SmileDirectClub and Align Technology Ending Partnership in 2020
Malocclusion is a fancy term for misaligned teeth. Align Technology (NASDAQ: ALGN), the maker of Invisalign, says between 60% and 75% of the world's population have malocclusion. SmileDirectClub (NASDAQ: SDC) places that estimate even higher at 85%. I haven't personally counted to see which company is right, but it's probably safe to say there are a lot of people worldwide who would benefit from having their teeth straightened.
Since both Align Technology and SmileDirectClub treat malocclusion with transparent retainers, most assume these two companies are cut-throat competitors. But in reality, they have enjoyed a friendly business relationship for years. However, a key agreement between the two companies is set to expire at the end of the year, setting up a confrontational 2020 and beyond.
Image source: Getty Images.
Source Fool.com
