You need aligners if
You aren’t happy with your crooked teeth.
Crowding, gaps or a tooth that sits forward. Nothing has moved them yet, so movement is the job.
Aligners vs retainers
What is the difference between aligners & retainers?
Two clear trays that look almost identical and do opposite jobs.
Here is how to tell which one your smile needs — and what each one asks of you.
The difference
Same look, different work.
- 22 hours a day — no exceptions
- A new tray every 1–2 weeks
- 4 to 6 months for most cases
- Out before eating or drinking
- Nights only, after the first weeks
- One tray, replaced as it wears
- Indefinitely — drift never fully stops
- Out before eating or drinking
Straighten your smile
What are aligners?
A series of custom trays, each one slightly straighter than the last. You switch to the next set every one to two weeks and your teeth follow the plan.
- Moves teeth into a new position
- Wear 22 hours a day, every day
- Series of trays — a new one every 1–2 weeks
- Wear it for 4 to 6 months for most cases
- Start with an Impression Kit and scan
Keep it safe
What are retainers?
One tray, moulded from where your teeth ended up. It moves nothing. Its whole job is to stop the drift back, which starts within days of finishing treatment.
- Holds the position you already have
- Wear at night, after the first few weeks
- One tray, replaced as it wears out
- Indefinite wear time
- Start with a fresh impression of your current bite
Which is your case?
Find yourself in one of
these three
You need retainers if
You finished braces or aligners recently
Teeth drift after treatment ends. How far they have drifted decides whether you hold or correct first.
You need a ‘touch up’ if
You straightened your teeth a while ago but they have moved.
The most common case we see. A short round of aligners often brings things back before you settle into nights only.
How it works
Either way, it starts at your
kitchen table
-
Get your impression kit -
Take impressions at home -
Send them back, free shipping -
Appliances are custom crafted -
We ship your appliances
Before and after
Five months of aligners, then
retainers from there on
Convenient does not mean unguided
SmileSet is built to make clear aligner treatment easier to start, while still giving you structure, review, and support throughout the process.
Doctor-reviewed treatment
Your smile is reviewed before treatment begins.
Clear next steps
The app and treatment plan help you understand what to do next.
Support when you need it
Smile Experts are available to answer questions along the way.
Customers are smiling about the benefits
See why people choose SmileSet to start and manage their smile journey from home.
reviews
Rated 4.1/5 on
Exceptional customer service!
I haven’t received my SmileSet kit yet, but I already have to commend the customer service I’ve experienced so far! I had received a promotional discount code that unfortunately landed in my junk folder, so I didn’t see it until after I had already placed my order. I reached out to customer support, and without hesitation, they honored the discount and made the entire process completely seamless. I couldn’t have been happier with how they handled it. I’m really looking forward to gifting my wife her SmileSet, and I hope the rest of the experience is just as wonderful as the customer service has been so far!
Exceptional Customer Service
I've had such a great experience with Smile Set! The company is wonderful to work with, and I really appreciate how much they care about their customers and their overall experience. I especially want to recognize Arnie from customer service. From the very beginning, Arnie was incredibly kind, patient, and genuinely helpful. You can tell when someone is simply doing their job versus when they truly care about making sure a customer has a good experience and Arnie definitely went above and beyond. She took the time to listen, answered all of my questions, and made what could have been a stressful situation feel easy and reassuring. I truly appreciated how responsive, understanding, and thoughtful she was throughout the process. She made me feel heard and valued as a customer, which is something that really stands out. Customer service like this makes such a difference. Arnie is a huge asset to Smile Set, and I hope the company knows how much her kindness and professionalism are appreciated. She genuinely made my experience better, and I’m so grateful for her help. Thank you, Arnie, for making my experience such a positive one!
I was a bit late but Maria was
I was a bit late but Maria was wonderful, very nice and professional. She was quick and very knowledgeable.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Got questions? We've got answers. Here are the most common questions about SmileSet.
Can I straighten my teeth just at night?
Yes — our Nighttime Aligner plan lets you wear aligners 10 consecutive hours while you sleep. Treatment typically takes 6–10 months.
Is SmileSet a legitimate company?
Yes. SmileSet is powered by proven SmileDirectClub technology and 100+ patents. Every eligible treatment plan is reviewed by licensed dental professionals.
Is SmileSet as effective as traditional braces?
Clear aligners can be effective for eligible cases. Your treatment path depends on your individual smile and professional review.
How often should I replace my retainers?
Replace your retainers every 6 months for optimal fit and effectiveness.
Are SmileSet aligners safe?
SmileSet aligners are doctor-prescribed, FDA-cleared, and made with BPA-free medical-grade materials.
How do I know I need a night guard?
If you wake up with headaches, jaw soreness, or notice worn tooth surfaces, you may grind your teeth at night. A custom night guard protects your teeth and can improve sleep quality.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery timing depends on your treatment stage. Tracking is provided when your impression kit or custom aligners ship.
One minute beats guessing for months
Answer nine questions about your teeth. You get a dentist-reviewed answer on whether you need aligners, a retainer, or a clinic visit.
- 100+ patents
- FDA-Cleared
- 2M+ Happy Customers
- BPA-Free Materials