SmileDirectClub Shuts Down Leaving Customers in Limbo

The direct-to-consumer dental aligner company, once valued at $8.9 billion, ceases operations after filing for bankruptcy, raising concerns about customer support and the safety of DIY dentistry.

SmileDirectClub, a company that sold clear dental aligners directly to consumers, has announced it is shutting down operations after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September.
The company, which was valued at about $8.9 billion when it began trading on the stock market in 2019, has been unprofitable year after year, losing $86.4 million in 2022.
Existing customers are left in limbo as orders that haven’t shipped have been canceled and the 'Lifetime Smile Guarantee' no longer exists. Customers are expected to continue to make payments, leading to confusion and frustration.
Customer-care support has ceased and the company has urged consumers to consult their local dentist or orthodontist for further treatments. More details about refund requests will be provided once the bankruptcy process determines next steps.
Dental associations and orthodontists have expressed concerns about the safety of direct-to-consumer dentistry, noting that it can lead to key aspects of a patient’s oral condition being overlooked and potentially lead to health consequences.