Several DSOs have begun offering discounted treatment opportunities for former patients of the now-defunct SmileDirectClub.
SmileDirectClub announced Dec. 8 it would be shutting down its global operations immediately after efforts to recapitalize the business failed. The company said it was unable to provide support to its existing customers but that more information about refunds would become available once next steps are determined. Patients under the company's SmilePay Plan are still expected to continue their monthly payments until payment for their clear aligners has been made in full, according to an FAQ page.
Here are four DSOs that are offering treatment options for SmileDirectClub patients:
1. Sonrava Health announced Jan. 2 that it is offering free consultations and discounts of up to $1,000 off the cost of clear aligner or traditional braces.
2. Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Smile Brands' affiliated practices are offering free consultations and will create a treatment plan for "patients whose progress is on track," according to a Dec. 20 news release. Patients who have ill-fitting aligners or bite misalignment will be able to restart treatment with discounts up to $1,000 based on case duration.
3. Chicago-based Aspen Dental is offering a discount off of its Motto clear aligners. Patients can receive a free consultation and transition their care to begin using Aspen's Motto clear aligners with a $400 credit toward the MottoEssential treatment plan. Aspen is also offering a 25% discount off its MottoRetain treatment, which includes four sets of retainers and teeth whitening.
4. Smile Doctors, an orthodontics-focused DSO, announced Dec. 15 that it's partnering with its affiliated doctors to give out 50 treatments with the Smile Express aligner system to patients.