After SmileDirectClub: unfinished treatment and bite concerns
A new examination can help you understand your options for unfinished treatment, a changing bite, or a retainer that no longer fits.
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If you have unfinished SmileDirectClub treatment or concerns about your bite, arrange an in-person orthodontic assessment. The next step depends on your current teeth, supporting tissues, and goals, rather than simply continuing an old aligner sequence.
Read the sourceIf your SmileDirectClub treatment was never finished, your teeth have shifted, or your bite no longer feels comfortable, you may be unsure where to turn. Start with an examination of where things stand today. An old treatment preview cannot answer every question about your current teeth and bite.
What happened to SmileDirectClub?
SmileDirectClub announced its shutdown on December 8, 2023. The California Dental Association’s guidance addresses former patients who need continuing treatment, retainers, or assessment of concerns after care.
There is also a newer name online: as checked in October 2026, the former SmileDirectClub website redirects to SmileSet. SmileSet describes itself as a separate business that acquired technology and assets. A familiar website address does not mean your previous treatment plan has automatically resumed.
When should you have your teeth and bite checked?
Arrange an assessment if chewing feels different, teeth no longer meet comfortably, gaps or crowding remain, or a retainer no longer fits. Describe when you first noticed the change and whether it is getting worse. These observations help the clinician investigate; they do not establish the cause on their own.
The ADA explains that tooth movement needs a view of overall dental health, including the supporting tissues and bite. A straighter-looking smile and a comfortable, healthy bite are both worth discussing.
Call 911 or seek emergency care for trouble breathing or swallowing, or uncontrolled bleeding. Severe pain with facial swelling or fever needs urgent dental or medical assessment. The AAO’s emergency guidance explains these warning signs.
What does a new orthodontic assessment involve?
Following the closure, the American Association of Orthodontists advised former patients to book an in-person examination with a licensed orthodontist and share their previous treatment and concerns.
The AAO’s first-visit guide describes a review of your history, teeth, jaws, and bite. Photographs, scans, or X-rays may be needed to answer different questions. The clinician should explain which existing records are useful and which additional records are necessary.
Ask what the examination shows, which concerns need attention first, and what can realistically improve. If the cause of a change remains uncertain, ask what further information would help. A careful assessment should not promise that every symptom comes from the previous aligners or that one treatment will reverse every concern.
Could you need a retainer, new aligners, or braces?
The next step depends on the findings and your goals:
- Retention: if the current tooth positions and bite are appropriate, a clinician may discuss maintaining them. The AAO’s retainer guidance distinguishes replacement retention from further tooth movement.
- Further orthodontic treatment: braces or professionally supervised aligners may be options for suitable cases. The AAO explains that aligners do not suit every orthodontic problem; appliance choice follows the diagnosis.
- Other dental care first: a dental check-up and any necessary treatment may be part of preparation. The AAO recommends preparing your teeth for braces or aligners with your dental team.
Ask for individualized instructions about existing trays while you arrange care. Do not force a retainer that will not fit. If a removable aligner or retainer has sharp edges, causes pain, or is badly misshapen, stop wearing it and contact a dental professional promptly. Changing trays or restarting an old sequence on your own is not a substitute for an updated plan.
What should you bring to the appointment?
Bring your current aligners or retainers, the last treatment instructions you received, any available X-rays or scans, and a simple timeline of treatment and symptoms. Include your questions, even if they seem unrelated to how straight your teeth look.
The CDA suggests checking past communications or aligner packaging for the treating dentist’s contact details when requesting records. If you cannot obtain them, explain that when booking; missing old records should not prevent you from seeking care.
What should you ask about cost and expectations?
Ask for the proposed goals, limitations, estimated duration, and fee in writing. Useful questions include: What is included? Are retainers separate? Is other dental treatment needed? How will progress be checked? What could change the estimate?
Tell the office about any prior orthodontic insurance benefit use and ask what your plan may cover now. Keep questions about your old payment agreement or a refund with the relevant provider, payment company, or consumer adviser. A new clinical recommendation does not resolve those contractual questions.
Finding your next step in Valencia and Santa Clarita
You can contact SC Orthodontics in Valencia to discuss an orthodontic assessment after SmileDirectClub. Tell the team whether your main concern is unfinished treatment, a changed bite, or retention so they can help you prepare.
Our consultation guide explains the visit. If a retainer is the immediate concern, read what to do when a retainer no longer fits. You do not have to choose braces or a new aligner brand before the examination.
A few more questions
Does everyone need to start over with braces?
No single treatment fits every situation. An examination may lead to a retention plan, further tooth movement, other dental care, or additional assessment before deciding.
Read the sourceCan a replacement retainer fix a changed bite?
A retainer is intended to maintain tooth positions. If your bite has changed, have it assessed before ordering a replacement. Further movement, if needed, requires its own plan.
Read the sourceCan I book an assessment without my old records?
Yes. Bring whatever records and appliances you have, and explain what is missing. The CDA advises that difficulty obtaining records should not prevent seeking continued or corrective care.
Read the sourceMore notes