The science behind your smile
37 peer-reviewed studies. Every claim backed by published clinical research.
The numbers speak for themselves
95% see their Doctor
Patients using tele-orthodontics attended 95% of their appointments—up from 65% with traditional care.
Source: The Role of Tele-orthodontics in Enhancing Patient Compliance and Treatment Monitoring
92% satisfaction
A peer-reviewed study of 364 patients, overall satisfaction with tele-orthodontic care was recorded at 92%. Two thirds of patients said it saved them time by eliminating clinic travel.
Source: Homsi et al., BMC Oral Health, 2023
89% of doctors confirm tele-ortho works
In a 2024 AAO survey, 89% of orthodontists already using tele-orthodontics agreed it's effective for monitoring clear aligner patients
Source: Abu Arqub et all., Progress in Orthodontics
Remote monitoring works as well as in-office visits
PROVEN OUTCOMES
Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews confirm that remotely monitored aligner therapy achieves clinically similar results to traditional in-office monitoring, with no significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Cited research:
1. Comparative Assessment of Treatment of Efficiency and Patient Experience Between Dental Monitoring and Conventional Monitoring of Clear Aligner Therapy — American Journal Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
2. Outcomes of Clear Aligner Treatment With and Without Dental Monitoring — Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop
3. Clinical Outcomes and Patient Perspectives of Dental Monitoring GoLive With Invisalign — Progress in Orthodontics
4. Evaluating Dental Monitoring Effectiveness Using the Peer Assessment Rating Index — Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop
5. Is Teledentistry Effective to Monitor Orthodontic Treatment? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — Dental Press J Orthod
Convenience, access, and real-world use
TELE-ORTHODONTICS IN PRACTICE
Teleorthodontics proved its value during COVID-19 and beyond. Research shows strong adoption by both patients and providers, with effective management of orthodontic emergencies and routine care delivered remotely.
Cited research:
6. Applications and Effectiveness of Teledentistry in Orthodontic Practice During COVID-19 — J World Fed Orthod
7. Available Technologies, Applications and Benefits of Teleorthodontics — J Clin Med
8. The Use of Teleorthodontics During COVID-19 and Beyond: Perspectives of Patients and Providers — BMC Oral Health
9. Utility of Teleorthodontics in Orthodontic Emergencies During COVID-19: A Systematic Review — Healthcare
10. Implementation of Teledentistry for Orthodontic Practices — J World Fed Orthod
11. Perceptions and Utilization of Tele-Orthodontics: AAO Member Survey — BMC Oral Health
Better compliance and engagement with remote care
BETTER COMPLIANCE
Systematic reviews show that remote monitoring and sensor-based technologies improve patient compliance with orthodontic treatment. Reminder systems enhance oral hygiene and appointment adherence.
Cited research:
12. Tele-Orthodontics and Sensor-Based Technologies: Monitoring and Improving Compliance — Eur J Orthod
13. The Role of Tele-Orthodontics in Enhancing Patient Compliance and Treatment Monitoring — J Pharm Bioallied Sci
14. Teleorthodontics: Where Are We Going? From Skepticism to Clinical Applications — Wiley Open Access
15. Patient Adherence in Orthodontics: A Scoping Review — Prog Orthod
16. Reminders Improve Oral Hygiene and Adherence to Appointments: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — Eur J Orthod
17. Influence of Reminder Therapy for Controlling Bacterial Plaque: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — Angle Orthod
AI-driven remote monitoring technology
AI-DRIVEN MONITORING
Artificial intelligence is enhancing teleorthodontic care through smart treatment coaching, accurate smartphone-based monitoring, and digital tools that improve diagnosis and remote patient management.
Cited research:
18. Clinical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Teleorthodontics: A Scoping Review — Medicina
19. Digital Orthodontic Treatment Monitoring and Remote Aligner Therapy: A Paradigm Change — J Pharm Bioallied Sci
20. AI in Orthodontic Smart Application for Treatment Coaching and Clinical Performance — Healthcare
21. Telemedicine and Digital Tools in Dentistry: Enhancing Diagnosis and Remote Patient Care — PubMed Central
22. Accuracy of a Smartphone-Based Orthodontic Treatment-Monitoring Application — Angle Orthod
23. Smartphone Applications Used in Orthodontics: A Scoping Review — J World Fed Orthod
Clear aligner therapy: efficacy and treatment outcomes
ALIGNER EFFICACY
Systematic reviews confirm clear aligners achieve high treatment predictability for a wide range of malocclusions. Research documents accuracy, stability, and effectiveness compared to fixed orthodontic appliances.
Cited research:
24. Clear Aligner Therapy: Up to Date Review Article — J Orthod Sci
25. Efficacy of Clear Aligner Therapy Over Conventional Fixed Appliances: A Systematic Review — J Orthod Sci
26. Accuracy and Stability of Clear Aligner Treatment: A Systematic Review — J Pharm Bioallied Sci
27. Treatment Effectiveness of Clear Aligners in Correcting Complicated and Severe Malocclusion Cases — Cureus
28. Indications and Limits of Clear Aligner Therapy — Prog Orthod
29. Effectiveness of Clear Aligners in Treating Malocclusion: A Systematic Review — J Esthet Restor Dent (ScienceDirect)
Clear aligners and oral health: better outcomes than braces
ORAL HEALTH
Research consistently shows clear aligners have a more favorable impact on periodontal health, oral microbiota, and overall oral health-related quality of life compared to conventional fixed orthodontic appliances.
Cited research:
30. Impact of Clear Aligners Versus Fixed Appliances on Periodontal Status: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews — Healthcare
31. The Differential Impact of Clear Aligners and Fixed Appliances on Periodontal Health: A Systematic Review — Children
32. Changes in the Oral Microbiota With the Use of Aligners vs. Braces: A Systematic Review — J Clin Med
33. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: Clear Aligners vs. Conventional Metal Fixed Appliances — Int J Environ Res Public Health
Your retainer matters
RETAINER FACTS
Your retainer is covered in bacteria and the material it's made from determines how much. Most clear retainers all trap the same amount of bacteria but some materials are scientifically proven to resist buildup better. The retainer you wear matters as much as you clean it, or replace it.
Retainers are designed to help maintain aligner results. Remote communication and digital monitoring make it easier to stay on top of retention before small shifts become bigger concerns.
Cited research:
Featured study: Evaluation of biofilm formation on different clear orthodontic retainer materials
Note: in vitro (lab) study, not a clinical patient trial
Remote retention monitoring and direct-to-consumer orthodontics
RETENTION & DTC ORTHODONTICS
Digital monitoring during the retention phase is feasible and effective. Research also documents patient demographics, preferences, and treatment outcomes in the direct-to-consumer orthodontic space.
Cited research:
34. Remote Digital Monitoring During the Retention Phase of Orthodontic Treatment: A Prospective Feasibility Study — Korean J Orthod
35. Teleorthodontic Treatment With Clear Aligners: GP vs. Orthodontic Specialist Outcomes — J Dent Res Rev
36. Direct-to-Consumer Orthodontics: Exploring Patient Demographic Trends and Preferences — Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop
37. Direct-to-Consumer Orthodontics: Laypeople's Perception of Treatment Complexity — J Am Dent Assoc
Frequently asked questions
How does remote monitoring work with SmileSet?
Your treatment is overseen by licensed dental professionals who review your progress remotely. Peer-reviewed research shows this approach achieves clinically similar results to traditional in-office monitoring, with 33% fewer visits required.
Is remote orthodontic care as effective as in-office treatment?
Yes. Multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm that remotely monitored aligner therapy achieves clinically similar tooth movement accuracy compared to conventional in-office monitoring, with no significant difference in refinements or total aligners needed.
Where can I read the research behind these claims?
All 37 studies cited on this page are published in peer-reviewed journals including the American Journal of Orthodontics, Progress in Orthodontics, European Journal of Orthodontics, BMC Oral Health, and more. Every citation on this page is hyperlinked — tap or click any study title to open the original source in a new tab.
How long does aligner treatment take?
Most SmileSet treatments take 4-6 months. Research shows remotely monitored patients reached their first refinement 1.7 months faster than conventionally monitored patients.
Is SmileSet legitimate?
SmileSet is a fully legitimate dental company powered by SmileDirectClub's proven technology and 100+ patents. Every treatment plan is reviewed by licensed dental professionals. Over 2 million customers have been treated. BBB Accredited. FDA-cleared materials.
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