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SmileDirectClub and its Products
- SmileDirectClub produced 3D-printed clear aligners.
- SmileDirectClub aligners were a competitor of traditional braces and clear alignment companies like Invisalign.
- Communication with licensed orthodontic professionals and other SmileDirectClub staff took place virtually.
- Impression kits were sent to customers, after which teeth molds were reviewed by dentists or orthodontists who oversaw the treatment process.
- The company reportedly worked with 225 licensed professionals.

History and Financials
- The company initially partnered with Align Technology as an exclusive third-party distributor for its aligners.
- After a dispute over violation of a non-compete clause, Align was ordered to close its retail locations and return its ownership stake in SmileDirectClub.
- In 2021, SmileDirectClub was ordered to pay Align $43.4 million (plus $2.1 million in interest) for the ownership stake.
- SmileDirectClub raised $380 million in an investment round led by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and Kleiner Perkins in October 2018.
- NBA player Draymond Green was an early investor in the company.

Criticisms and Controversies
- The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) filed complaints with 36 state dental boards, alleging that SmileDirectClub violates regulatory standards.
- SmileDirectClub representatives stated that 12 of the cases have been closed and no adverse legal action has been taken against the company.
- The AAO has stated that only five states confirmed closed cases.
- In September 2019, a group of customers filed a class-action lawsuit against the company, claiming false advertising and FDA regulation violations.
- SmileDirectClub used non-disclosure agreements to limit information about customers' dissatisfaction with its products, including medical concerns.

Cyberattack and Workplace Shooting
- SmileDirectClub was the subject of a cyberattack in April 2021, but successfully blocked the attack without paying a ransom.
- The estimated cost of the cyberattack was $10 million to $15 million in revenue.
- A workplace shooting occurred at SmileDirectClub's manufacturing facility in Nashville in August 2021, resulting in injuries to two security guards and a manager.
- The gunman, an employee, was shot and killed by responding police officers.
- SmileDirectClub released a statement expressing sadness over the events.

Bankruptcy and Liquidation
- SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2023.
- The company expected to continue operations normally during the bankruptcy procedure.
- However, in December 2023, SmileDirectClub announced that it would be liquidating and shutting down all operations immediately after a failed last-ditch sale.
- The announcement came after the bankruptcy and liquidation process.

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