SmileDirectClub Shutdown

Why In-Person Orthodontic Care Still Matters

Griffin Orthodontics Stands Strong With Trusted, Face-to-Face Smile Solutions

In December 2023, SmileDirectClub officially shut down after filing for bankruptcy—leaving hundreds of thousands of patients confused, frustrated, and in many cases, mid-treatment with no support.

As a board-certified orthodontist serving Milwaukee, West Allis, and Oak Creek for over 30 years, Dr. David J. Griffin understands the appeal of quick, affordable clear aligners. But he also knows: your smile deserves more than a subscription box.


😬 What Went Wrong with SmileDirectClub?

SmileDirectClub promised straight teeth—without ever seeing an orthodontist in person. But when orthodontic care is handled through mail-order kits and customer support bots, problems can go unnoticed… and untreated.

Patients have reported:

  • Misaligned bites and tooth damage

  • Unfinished treatments

  • Difficulty getting refunds or follow-up care

  • Zero recourse once the company shut down

In the end, what looked like a bargain became a costly and stressful experience for many.


✅ Why Griffin Orthodontics Is Different

Dr. Griffin takes a completely opposite approach: personalized, hands-on, and medically sound. Every treatment starts with a face-to-face evaluation—not a smartphone selfie.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • 🦷 One-on-one care from a board-certified orthodontist

  • 📍 Local offices in West Allis and Oak Creek—real people, real answers

  • 🔎 In-person monitoring to keep your smile on track

  • 💡 Flexible payment options without cutting corners

  • 📞 Ongoing support even after your treatment is done

Whether you choose braces or clear aligners like Spark™, you’ll never be left guessing.


🤝 Your Smile Deserves More Than a Shortcut

Mail-order aligner companies treated orthodontics like a tech startup. At Griffin Orthodontics, we treat it like healthcare—because it is.

Your teeth, jaw, and bite are connected to your overall health. And while convenience is important, so is safety, accuracy, and accountability.


📅 Let’s Talk About Your Smile—In Person

If you’re looking for clear aligners in Milwaukee—or if you were affected by SmileDirectClub’s shutdown—we’re here to help. Dr. Griffin can evaluate your smile, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan that’s actually built for you.

🦷 Book a complimentary consultation today at our West Allis or Oak Creek office, and experience the difference that real orthodontic care can make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions related to this article.

OrthoFi is a preferred vendor and vetted by Griffin Orthodontics. OrthoFi is a secure online patient financial platform that makes it easy to review treatment costs, manage payments, and access your account anytime.

In many cases, Health Savings Account (HSA) funds or FSA funds to help pay for orthodontic treatment.  Check with your plan administrator for eligibility.

Yes. Our team will review your orthodontic benefits and explain your estimated coverage before treatment begins.

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team will help verify your coverage and explain how your benefits apply to treatment. Get started here.

Yes. Through OrthoFi, you can conveniently manage your account and set up automatic payments online.

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