One of the questions we hear a lot at Smile Direct Club is “How can I get my teeth straightened without going to the orthodontist every month?”

The answer is with Smile Check-ins. They’re a cornerstone of what we do, and the way we straighten your teeth in as little as 4–6 months without monthly in-office visits.

A Smile Check-In is a from-home dental visit that allows one of our experts to track the progress of your aligners virtually, using photos of your teeth. Smile Check-ins start about halfway into your treatment and then happen at regular intervals until your journey is complete. If a Smile Check-In reveals a problem, we handle it. We’ll even ship touch-up aligners to you at no cost if that’s what’s needed. You never leave home.

Here’s how Smile Check-ins work:

#1 Seven to eight weeks into your treatment, you’ll get your first Smile Check-In email.

This is when you can tell us how it’s going. You can of course be in touch before this check in – we’ve got 24/7 support if you have any concerns, and we’re always happy to hear from you. You’ll then continue to get Smile Check-ins throughout your treatment. Make sure to keep an eye out for text or email reminders.

#2 You will be asked to upload 3 photos of your teeth.

We want to see how your treatment is going, and we can do it with photos. You’ll need to take a photo of your front teeth with your aligners in, one of your front teeth with your aligners out, and one of your lower teeth with your aligners out. You’re probably thinking, “How do I get photos of my teeth?” We send you a Smile Stretcher with your aligners that will hold your lips away from your teeth so you snap a quick tooth selfie. Misplaced your stretcher? Pull your lips away from your teeth with your fingers and get a pal to take the photos.

#3 You’ll also answer a simple question: Are you happy with your current aligner fit?

If you check “Yes,” the Smile Check-In is done. Selecting “No,” will give you the option to schedule a phone call with the Dental team to discuss your concerns. If you check “I have not been wearing my aligners,” you’ll be evaluated for an aligner touch-up or other tweaks to your journey.

#4 A Dental team member will contact you to discuss your specific concerns about your treatment.

They’ll offer suggestions and tips, and if needed, send your photos and concerns to one of the doctors in our network.

#5 If your prescribing doctor decides you need touch-up aligners, Smile Direct Club will ship you new ones at no cost.

It’s part of our Lifetime Smile Guarantee. We will do whatever it takes to get you the straight teeth of your dreams.