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.

Yes, there is usually just a small learning curve. Most young musicians find that after a week or two of practice, they can play their trumpet, flute, or clarinet just as well as before. We provide plenty of orthodontic wax to help cushion the lips during those first few practice sessions, ensuring your child can stay active in their school band or orchestra.

This is a common concern for parents when deciding between Spark™ Clear Aligners and fixed braces. Because aligners are removable for eating and sports, they can occasionally be misplaced in a school cafeteria or locker room. If your child struggles with organization or is prone to losing track of their belongings, traditional or LightForce™ 3D-printed braces might be the better choice. These “fixed” options remain bonded to the teeth throughout treatment, removing the responsibility of tracking removable trays and ensuring the process stays on schedule without the added cost or delay of ordering replacement aligners.

Absolutely. We work with many local Milwaukee schools to find appointment times that minimize time away from the classroom. Many parents prefer starting treatment during a school break so their child has a few days to get used to the feel of braces, but we successfully start new smiles all year round.

Yes! This is often referred to as Phase 1 treatment. We sometimes place braces on just a few permanent teeth while baby teeth are still present to correct a specific issue, like a crossbite or severe crowding, that could cause bigger problems later. Once those baby teeth fall out, we typically take a “rest” period before starting Phase 2 when all permanent teeth are in.

Absolutely! One of the most exciting parts for kids and teens getting braces is the ability to personalize their smile. We offer a wide variety of colored bands that can be swapped out at every adjustment appointment, typically every 4 to 8 weeks. Whether they want to represent their school colors, match a holiday theme, or just pick their favorite shades, Dr. Griffin and our team love helping patients express their personality through their orthodontic journey.

Ready for your custom smile?

Our Milwaukee offices in West Allis and Oak Creek are ready to help.

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