Direct-to-consumer orthodontics startup SmileDirectClub recently announced plans to add more than 400 jobs locally over the next five years to both its Bank of America Plaza headquarters and its manufacturing and distribution center in Antioch.

Setting out to "democratize orthodontics," the teledentistry company uses a network of affiliated licensed providers around the country to evaluate candidates for SmileDirectClub Invisible Aligners. Impressions for the customized aligners are made via an in-home impression kit or by visiting a SmileShop for a mouth scan. Dental professionals review the 3D images to create an individual treatment plan, which generally takes about five to six months. Customers receive the treatment plan and several sets of aligners to shift teeth at a cost of less than $2,000.

Gov. Bill Haslam, officials with the Department of Economic and Community Development and SmileDirectClub CEO Doug Hudson made the announcement Feb. 7 that the company would invest $4.5 million to grow their local presence.

"The surest way for our cities and communities to continue to prosper is by fostering a business climate that encourages our existing businesses to hire and grow," Haslam said.

"Nashville is growing exponentially, and we're happy to be growing right alongside it," Hudson said. "We put our new office in the heart of downtown because we want to be in the middle of all the energy, growth and fun this city has to offer. These are the exact qualities we wish to exhibit as a company. We're all about making people smile, and Nashville is the city that puts a smile on our face."

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