SmileDirectClub Shuts Down Without Warning to Customers
If you’re a customer of SmileDirectClub, hope you know by now that company just shut down.
The Nashville, Tennessee company made an announcement Friday, months after it filed for bankruptcy.
SmileDirectClub, the telehealth company that sold teeth alignment devices through the mail, claimed to be a faster, cheaper alternative to braces. Over the last decade the company has served more than two million clients, but was not continuing to be profitable.
A statement posted Friday on SmileDirectClub.com said:
“SmileDirectClub has made the incredibly difficult decision to wind down its global operations, effective immediately. For new customers interested in SmileDirectClub services, thank you for your interest, but aligner treatment is no longer available through out telehealth platform. For existing customers, we apologize for the inconvenience, but customer care support is no longer available. Thank you for your support and letting us improve over 2 million smiles and lives.”
For those who had already placed an order, but haven’t received the aligners, the response from the company was short and sweet. “All orders that have not yet shipped have been cancelled at this time, and you will not receive your aligners.”
They Want You to Keep Paying Though
“SmilePay customers are expected to continue to make all monthly payments until payment has been made in full per the terms of our SmilePay program.” It added that the “Lifetime Smile Guarantee” no longer exists, leaving customers in limbo.
What About a Refund?
“There will be more information to come once the bankruptcy process determines next steps and additional measures customers can take,” according to a statement from SmileDirectClub.
Previous Problems for SmileDirectClub
The District of Columbia attorney general’s office sued SmileDirectClub last year for “unfair and deceptive” practices. They accused the company of unlawfully using non-disclosure agreements to manipulate online reviews and keep customers from reporting negative experiences from regulators.
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