Traditionally, orthodontics has been something of a luxury that many people opt to go without, but SmileDirectClub is making the joy of a straight smile more affordable. The company effectively turns orthodontics into a mail order business (without sacrificing the benefit of professional medical training.)
To use SmileDirectClub, patients can either go into a 'SmileShop,' which is one of SmileDirectClub's brick-and-mortar offices, to get a scan of their mouths, or they can make a 3D image themselves using an at-home kit. Those scans are then assessed by a dental professional who creates a plan for the patient and sends them that plan in a kit filled with personalized tools. The total treatment usually lasts five months and costs 70 percent less than traditional options.
Mail Order Orthodontics
SmileDirectClub Lets Users Order Professional Dental Gear from Home
Trend Themes
1. Affordable Orthodontics - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop cost-effective orthodontic solutions that make straight smiles accessible to a wider population.
2. Remote Orthodontic Treatment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore telemedicine and remote treatment options for orthodontic care to enhance convenience and accessibility for patients.
3. Customized Dental Kits - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create personalized dental kits for at-home orthodontic treatments, providing patients with the necessary tools and instructions for their individual treatment plans.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate orthodontics into telehealth platforms and leverage technology for more efficient and accessible dental care.
2. E-commerce - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build an online marketplace for dental supplies and orthodontic products, catering to the growing demand for at-home dental care solutions.
3. Digital Imaging - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced 3D imaging technology for accurate and user-friendly dental scans, supporting the growth of remote orthodontic treatments.