SmileDirectClub Aligners Class Action Settlement: If you ever ordered SmileDirectClub’s (SDC) mail-in aligners to straighten your teeth without stepping foot in a dentist’s office, there’s some news that could make you grin wide. A newly announced class-action settlement could mean a cash payout between $40 and $60 for qualifying customers across the U.S. This isn’t one of those internet scams or mystery refund ads — it’s a real, court-approved settlement involving SmileDirectClub and Align Technology, Inc., the company behind Invisalign. The case, Snow v. Align Technology, Inc., involves a whopping $31.75 million fund meant to compensate customers for alleged overpricing caused by an anti-competitive agreement between the two dental giants.
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SmileDirectClub Aligners Class Action Settlement
The SmileDirectClub Class Action Settlement offers eligible Americans a chance to receive $40–$60 as part of a $31.75 million payout tied to alleged price-fixing in the aligner market. The case underscores the importance of fair competition and corporate accountability. File your claim by October 27, 2025, and stay tuned for payments expected in early 2026. Sometimes, justice comes in small checks — but it still matters.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Name | SmileDirectClub Aligners Antitrust Settlement |
| Case Name | Snow v. Align Technology, Inc. |
| Total Settlement Fund | $31.75 Million |
| Estimated Payment per Person | $40 – $60 (subject to claims volume) |
| Eligibility Period | Purchases between Oct 22, 2017 – Aug 18, 2022 |
| Claim Deadline | October 27, 2025 |
| Exclusion Deadline | October 30, 2025 |
| Final Hearing Date | November 20, 2025 (U.S. District Court, N.D. California) |
| Official Website | https://www.sdcalignersettlement.com |
| Administrator Contact | [email protected] |
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California |
Understanding the Case: What Sparked the Lawsuit?
Back in 2017, Align Technology, maker of Invisalign, made a major investment in SmileDirectClub, buying roughly 19% of the company. This partnership allowed Align to participate in SDC’s mail-order aligner business while maintaining its premium, dentist-supervised Invisalign line.
But according to the class-action complaint, the two companies allegedly struck a deal that restricted competition. The lawsuit claimed this agreement helped keep clear aligner prices artificially high, leaving everyday customers paying more.
Consumers argued that this arrangement violated U.S. antitrust laws — laws designed to keep markets competitive and prices fair.
Although Align Technology denied all wrongdoing, it eventually agreed to settle for $31.75 million, avoiding a drawn-out trial.
“While we continue to deny the allegations, settling allows us to focus on innovation and serving customers,” Align stated in a company press release.
Who Is Eligible for a SmileDirectClub Aligners Class Action Settlement Payment?
You might qualify if you:
- Purchased SmileDirectClub aligners for personal use in the U.S.
- Made that purchase between October 22, 2017, and August 18, 2022.
- Have not opted out of or been excluded from the settlement.
That’s it — no need to prove you overpaid, suffered damages, or even still own the product.
If you’re in SmileDirectClub’s customer database, you may automatically receive payment. If you’re not sure, play it safe — submit a claim through the official website.
How Much Money Will You Get?
The payout will depend on how many valid claims are approved. Here’s how it works:
- Total fund: $31.75 million
- After attorney and admin fees, the rest is split among eligible claimants
- Estimated payout: $40 – $60 per person
- Minimum guaranteed payout: $10
So, if 600,000 people file claims, you might get closer to $40. If fewer file, payouts could go up.
This kind of settlement isn’t about making you rich — it’s about holding corporations accountable and restoring fair market practices.
Why SmileDirectClub Aligners Class Action Settlement Matters?
Let’s be real — most people don’t think much about “antitrust laws.” But these laws exist to keep big companies from teaming up to block competition and charge more.
Without fair competition, customers — like you and me — get stuck paying inflated prices. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) explains this in plain language: when companies coordinate to limit market access, consumers lose choice and pay more.
In this case, it’s not just about dental products. It’s about how innovation and pricing work across industries — from tech to healthcare.
Consumer rights attorney Michael Thomas put it simply:
“When competitors shake hands behind closed doors, consumers end up footing the bill. Settlements like this are a small but significant way to balance the scales.”
How to File a SmileDirectClub Aligners Class Action Settlement Claim (Step-by-Step Guide)
Filing a claim is quick and painless. Here’s exactly what to do:
Step 1: Go to the Official Site
Head over to www.sdcalignersettlement.com — it’s the only authorized website.
Step 2: Select “Submit a Claim”
Click the button labeled “Submit Claim” or “File Online.”
Step 3: Fill in Your Details
Enter your:
- Full legal name
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Date or approximate date of your aligner purchase
- Payment method (if you recall it)
You don’t need your order number, but having your confirmation email or bank record can help.
Step 4: Review and Submit
Double-check your details and submit before the October 27, 2025 deadline.
Step 5: Wait for Confirmation
You’ll receive a confirmation email. Payments are expected to begin after the final approval hearing in November 2025.
The Bigger Picture: A Changing Dental Landscape
SmileDirectClub disrupted the orthodontic industry when it launched — offering mail-order aligners at nearly half the price of traditional braces. By 2019, it had treated over a million customers and went public on the NASDAQ.
However, its journey has been rocky. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and operations wound down by 2024.
Still, its model — telehealth dentistry — changed how Americans approach dental care. Many now expect at-home solutions and lower-cost treatments, leading to a boom in competitors like Byte, Candid, and ALIGNERCO.
“SmileDirectClub walked so other companies could run,” says dental analyst Sarah Lowell. “Even with their setbacks, they democratized access to orthodontic care.”
This settlement closes a chapter in that story — one that taught corporate America that innovation must be paired with integrity.
When Will You Actually Get Paid?
The process moves in stages:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Claims Open | Mid-2025 |
| Claim Deadline | October 27, 2025 |
| Exclusion/Objection Deadline | October 30, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | November 20, 2025 |
| Payment Distribution | Early 2026 (estimated) |
Payments could take several months after approval. Most settlements use either mailed checks or digital payment services.
Expert Advice: Don’t Miss Out
- File early. Don’t wait until the deadline — claim portals often crash in the final days.
- Use your same email used when you ordered your aligners; it’s likely linked to your record.
- Watch for phishing scams. Only trust emails from the official domain (sdcalignersettlement.com).
- Stay informed. The site will post updates on court approval and payment dates.
If you miss the deadline, you’re out of luck — and you’ll waive your right to sue separately over the same claims.
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The Takeaway
The SmileDirectClub Aligners Settlement is about more than just money — it’s about restoring consumer trust. It reminds companies that when innovation crosses into unfair collaboration, the public pays the price. For consumers, it’s a rare win in the fight for transparency and affordability in healthcare. For professionals, it’s a case study in how business partnerships can backfire if not structured ethically. If you bought SDC aligners between 2017 and 2022, don’t let this opportunity slip away. H
