Align Technology & SmileDirectClub Antitrust Settlement: $31.75M

Consumers who purchased, paid for, or reimbursed the cost of SmileDirectClub aligners for personal use between October 22, 2017, and August 18, 2022.

Not required. Automatic payments will be issued to class members identified in SmileDirectClub’s records. Others may file a claim.

Align Technology has agreed to a $31.75 million settlement to resolve antitrust allegations involving SmileDirectClub. The class action lawsuit claimed that Align—maker of Invisalign—entered into an illegal agreement with SmileDirectClub that harmed competition in the direct-to-consumer clear aligner market.

The lawsuit alleged that Align’s deal with SmileDirectClub unfairly restricted market competition, resulting in consumers paying more for dental aligners than they would have in a truly competitive market. These actions were said to violate the Sherman Antitrust Act, a federal law aimed at protecting consumers from monopolistic practices.

Align Technology denies any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the case and avoid prolonged litigation.

What Class Members Can Receive

Eligible consumers may receive:

• Cash Payments: Consumers identified in SmileDirectClub’s purchase records will automatically receive a pro rata cash payment. Those not identified in records can file a claim form to receive a similar payment.

• Estimated Award: According to the settlement website, class members can expect to receive between $40 and $60, with a guaranteed minimum of $10, depending on the total number of claims filed.