much bigger bill in the long run.
The Real Cost of Cheap Aligners
Many SmileDirectClub customers unfortunately found that DIY aligners come with hidden costs:
- Many were forced to pay for expensive repairs after their treatment went wrong.
- Some had to restart treatment with a real orthodontist, doubling their expenses.
- Refunds? Nearly impossible to get, even when aligners didn’t fit properly.
The Safe, Rewarding Choice
With Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics in Lake Mary or Longwood, you don’t have to take risks. At-home aligners may sound convenient, but we offer a 100% digital experience — meaning you can get the convenience of “at-home aligners” with a trusted and experienced doctor.
We offer affordable, high-quality Invisalign treatment with flexible financing that makes expert, orthodontic care accessible to everyone:
- 0% interest in-house financing
- CareCredit and Lending Club financing
- All orthodontic treatments (braces & Invisalign) are the same price here
- We accept most insurances! It covers more than you may think.
At Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics, we believe affordability shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. We offer high-quality, doctor-supervised orthodontic care at an accessible price — without cutting corners.
Skip the Risks. Choose Safe, Guaranteed Results with Wiewiora & Dunn Orthodontics.
If you’re thinking about DIY aligners or wondering Can you order Invisalign online?—remember, nothing replaces the skill and expertise of a real, experienced orthodontist.
With Dr. Wiewiora and Dr. Dunn, you’ll get:
- A personalized treatment plan designed for long-term success
- Supervised care to ensure safe tooth movement
- A trusted, local team who truly cares about your smile
Don’t take shortcuts with your smile — choose the expert care you deserve. Book a complimentary consultation at our orthodontic offices in Longwood or Lake Mary and get started on a smile that’s safe, healthy, and life-lasting.
