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?
My Retainer Feels Tight. Can I Still Wear It?
As long as your retainer doesn’t hurt and still fits over your teeth, you can wear it – even if it feels tight. Your teeth may have slightly shifted, and you may need to wear your retainer longer each day to prevent your teeth from moving.
Can I Use My HSA or FSA for Orthodontic Treatment?
In most cases, yes, you can use your HSA or FSA for eligible orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic payments(s) not paid by your insurance may be considered an eligible expense.
Early Orthodontic Care May Help You Avoid Costly Treatments
Orthodontic health can be more manageable if you get ahead of it. And it may help you avoid more costly or more invasive treatments down the road.