By Joanna M.
If you were an SDC customer in Canada, the closure hit differently than it did in the US. Canadian users had fewer local backup options, and the platform's abrupt exit left thousands without a replacement plan for ongoing retention. Good news: the market has matured since 2023, and there are now strong, Canadian-shipping alternatives that are â in many ways â better than SDC ever was.
Here's what you need to know about replacing your SmileDirectClub retainer from Canada in 2026.
SmileDirectClub filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations in October 2023, shutting down all Canadian SmileShops, stopping all new orders, and discontinuing retainer replacements for existing customers. If you were mid-treatment or had ongoing retainer needs, you were left without support overnight.
The closure was the result of mounting financial losses, regulatory pressure, and increasing competition from direct-to-consumer dental labs offering better pricing and quality. The good news is those competitors are now more accessible than ever from Canada.
Most former SDC users in Canada fall into one of three categories:
For all three scenarios, the at-home impression kit model â where you take your own dental impressions and mail them to a lab â is the fastest, most affordable route. All of the alternatives below use this model.
NewSmile's custom Essix retainers are made by a certified dental lab, ship directly to Canadian addresses, and start at $99 CAD per pair. The process is simple: order your impression kit, take impressions at home, mail them back, and receive your custom-fit retainers. No dental appointments, no waiting room.
Where NewSmile stands out for former SDC users specifically:
NewSmile also offers a custom night guard starting at $129 CAD if you also grind or clench â making it a one-stop replacement for everything SDC offered.
AlignerCo is the other big name that actively serves the Canadian market. Their clear retainers start at approximately $125 CAD with free shipping to Canada. They use BPA-free thermoplastic material and offer a straightforward impression kit process similar to NewSmile.
AlignerCo also has a .ca domain presence, which makes returns and customer service easier for Canadians than dealing with a US-only company.
Chomper Labs is a US-based dental lab that ships to Canada. Their retainer runs $169 USD (approximately $230+ CAD depending on the exchange rate), which makes them pricier than NewSmile but they offer a unique feature: they store your dental impressions for two years, making reorders instant. If you anticipate needing multiple replacements, that could save you the impression kit step down the road.
Keep in mind you'll likely pay cross-border shipping and possibly duties on top of the USD price.
If you had braces or Invisalign before SDC, your original orthodontist may have your dental records on file. A replacement Essix retainer from a dentist in Canada typically costs $200â$400 CAD â significantly more than the at-home lab options, but it includes a fit check. Worth considering if you've had significant tooth movement.
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Canadian shipping | Avoids cross-border delays, duties, and USD pricing |
| Dental-lab made | Ensures the retainer actually fits properly â not a boil-and-bite |
| Clear pricing in CAD | No currency conversion surprises at checkout |
| Easy reordering | Retainers wear out â you'll need more within 1â2 years |
| Customer support | SDC's collapse showed what happens without it |
No. SmileDirectClub ceased all operations in October 2023. There is no active SDC presence in Canada or anywhere else. Any website claiming to sell "SDC retainers" in 2026 is not affiliated with the original company. Former SDC customers should treat their retainer replacement as a fresh start with a new provider.
Most at-home retainer providers â including NewSmile â don't require you to transfer your old records. You start fresh with a new impression kit, which captures your current dental alignment. This is actually beneficial if your teeth have shifted since SDC treatment ended, since a new impression creates a retainer that fits your teeth as they are today.
Need a Custom Retainer in Canada? Start Here.
NewSmile ships custom Essix retainers directly to Canadian addresses, made by a certified dental lab. From $99 CAD with no dentist visit required.
No. SmileDirectClub ceased all operations in October 2023 and no longer processes any orders. Canadian customers need to switch to a different provider for retainer replacements.
NewSmile offers the best combination of Canadian pricing, dental-lab quality, and direct shipping for Canadian addresses. AlignerCo is a close second with free Canada shipping.
At-home lab-made retainers start around $99â$125 CAD from online providers. Dentist-made replacements cost $200â$400 CAD per pair.
No. All at-home retainer providers include a new impression kit. You'll take fresh impressions of your current teeth, which is actually recommended since teeth can shift over time.
No. SmileDirectClub filed for bankruptcy and permanently shut down in October 2023. There are no plans for the company to resume operations in Canada or any other market.
Some private employer dental plans include a retainer appliance benefit that may cover 50â80% of the cost. The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does not cover clear retainers as of 2026. Check your plan's appliance coverage before ordering.
