CONSUMER ALERT
Before you decide to proceed with a direct-to-consumer orthodontic company, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) believes there are a number of factors and questions you may want to consider.
Fresh off the wire:
75%
An estimated 50-75% of people could benefit from orthodontic treatment.
1/3
3.9M
An estimated 3.9 million children are orthodontic patients in the U.S.
AAO in the news:
- BBC: SmileDirect Club, the $8bn braces firm boosted by selfies
- Forbes: “What Investors Need to Know About SmileDirectClub’s (SDC) IPO”
- KOB Albuquerque: “4 Investigates: State leaders weigh legality of do-it-yourself teeth straightening”
- Bloomberg BusinessWeek: “A Tooth-Straightening Startup Runs Into Resistance”
- TechCrunch: “SmileDirectClub files to go public amid concerns from dental associations”
- Fortune: “Brace Yourself: SmileDirectClub Is the Latest Unicorn to File for an IPO”
What’s trending?
What if I’m Too Busy for Orthodontic Visits?
Advances in technology have allowed six to ten week intervals between orthodontic appointments that fit even the busiest of schedules.
Do Orthodontists Offer Payment Plans?
A payment plan for orthodontic treatment may consist of a down payment with the remainder paid monthly for 12 to 24 months—often interest-free.
What is an Orthodontist and Dentofacial Orthopedist?
Similar to becoming a medical specialist, such as a surgeon or an internist, orthodontists complete orthodontic residency program for two to three years after dental school.
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Media Contact
Melissa Weishaupt
Manager, Public Relations, mweishaupt@aaortho.org