Shortly after filing for bankruptcy, SmileDirectClub has made the decision to shut down its global operations, bringing an end to its teeth-aligner treatments.

With the company offering no customer care support and limited details on possible refunds, existing SmileDirectClub customers are left bewildered and frustrated. Dental organizations and orthodontists have also voiced concerns regarding the safety of “direct-to-consumer” dentistry.

Here’s what to take note of concerning the situation:

What is SmileDirectClub and why is it closing down?

SmileDirectClub was established in 2014 with the goal of revolutionizing the oral-care industry by selling clear dental aligners advertised as a quicker and more affordable alternative to braces. The company sold its aligners directly to consumers by mail and in major retailers, serving over 2 million individuals since its inception.

However, after the company became unprofitable, its stock value depreciated, while legal battles and pushback from the orthodontics industry created further obstacles to remaining competitive. These factors led to the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the company’s inability to find a partner willing to provide enough capital to sustain operations.

What happens to existing customers?

SmileDirectClub has confirmed through a Friday FAQ that its telehealth aligner treatment will no longer be available. As a result, existing customers are left in limbo, as orders that have yet to be shipped have been cancelled and the “Lifetime Smile Guarantee” no longer exists. The future of any refund requests remains uncertain, and customer-care support has ceased.

Despite offering apologies, the company has advised customers to consult with a local dentist or orthodontist for further treatment. However, more details are expected to be provided once the bankruptcy process determines next steps and additional measures customers can take.

What are orthodontists saying?

Dental associations have expressed opposition to DIY dentistry. These types of aligner treatments don’t require in-person visits and rely on consumers taking molds of their teeth or digital scans instead. This approach has raised concerns about overlooking key aspects of a patient’s oral condition and posing potential health risks.

SmileDirectClub is not the only direct-to-consumer aligner provider on the market, but it has been met with skepticism from the American Association of Orthodontists due to the lack of direct supervision and a patient-doctor relationship. While telehealth has its place in dental care, the lack of direct supervision has raised concerns regarding patient safety.