SmileDirectClub, Inc. is a teledentistry company specializing in clear aligner therapy for teeth straightening. The company offers a direct-to-consumer model in which customers complete an initial 3D scan of their teeth at home or at one of the company’s SmileShops. Licensed dentists and orthodontists review each case remotely and prescribe a customized series of clear aligners, accompanied by retainers and optional teeth-whitening products. Through its proprietary telehealth platform, SmileDirectClub enables customers to track progress, receive virtual check-ins, and access dental care without in-person visits to traditional orthodontic practices.
Founded in 2014 by Alex Fenkell and Jordan Katzman, SmileDirectClub pioneered the at-home orthodontics segment. The company expanded rapidly, opening SmileShops in retail locations across North America and internationally. It went public in 2019 through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, further fueling its retail footprint and digital platform development. In 2023, SmileDirectClub undertook a Chapter 11 restructuring to streamline operations and reduce debt, emerging with a renewed focus on its core teledentistry offerings.
SmileDirectClub serves customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia. Its SmileShops are located in malls and high-traffic retail centers, offering free 3D scans and in-person support for customers who prefer face-to-face consultations. In markets without retail outlets, the company ships impression kits or 3D scanning devices directly to customers, ensuring broad geographic reach and convenience.
The company’s leadership combines dental and consumer-retail expertise, guided by founders Alex Fenkell and Jordan Katzman alongside a team of dental professionals and seasoned executives. SmileDirectClub continues to invest in its telehealth technology, marketing initiatives and retail partnerships to maintain its position in the fast-growing clear aligner market.
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