It only makes sense that you'd be welcomed with smiles at a SmileDirectClub SmileShop. But when I entered the SmileShop in Agawam, Massachusetts, for my 3D scan and smile consultation I didn't expect to leave feeling as if I had made two new friends. From the moment I stepped into the office, Beth and Carrie greeted me with kindness, professionalism and, of course, great big smiles. And as Carrie took my information and got me entered into the computer system, Beth and I talked work, SmileDirectClub's philosophy, SmileShops (she was visiting from the Worcester shop), and kids entering college just like old friends.
Before long we were ready to head into the scan room but first, we decided to stop and mug for a few fun photos with props and all. This SmileShop not only wants you to feel at home, and comfortable during this entire process, but they want to make sure getting the smile you want is FUN, too. When working with anyone in the past in regards to my teeth — dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons — I can definitely say it's never been a fun process ... until now.
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As we got situated in the consultation and scan room Carrie wanted to get to the heart of why I was there. It was obvious I wanted to modify my smile in some way, but why was that so important to me? And the simple answer is — I love my smile and want it to be the whitest, brightest, and straightest smile it can be.
You see, I'm no stranger to orthodontia. I had braces as a child, TWICE ... once full braces and the second time just on the bottom. Then when my kids were younger they had shifted so much that I had them put on again! Now nearly 15 years later they are shifting again, despite wearing my retainers on and off again at night, and though nobody else may notice, I do. I looked into other options to start the straightening process again, but the price was way beyond what I could afford at the moment with two in college and one on his way next fall. The fact that SmileClubDirect aligners are 60 percent less than other options (from start to finish) definitely appealed to me. The fact that they often have deals and discounts to bring that price down even more ... even more appealing.
So that is why I found myself sitting in a SmileShop pouring out my long sordid smile history to Carrie. And she got it. No judgment. No shame for not wearing my retainers all the time as I should have. Just a willingness to get my smile back to the one I wanted. And she assured me, that if it didn't fit in with their protocol and needed something more than the average six months in aligners that SmileDirectClub customers require, then she would let me know that my teeth were not a good fit for what SmileDirectClub did.
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The Blurple Box has all you need to achieve your bigger brighter smile — aligners, tools, information booklet and more. |
After using a mirror to point out my troublesome spots to Carrie we got to the real reason I was there — the free 3D image of my teeth using the iTero screen and wand. This is so much more appealing to me than the plaster mold impressions of the past. No gagging. No remnants of the plaster left behind in your mouth. If you don't want to make the drive into a SmileShop for the 30-minute scan you can still request an at-home kit and do the impression thing, but I highly recommend the scan. It's so easy and, I have to admit, super cool to see your entire set of teeth, from top to bottom, up there on the iTero screen. There are over 300 SmileDirectClub SmileShop locations across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand so hopefully, you can find one near you. The Agawam location is approximately an hour away from most Berkshire locations, and there is also one in nearby Albany, NY, that will be closer for some.
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After my scan and consultation with Carrie, I decided that since I was a good candidate for the aligners, I would purchase the 6-month daily wear aligner plan. There was also the option of getting the Nighttime Clear Aligners worn for a continuous 10 hours (usually while sleeping), but those have an average wear time of 10-12 months, and I'm an instant gratification kind of girl. Six months would be long enough.
As Carrie finished up the details and payment plan, I realized my appointment wasn't over yet. Beth informed me that she was sending me home with SmileDirectClub's bright on™ premium whitening kit for FREE. The kit whitens your teeth three times faster than using strips and takes only five minutes in the morning and five minutes at night to get your teeth to your whitest white. Oh, and it's vegan and gluten-free, too. And just in case you think I received this special gift as a perk to my job, well think again. It's free with your 3D imaging. I couldn't wait to get home and try it.
With my appointment coming to an end, I had to say goodbye to my new friends, and I was a little sad. But that didn't last long, because the excitement of getting my new SmileDirectClub aligners in 3-4 weeks and beginning my journey to a new smile, made it a little easier to go.
And if you're looking for an alternative to visiting a SmileShop near you, they offer at-home impression kits as an alternative way to get started on your smile journey. Customers can get 50% off impression kits with code AFF50.
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*I was compensated for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.
