SmileDirectClub Shuts Its Doors After Nine Years of Service

The additive manufacturing sector is no stranger to the ups and downs of market trends, with the life cycles of companies often meeting with premature ends, mergers, takeovers, and more. When even some of the largest and most established companies take part in these proceedings, it is no surprise that 3D printing startups and small enterprises are equally as susceptible to the whims and trends of the market, despite the overall positive trends of the industry.

Such is the case for Nashville-based teledentistry company, SmileDirectClub, which has officially closed its doors after a final attempt by its founders to save the firm from going under ever. A last-ditch effort that was born after the company filed for bankruptcy in September 2023. The dental correction company had established itself internationally, serving millions of clients and trading publically for the past several years. Despite this, however, the company had its share of troubles which contributed to its decline.

The company was popular for its dental corrective kits (Credits: SmileDirectClub)

Founded in 2014, SmileDirectClub was a startup that 3D printed custom, clear teeth aligners for their clients in an alternative approach to tooth straightening measures such as braces. Marketed as faster and cheaper than prices, their clients were able to take full advantage of the orthodontic process from the comfort of their homes. From the dental consultations to the mail-in creation kit, the entire process was conducted at a distance and 3D printing played a large role in its success and the on-demand production of its alignment kits, at one point 3D printing over 20 million custom molds a year for their clients. Throughout its lifespan, SmileDirectClub was consistently able to wow prospective donors, raising hundreds of millions of dollars in investments and being valued at $8.9 billion at the time when the company went public in 2019.

Despite its financial successes, however, the company had also found itself in the headlines several times over the years for a number of lawsuits and investigations, including alleged deceptive practices restricting their customers’ right to refund and blocking individuals from writing negative reviews or posts involving SmileDirectClub online and on social media. Additional patent disputes, prolonged legal battles with competitors, and slowing sales led to a growing mountain of debt which finally reached critical mass in September, when the company first declared bankruptcy.

The closure of the company leaves behind its collection of industrial 3D printers (Credits: SmileDirectClub / HP)

The leadership behind the company struggled throughout the changing season, attempting to find the means to rescue the company from bankruptcy. However, no potential new backers nor buyers were able to come to any agreement, and importantly, the company was unable to convince their existing creditors of navigating a possible new solution. On the SmileDirectClub website, the company has laid out a series of curt answers to frequently asked questions and a final statement regarding the closure of the company and the immediate cessation of all SmileDirectClub features and support.

The webpage concludes with the statement that more information will become available as the process of bankruptcy undergoes its next steps and announces the additional measures that customers can take to receive refunds. You can access their announcement HERE.

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*Cover image credits: ClearCorrect CC-BY-SA-3.0