For nearly ten years, SmileDirectClub (SDC) promised affordable, at-home teeth straightening. It seemed like a great business, until it all collapsed.

 

When the company filed for bankruptcy in late 2023 and abruptly ceased operations in early 2024, thousands of customers were left in the lurch. Many of those customers were mid-treatment, and out hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars. Fast forward to 2025, and some of those customers are still wondering if they can get their money back, and if so, where can they start?

 

If you are one of those customers, we’ll walk through what you need to know now that the dust has settled.

The Bankruptcy is Still Ongoing, but Don’t Hold Your Breath

SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2023. By early January, a judge ordered the filing to be converted to Chapter 7, which meant the company could not simply restructure, it had to shut down entirely. At that point the brand and its services became completely defunct.

 

A quick Google search shows that, even in 2025, former customers are still discussing and reporting refund issues (for example, this Reddit post from June 4 – just two days before this article was written).  If you never received your aligners or were owed a refund, you’re considered an unsecured creditor. This means you’re at the very back of the payment line, behind big lenders and secured investors.

 

In December 2024, the New York State Attorney General was able to recover $4.8 million to be distributed to over 28,000 customers affected by the shut down.  That’s great news, but what if you were overlooked or deemed ineligible, but you’re still owed? 

 

Here's the hard truth:  there’s been no indication that individual consumers will receive any repayment. Unless you submitted a formal proof of claim during the bankruptcy process, and even then, it’s unlikely you’ll see that money again.  

For nearly ten years, SmileDirectClub promised affordable, at-home teeth straightening. It seemed like a great business, until it all collapsed. (iStock)

Can You Still File a Credit Card Dispute?

For most customers, the window to file a credit card chargeback has likely closed. Most issuers have dispute windows between 60 to 120 days, and since SDC stopped operating in early 2024, the majority of transactions now fall outside that range.

 

That said, if you were charged in the final weeks of the company's existence, or experienced unexpected recurring charges, you may still be eligible for a refund depending on your bank’s policies. It’s worth contacting your credit card company directly to explain the situation. Some have shown flexibility for disputes involving bankrupt or fraudulent companies, for example, Visa extended their dispute window to 540 days for situations in which you paid for something that wasn’t delivered.

 

If you choose to go this route, have documentation ready. You’ll want to have on-hand your order receipt, cancellation notice, and any correspondence with SmileDirectClub. That can help support your case if your bank is willing to review it.

Still Need Aligners or Mid-Treatment? See a Dentist

If you were in the middle of aligner treatment, don’t panic… and please don’t try to DIY your dental care either.

 

Licensed dentists and orthodontists across Georgia have stepped in to assist patients abandoned by SmileDirectClub. Some offer treatment transition programs, where they evaluate where your care left off and create a new, customized plan. Others may provide discounts or financing specifically for SmileDirectClub customers.

 

This is especially important because misaligned or poorly managed treatment can cause real harm, including gum recession, bite issues, or permanent tooth movement.

 

Your best bet? Call a reputable local practice and bring any materials you still have, like your aligner trays or treatment records (if you downloaded them before the company shut down). Many offices are familiar with SmileDirectClub’s format and can take it from there.

Misaligned or poorly managed treatment can cause real harm. (iStock)

What We Can Learn from This Collapse

SmileDirectClub’s rise and fall is a cautionary tale of tech-forward convenience clashing with real-world responsibility. And it’s a reminder that when healthcare is sold like fast fashion, consumers may be the ones left with the bill.

 

So how can you protect yourself next time?

  • Stick with providers that offer in-person support, especially for medical or dental services.
  • Always read the fine print on refund policies and service guarantees.
  • Use a credit card (not debit or peer-to-peer apps) for better dispute protection.
  • Research the company’s financial stability, especially when prepaying large amounts.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Smile Fade

If you’re one of the thousands left without answers from SmileDirectClub, know that you're not alone. While financial recovery may be unlikely at this point, you still have control over your next steps. Especially when it comes to your dental health and your consumer habits moving forward.

 

Need aligners? Start fresh with a local dentist. Still fighting for a refund? It never hurts to ask your card issuer, even if it’s a long shot.

 

And next time a company promises big results with small prices, take a moment to ask: What happens if they vanish overnight? 

 

The answer could save you time, money, and yes, even your smile.