SmileDirectClub, a company that offered teeth aligners as an alternative to braces, abruptly closed its doors, leaving over 2 million customers in a lurch. Customers like Audrey Ganus and Rebekka Reynolds were shocked to find out about the closure when they showed up for appointments and discovered locked doors and no access to their patient portals. The company's closure has left customers without access to their records and support, despite promises of lifetime care. SmileDirectClub, which filed for bankruptcy in September, has faced criticism from orthodontists and legal challenges in the past. Customers are now left with limited options and financial burdens as they seek alternative treatments.
SmileDirectClub, a direct-to-consumer dentistry and orthodontics company, abruptly shut down after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company stated that aligner treatment is no longer available through their platform, leaving some customers stranded in the middle of treatment. The lifetime guarantee is also no longer in place, and customers are expected to continue making monthly payments. SmileDirectClub had positioned itself as an affordable alternative to traditional orthodontics, but its closure has left customers questioning the future of their treatment.
SmileDirectClub, the direct-to-consumer dentistry and orthodontics company known for selling teeth aligners, has announced the immediate shutdown of its global operations, less than three months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company encouraged existing customers to seek treatment from local dentist offices, as some may be left stranded in the middle of their teeth-straightening course. While customers will not receive new aligners, those who financed their plans are expected to continue making monthly payments. Refund eligibility will be determined during the bankruptcy process. SmileDirectClub had positioned itself as an affordable alternative to traditional orthodontics, but faced financial challenges leading to its closure.
SmileDirectClub, the direct-to-consumer telehealth orthodontics company known for selling teeth aligners, has announced the immediate shutdown of its global operations, less than three months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Existing customers may be left stranded in the middle of their treatment, and the company has encouraged them to seek assistance from local dentist offices. SmileDirectClub, which aimed to provide an affordable alternative to traditional orthodontics, had aligners priced at around $2,000 compared to the $5,000 cost at brick-and-mortar medical offices. The company did not respond to requests for comment, and refund eligibility will be determined during the bankruptcy process.
