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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is this class action about?

According to the class-action lawsuit, Align Technology and SmileDirectClub entered into an anticompetitive agreement, causing more than one million U.S. consumers to pay artificially high prices for SmileDirectClub aligners.

This lawsuit is solely focused on the agreement between Align and SDC. It does not concern any product defects that you may have had with SDC aligners or any harm resulting from SDC aligner treatment. You are not releasing any claims you may have against SDC related to the quality of the aligners you purchased or your aligner treatment if you remain a member of the class. More information about the lawsuit is available at sdcalignersettlement.com.

Who is included in the settlement class?

The settlement class is defined as all persons in the U.S. that purchased, paid and/or provided reimbursement for some or all the purchase price for SmileDirectClub aligners acquired for personal use during the period of Oct. 22, 2017, through Aug. 18, 2022.

Has the court approved the settlement?

The court has granted final approval to a $31.75 million settlement. A fairness hearing was held on Nov. 20, 2025. Now that the settlement has been granted final approval, payments will be dispersed to class members who have submitted valid claims. Find more information regarding settlement payments below.

When is the final approval hearing?

The court’s final approval hearing took place on Nov. 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the San Francisco Courthouse before Judge Chhabria of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Can I attend the final approval hearing?

The final approval hearing took place on Nov. 20, 2025.

MORE ABOUT THE SETTLEMENT

What does the settlement provide?

The $31.75 million settlement with Align Technology provides class members with pro rata cash payments distributed from the settlement fund.

The settlement has been granted final approval by the court.

 
I got a notice that I may be affected by the settlement. What do I do now?

If you received a notice and are a U.S. resident who bought or paid for SmileDirectClub aligners for personal use between Oct. 22, 2017, and Aug. 18, 2022, you are part of the class. Your notice will indicate whether or not you will need to file a claim.

Some class members will receive automatic payments using the information the settlement administrator has on file. Please note that this information may be outdated. Further information on settlement claims and disbursement can be found at sdcalignersettlement.com.

The settlement claim submission deadline has now passed.

What if I do nothing?

If you have been identified by SmileDirectClub as a member of the class, and/or have received notice that you may have been impacted by the settlement, you will be considered a valid member of the class and may automatically receive a pro rata cash payment if the settlement is granted final approval by the court.

Please be aware that not all class members sent a notice will receive an automatic payment. If you are a member of the class and received class notice, your notice indicated whether or not you need to file a claim on the administrator’s website at sdcalignersettlement.com by the prior deadline.

By remaining a member of the class (meaning you did not exclude yourself from the settlement), you do not release any claims that you have against SDC that are not related to the agreement between Align and SDC, such as claims relating to product defects or treatment that you may have experienced.

All class members who take no action but have been identified as a member of the class give up their right to sue or continue to sue Align Technology, Inc. as part of any other lawsuit about the same legal claims in this lawsuit.

The deadline to submit a settlement claim has now passed.

The deadline to exclude yourself from the settlement class has now passed.

The deadline to object to the settlement has now passed.

What is the difference between objecting to the settlement and asking to be excluded from the class?

If you object to the settlement, you are telling the court that you do not like the settlement, or something about the settlement, or the requested fees and expenses. If an individual submits an objection, the court will review the objection and consider it during future settlement proceedings.

If you opt out or exclude yourself from the settlement, you are simply telling the court you do not want to be a part of the settlement class or the settlement. Those who opt out forfeit their opportunity to object to the settlement because they will no longer be a member of the class.

What is the deadline to submit a claim?

The deadline to submit a settlement claim has now passed. All valid claims were to be submitted online or postmarked by mail by Oct. 27, 2025.

If I had multiple children or multiple family members with SmileDirectClub treatments, do I file one claim to reflect them all, or individually for each person?

If more than one person in your household used SmileDirectClub products, you must file a separate claim for each person in order to receive settlement benefits for each individual. If you received a Unique ID on your notice, only one claim can be filed using that Unique ID. Additional claims for other individuals may be submitted online or by mail without a Unique ID. Make sure the documents match the name on each claim, are clear and easy to read, and keep copies for your records. Hard copies won’t be returned.

What is the deadline to object or opt out?

The deadline to object to or opt out of the settlement the settlement has now passed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Does this lawsuit apply to SmileDirectClub consumers outside of the U.S.?

This lawsuit has focused on an alleged anticompetitive agreement between SmileDirectClub and Align, which involved a restriction on Align’s ability to compete in the United States. Our attorneys are not currently aware of similar wrongdoing happening outside of the U.S. However, this lawsuit will not prejudice any future claims that those outside the U.S. may have against SmileDirectClub.

Can I sue SmileDirectClub or Align Technology individually?

If you would like to pursue suing Align Technology, Inc. individually, you may opt out of the settlement to retain your rights to do so. However, further legal action taken at an individual level will be at your own expense.

Will I receive money from the settlement?

The court has granted final approval to the $31.75 million settlement and eligible class members who submitted a valid claim by Oct. 27, 2025 will get a cash payment. The amount will depend on how many valid claims are filed.

How much money will I get?

The current estimate for pro rata cash payments for eligible class members is between $80-$100, but no less than $10. The payments will be subject to change based on attorneys’ fees and expenses and the size of the settlement class.

How will the money be distributed?

Pro rata cash payments will be sent to the address at which you received your postcard notice. If preferred, electronic payment may be provided through Zelle, PayPal or Venmo if a valid username was provided on your claim submission.

Who represents me in this case?

The court has appointed Hagens Berman Managing Partner Steve W. Berman as class counsel to represent you and the settlement class. You may contact class counsel by emailing contactus@hbsslaw.com.

Do I have to pay the lawyers?

Hagens Berman’s attorneys (class counsel) represent the settlement class on a contingency-fee basis. Settlement class members do not pay for legal fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Class counsel is awarded attorneys’ fees and expenses from the settlement fund, pending the court’s final approval of the settlement and approval of the proposed attorneys’ fees and expenses.

Where can I get more information?

Still have questions? Class members or those that believe they are eligible to be included in the class regarding this case are encouraged to visit the settlement website for more information. If you have specific questions about your claim, please reach out to the settlement administrator at info@SDCAlignerSettlement.com, or call at 1-888-788-8304.