A PYMNTS Company

Align Technology Settles Antitrust Lawsuit Over SmileDirectClub Deal for $31.75 Million

By  |  July 9, 2025

Align Technology has reached a $31.75 million settlement to resolve allegations it engaged in anticompetitive practices through a deal with SmileDirectClub that allegedly suppressed competition in the clear dental aligner market. The settlement concludes a class action lawsuit accusing the company of violating federal antitrust laws, according to a statement.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    The lawsuit alleged that Align, the maker of the Invisalign system, entered into an agreement with SmileDirectClub—a teledentistry company offering similar aligner products directly to consumers—to limit competition between the two firms. Per a statement, the plaintiffs claimed this agreement was in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, a federal law designed to maintain market competition and prevent monopolistic behavior.

    Although Align Technology has not admitted any wrongdoing, it has agreed to the multimillion-dollar payout to settle the case. The settlement will provide cash payments to eligible consumers who purchased SmileDirectClub aligners for personal use between October 22, 2017, and August 18, 2022.

    Related: US Judge Blocks Settlement in Align Technology Antitrust Lawsuit

    Consumers listed in SmileDirectClub’s records as having made qualifying purchases will automatically receive a pro rata share of the settlement funds. Those not identified in the records may still submit a claim form to receive compensation. According to the official settlement website, eligible class members can expect payments estimated between $40 and $60, though the final amount may vary depending on how many valid claims are submitted. The minimum payment will be $10.

    Align Technology, best known for its Invisalign products, and SmileDirectClub have been major players in the growing dental aligner market. The class action accused the companies of stifling innovation and limiting consumer choice through their arrangement. While Align did not concede liability, the settlement brings the legal dispute to a close without a trial.

    Source: Top Class Actions