Settlement Reached in Class Action Against Align Technology
In a landmark ruling, a class action lawsuit has culminated in a substantial settlement of
$31.75 million against
Align Technology, Inc. This case, known as
Snow v. Align Technology Inc., was formally resolved by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, addressing claims that Align had unlawfully overcharged participants for aligners from
SmileDirectClub.
Overview of the Case
The crux of the complaint presented by the plaintiffs revolves around allegations that Align Technology mandated consumers to pay inflated prices for certain dental aligner products sold by SmileDirectClub. While the company has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the settlement marks a significant turn in ensuring consumer protection and accountability in the dental product sector.
Who is Eligible for the Settlement?
The Court has delineated eligibility for affected consumers. Those who purchased, reimbursed, or paid for all or part of SmileDirectClub dental aligners for personal use between
October 22, 2017, and
August 18, 2022, fall under the classification of the
Settlement Class Member. If you fit this description, it’s crucial to understand your rights regarding the settlement benefits.
What Does the Settlement Entail?
The plaintiffs are advocating for the approval of the settlement fund of
$31.75 million to facilitate compensation for all eligible class members. Anyone identified in SmileDirectClub's records as a purchaser of aligners will automatically receive a pro rata payment if the settlement is approved. For those not on the records, they may submit a valid claim form within the specified deadlines to determine eligibility for compensation.
The anticipated compensation per eligible member is estimated to range between
$40 and $60, with a minimum of
$10 guaranteed. However, the final amount may fluctuate based on the total number of valid claims received by the cut-off date.
Ensuring You Receive Your Payment
To qualify for the settlement benefits, affected consumers must submit a valid claim form either online or via mail by the final deadline of
October 27, 2025. You can learn about your status as a Settlement Class Member or seek assistance from the Class Counsel or the Settlement Administrator if you have questions.
Your Options Moving Forward
If you prefer not to be legally bound by the settlement terms, you have the option to exclude yourself from the settlement by doing so online or through the mail by
October 30, 2025. Failure to exclude yourself relinquishes your right to sue Align and the other parties regarding the claims mentioned in the lawsuit. Alternatively, objections can be submitted by the same deadline if you disagree with the terms of the settlement.
A final fairness hearing is set for
November 20, 2025, where the court will deliberate the approval of the settlement and associated legal fees, which are capped at
25% of the settlement fund along with reimbursement of expenses. If you wish to voice your objection, you may do so during this hearing, or even attend without objections.
Seeking More Information
For further details regarding this settlement and your associated rights, visit
www.SDCAlignerSettlement.com or reach out to the toll-free helpline at
1-888-788-8304. Consumers should also consider contacting Class Counsel via email for additional legal guidance. This settlement not only serves to rectify grievances regarding dental aligners but also embodies a step toward greater scrutiny and accountability in aligner pricing practices.
Stay informed and ensure you take the necessary actions to secure your rightful benefits from this significant settlement!