Growing up, Rebecca Grafton was happy with her smile. She was even able to avoid braces during her teenage years. But in her 20s, what she calls a “snaggletooth” appeared. She became insecure about her smile but felt too old for braces.

“Why couldn’t my teeth shift when I was young: when it was socially acceptable to have braces?” Rebecca asked.

Rebecca isn’t alone, as 1 in 3 orthodontic patients are adults — an all-time high. Fortunately, recent advances have made orthodontic care more convenient and less noticeable than traditional treatments, making it a more attractive options for adults interested in improving their smiles.

While your main motivation for a seeking orthodontic care may be for increased confidence, your overall health may improve, too. Straightening your teeth may make brushing and flossing easier, which can help you avoid bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. Maintaining good oral health may also decrease the likelihood of bacterial infections that can be linked to various diseases and conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

For those looking to improve the appearance of their teeth, time and expense often rank among the biggest obstacles. Braces or clear aligners may be cost prohibitive, and the office visits can be time consuming – and a potential issue for people seeking to limit in-person appointments amid COVID-19.

But for those like Rebecca, there may be a better option – with fewer hours and dollars spent at the orthodontist.

SmileDirectClub’s clear aligners may be available to eligible UnitedHealthcare members through employer-sponsored and individual dental plans with orthodontic coverage, for less out-of-pocket costs than traditional care options or for people without dental benefits.Through SmileDirectClub, Rebecca was able to create teeth impressions, receive doctor-prescribed and monitored clear aligner therapy and check progress through the dentist or orthodontist assigned to her case. No in-person office visits were required, but she had the 24/7 support of dental experts and customer care at her fingertips – through an app, phone call or chat.

How it works: 

1. Visit SmileDirectClub.com to schedule an introductory visit at one of the SmileShops to get a 3D image of your smile, or to order an impression kit sent directly to you.
2. A state-licensed dentist or orthodontist will approve and manage a custom treatment plan for you. Upon your approval of the plan, SmileDirectClub sends all of your clear aligners directly to your door.
3. Once your teeth are aligned, you can purchase retainers to help keep your smile in place.

Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds can be used toward the price of SmileDirectClub’s aligners. Some dental plans may also reimburse qualifying customers for a portion of the costs, enabling people to save and straighten their teeth. Plus, you don’t need to budget time for repeated in-office checkups.

Rebecca had a straighter smile in just seven months.

“It’s amazing how fixing something so small, such as a snaggletooth, could make such a huge difference in my confidence level,” she said.

To learn more, visit SmileDirectClub.com.

*Not all UnitedHealthcare dental plans include orthodontic coverage. If you are a UnitedHealthcare dental plan participant with orthodontic coverage, check to see if you qualify for this benefit.

UnitedHealthcare dental coverage underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, located in Hartford, Connecticut, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, located in Islandia, New York, or their affiliates. Administrative services provided by Dental Benefit Providers, Inc., Dental Benefit Administrative Services (CA only), DBP Services (NY only), United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.