Invisible Braces - Smile Direct, Byte, etc.

ReverseKanga on 08/03/2021 - 11:30

Anyone here tried any of the direct to consumer invisible braces/aligner companies before?

My dentist recommend I try invisible braces/aligners, but quoted around $6000.

Had a look at a few of the online ones and they're just under $3000.

They seem like good value but I'm wondering about any issues with not seeing a dentist/orthodontist regularly to check progress and other potential issues.

There are a few warnings for dental associations, but I'm wondering if they focus on unlikely worst case scenarios.

Curious to see if anyone has any firsthand experience with it.

Health & Beauty Dental

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2021 - 11:33

    Maybe shop around at different dentists. I was quoted $7000 at one dentist and found another for the same Invisilign treatment for $5000. I’d be wary of ones where you don’t get regular progress checkups.

    • ReverseKanga on 08/03/2021 - 14:39

      How did you go about getting different quotes?

      Did you have to pay for an appointment just to get a quote?

      • serpserpserp on 08/03/2021 - 16:07

        Did you have to pay for an appointment just to get a quote?

        Of course. They need to assess your teeth before they give you a quote.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2021 - 16:27

        I actually just called around different dentists in my area and some out of area to compare. Probably 10 all up. Told them what I wanted fixed and some even quoted up to $10,000.
        You also don’t pay upfront. You pay a deposit, mine was $2000. Then with each appointment to get the next tray you pay a certain amount. I’m pretty sure most dentist don’t charge a fee to get a quote if you do it in person. Ask them when you call.

        • ReverseKanga on 08/03/2021 - 17:20

          Thanks mate, I think I'll take the approach of calling around and asking for a rough estimate and go from there.

          I don't have an issue with a deposit/paying all at once, I just don't want to pay for a consultation fee for every quote I get.

  • SF3 on 08/03/2021 - 12:48
    +1

    DIY dental… I won't risk it, it is not home improvement DIY, where you goto bunnings to get tools. If you mess up… I would imagine you'll be paying a lot more and the pain of fixing it.

  • Unorthodox on 08/03/2021 - 12:58
    +1

    Terrible idea to use those especially as they were put on notice after using social media influencers to spruik it.

    Even with Invisalign where it's created centrally, your dentist will still be review your individual case and note any small movements, potential adjustments to the timeline and long term results.

    $6k is quite reasonable, my ceramic braces back in the days cost about $7k with a no interest payment plan and I could get any fixes waived.

  • iNeed2Pee on 08/03/2021 - 13:14

    My misso is currently going through the invisible aligners. They are through her dentist who use a company in Melbourne called Smile Styler.
    Made in Victoria.

    Smile Styler don't make the entire pack unlike the other companies. It will depend on your treatment, they make about 6 at a time and allow for adjustments at the dentist if needed then send that information back to SS if anything needed to change.

    Cost her $5,500 and the results are impeccable.

    Everyone is different. So it won't really be a one size fits all. I would avoid Smile Direct. Class action at the moment with them: https://www.classaction.org/smile-direct-club-lawsuit
    https://www.businessinsider.com.au/smiledirectclub-sues-nbc-…

    • ReverseKanga on 08/03/2021 - 17:21

      Thanks for the comment, I'm definitely going to steer clear of the online options.

  • Adredocto on 08/03/2021 - 14:46

    Yeah avoid smile direct. I did the in person scan which was fine but didn't go through with purchase cos it felt too suss.

    If you look at all the online reviews they are really positive for the shop front part (staff there are just sales people with no actual power to influence corporate system) but then fairly terrible for those that actually bought the braces.

    Everything is handled offshore and I read plenty of horror stories about people paying upfront and receiving minimal support after the dollars were paid.

  • Settero on 08/03/2021 - 14:48

    where is your dentist located ? the cost varys depending on area tends to be CBD's are more expensive.
    have you gone to another orthodontist to get some quotes ? you dont need to use your dentist for this.

    • ReverseKanga on 08/03/2021 - 16:39

      The dentist I've been seeing is in a flashy area near the CBD (Newstead in Brisbane).

      My concern with getting other quotes was that I'd have to pay for the initial consultation, and I don't want to do that just to get a quote, but this doesn't seem to be true.

      • buckethat on 08/03/2021 - 17:45

        Most place will offer free consultation. Had one a few weeks ago, quoted $7500, quite expensive so I'm probably gonna shop around.

  • jasonlah on 08/03/2021 - 15:11

    There is a difference between cheap and good value. Online or DIY orthodontics or clear aligners are cheap for a reason. They have take no responsibility to what happens to your mouth if something goes wrong.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcMI3aT8jLs

  • cille745 on 08/03/2021 - 15:15

    You really get what you pay for when it comes to orthodontics, but the general rule with Invisalign and the like is that you'll pay around 50% more and it'll take twice as long. Wouldn't even consider a DIY place.

    Invisalign checkups are also far more frequent, usually once a fortnight

    • buckethat on 08/03/2021 - 17:47

      I heard the opposite.. All my mates that had braces growing up had it for 1.5year minimum.. and usually cost 8k+ where as the ones that had invisalign usually take a year and around 5k.

    • Settero on 08/03/2021 - 20:54

      my experience was also very different to what you state, was about 30-40% cheaper than traditional braces , checkups were not that frequent no where near once a fortnight i just cant remember if it was quarterly or not… time wise both treatments advised about same, again different situation for each person.

  • knobbs on 08/03/2021 - 16:01

    I was looking into this a while back but more so the PHI rebate route. I couldn't really find any with a decent lifetime limit on orthodontics. Most would be in the range of $1500-$2000 with a few reaching $2300 for lifetime limits. Does anyone know of a PHI that provides something more substantial?

    • pangwen on 09/03/2021 - 08:10

      Depends what you mean by substantial. I’m currently with qch - their top extras cover offers $3000 once you stay for 3 years or more. Depending on when you start you may be able to claim all $3000 as braces take a while anyway - by the time you finish you may already be in year 3 of your policy.

      • knobbs on 09/03/2021 - 12:56

        Yeah anything above $2500 really. $3000 seems pretty good compared to all the ones I checked. It would be a long term investment for sure over several years

  • robbyjones on 08/03/2021 - 16:47

    I have had aligners through SmileDirect. My experience was mostly positive but they are a company that has quite a few issues that should be corrected, mainly customer service and aligners shipped in incorrect order inside the bags (I didn't have this but plenty of people did).
    I would only recommend SDC to people who have had braces before and teeth have gone back or very simple alignments. SDC do refuse some patients but I think it depends on the dentist that is assigned to you. In Australia there seems to be one particular dentist that is assigned to 75% of people (me included) and he seems reputable. I was asked to send my dental records before they approved me (I had several teeth removed for previous braces).
    If you are in any doubt, then don't. If you do make it to the SDC clinic to have a scan be prepared for an onslaught of texts and emails, they are relentless, it's annoying. Hold out though as they offer more discounts the longer you hold off (wish I had known this in advance).

    • ReverseKanga on 08/03/2021 - 17:27

      I did the scan, but so far the emails haven't been too bad.

      It sounds like it the greatest choice for me, so I'll be holding out indefinitely hahah

      Thanks for letting me know your experience with them

  • epicttiimm on 08/03/2021 - 17:00

    What is your purpose for orthodontics? To just straighten teeth or to fix a bite/jaw issue? You will not be able to fix any bite issues with Smile Direct, Byte etc. Period. So don't do it.

    Like a previous poster, I had braces previously, but slacked off and did not wear my retainer. SDC worked great in my scenario for 2k vs Invisalign for 5k.

    • ReverseKanga on 08/03/2021 - 17:28

      Ideally to fix crowding, alignment and straightening issues. Smile Direct have said that they are able to fix them, whether that is true or not is a different story

      Sounds like I'm better off shopping around for a better option in person.

      Thanks for letting me know your experience

      • Brodo Faggins on 08/03/2021 - 22:57

        seems like a big job - I would pay the cash to a trusted ortho

        if it's minor work, and you're ok with the mixed lolly bag of reviews to save a few $, that choice is yours.

        even i'm thinking of going the reputable way even for minor alignment - you only have 1 set of teeth lol

  • djones145 on 08/03/2021 - 18:36

    dental plan?

    • abulman on 22/06/2021 - 17:07

      Lisa needs braces!

  • singingwolf on 09/03/2021 - 08:07

    My daughter did it. What a waste of money. Do not do! Read the feedback on the Web first.

  • sage26 on 09/03/2021 - 08:33

    I'm currently having clear aligner treatment through WeSmile and I'm 3/4 of the way done. They do scans etc and the clear aligners are produced in the US and sent here in a pack. There are regular check ups with the associated dental practice (Sydney CBD) as well as online check ups via an app and photos etc. Great service and I can claim a portion from my health fund. You can pay upfront or use a payment plan.

  • eman resu on 30/09/2023 - 13:35

    Got an email today from Smile Direct Club. They are going bust in the USA. If you paid anything get a refund before they go tits up here too!!!!

    We know you trust us with one of your most important assets – your smile – and we take that trust seriously. In turn, we’ve always been committed to having a strong business for you.
    Today, we took an important step to strengthen SmileDirectClub. We announced a process to implement a comprehensive transaction where the Company’s founders committed to invest significant capital into our business and improve our financial position. As part of that transaction, SmileDirectClub has voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 in the United States.
    Here’s what you need to know:
    • While that process does not impact our ability to operate or serve our customers, we also want to be clear that SmileDirectClub entities outside of the U.S. are not included in this restructuring process.
    • Please know that your treatment will continue as usual, and you are required to continue making payments as you normally would.
    • If you have any questions, please reach out to our Customer Care team:

    ⚬ Australia: 1-800-515-198

    ⚬ Ireland: 1-800-851-076

    ⚬ UK: 0-800-031-8113

    ⚬ Canada (English): 800-765-8951

    ⚬ Canada (French): 800-369-7985

    Thank you for trusting us with your smile. We look forward to continuing to care for you for many years to come.

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