Source: Streetwise Reports   04/28/2020

SmileDirectClub Inc. (SDC:NASDAQ) today announced "it has been issued a patent for its SmileShop intellectual property from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office which further strengthens the telehealth dentistry pioneer's efforts to bring affordable, accessible oral care to more people through its unique and innovative teledentistry platform and direct-to-consumer business model." The firm claimed that the patent will prevent other clear aligner competitors from duplicating its business model for the next 18 years.

The company's CEO David Katzman commented, "This patent designation is a significant validation of our unique customer-oriented care model, and expands our category ownership, including the manufacturing and retail experience...As the industry pioneer and inventor of the SmileShop concept, this patent is recognition that SmileDirectClub offers an innovative way for consumers to access oral care that is safe, doctor-directed and convenient. We look forward to welcoming customers back to our SmileShops at the earliest and safest possible time."

"We are focused on the entire teeth straightening and care process, and we now own the manufacturing process of our clear aligner products, the customer experience via our teledentistry platform, as well as the retail experience for clear aligner therapy. This patent is another step in our process as we continue to grow and protect our business," Katzman added.

The firm advised that "the patent encompasses the unique SmileShop concept and process" which includes appointment scheduling, conducting an intraoral scan, generating an approved treatment plan by a licensed dentist or orthodontist and then creating and shipping the aligners to the customer. The company noted that so far more than one million customers have used its clear aligner therapy platform.

The company stated that it is planning to slowly reopen its SmileShops in the U.S. and other markets starting in May as local governments begin to lift business restrictions. The firm indicated that it will be supplying all of its SmileShop team members with face shields and other PPE and will institute staggered appointment times, temperature scans and other social distancing and sanitary measures to provide a safe experience for all staff and customers.

SmileDirectClub is an oral care company headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. The firm stated that it is the creator of the first direct-to-consumer medtech platform for teeth straightening. The company has since expanded its business and now offers its products directly through dentist and orthodontists' offices. Some of the products offered by the company include aligners, impression kits, retainers and whitening gel. In addition to the U.S., the company also operates in Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand and the U.K.

SmileDirectClub began the day with a market capitalization of around $2.1 billion with approximately 385 million shares outstanding and a short interest of about 10.4%. SDC shares opened more than 26% higher today at $6.76 (+$1.37, +26.42%) over yesterday's $5.39 closing price. The stock has traded today between $6.13 to $6.80 per share and is currently trading at $6.64 (+$1.25, +23.14%).

Disclosure:
1) Stephen Hytha compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. He or members of his household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. He or members of his household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.
2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees.
3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.
5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases.
6) This article does not constitute medical advice. Officers, employees and contributors to Streetwise Reports are not licensed medical professionals. Readers should always contact their healthcare professionals for medical advice.

( Companies Mentioned: SDC:NASDAQ, )

Since the arrival of the European Soil Data Centre in 2006, assessing the state of soils at European level has never been easier, more efficient or more reliable, according to a new report by its designers. The database, which contains state-of-the-art scientific information for a range of key environmental concerns, was accessed 26,000 times in the first 11 months of operation.

The majority of respondents to a UK survey would like to see labels explaining the carbon footprint of the food they buy. 72% of the supermarket shoppers questioned were in favour of carbon labels on food. The survey also found that 42% had changed their shopping habits in the last 10 years in response to environmental concerns.

The majority of respondents to a UK survey would like to see labels explaining the carbon footprint of the food they buy. 72% of the supermarket shoppers questioned were in favour of carbon labels on food. The survey also found that 42% had changed their shopping habits in the last 10 years in response to environmental concerns.

“We recommend allowing all physical shops dealing on sales, repair and service activity of mobile phones, mobile devices (laptops and tablets) and their supporting accessories to be opened on a limited basis (three days a week for five hours) with limited number of staff,” AIMRA said in an April 17 letter to union home minister Amit Shah.

70 percent of Americans surveyed by Zillow Mortgages said they would not abandon their home buying plans should interest rates rise to 4.5%

Despite the drop in new listings, total inventory is up as activity has slowed and few homes are being removed from the market

Zillow web traffic on for-sale listings and requests to connect with Premier Agents have ticked up recently after slowing in the early days of the U.S. coronavirus pandemic in mid-March

An author from Pinner has published a book this week.

Shoppers at Aldi have been warned of voucher scam circulating on social media.

The post Wildlife experts find hope amongst the ashes on Kangaroo Island appeared first on The Lead SA.

DEPARTMENT store Debenhams is on the brink of administration for the second time in a year, the company confirmed today.

South Chesterfield, Va. — A Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) project began this week to widen Cedar Level Road between Cobblestone...

Oil's recovery from last month's epic plunge accelerated as production cuts start to whittle down a supply glut.

Americans will profess their love this Valentine's Day by digging deeper into their wallets than ever before, new research shows.

For a big selection of eco-lingerie, MNN's lifestyle blogger recommends FaeriesDance.com — which stocks many hard-to-find European eco-fashion brands.

SNAP recipients in certain states will be able to buy groceries from designated retailers during the 2-year pilot.

In the biggest city in America's smallest state, comes a micro-apartment complex that aims to revive a struggling 19th-century indoor shopping center.

Indie retail and urban downsizing collide at this smart example of adaptive reuse that breathes new life into a historic shopping center.

If you want to get the most nutrients out of your veggies, don't worry about gaining polyphenols or losing nutrients. Just eat them.

Anyone who's ever polished silver knows that keeping the tarnish at bay is never ending work. But, you may not know that polishing also rubs away some of the pr

Video: Aerial surveillance cameras in some stores track our shopping behavior and help retailers determine what to sell and how to position it.

The Peaceful Belly Farm in Hailey, Idaho, found a unique way to advertise a plant sale.

The pedestrianization of overcrowded Oxford Street is a long-time dream of many Londoners. Cycling activists, however, feel wedged out of the ambitious plans.

The Prius-driving, organic chicken-buying crowd give us something to snicker about in the Whole Foods Parking Lot.

Don't want to shop on Black Friday but not sure what else to do? Here are some ideas.

The universe's strongest source of energy may be the solution to one of Earth's oldest conflicts.

Researchers create a new scale to identify dependence on 'retail therapy.' Do you fit the bill?

Soon, customers may be able to shop and sip at a Target store in Chicago.

When you can smell garbage from miles away, pizza doesn't stand a chance with bears.

Center for Environmental Health's new guide attempts to consolidate electronic buying guides from many nonprofits.

Pickled hops are showing up in brewery restaurants alongside of the brews.

White-nose syndrome is still spreading wildly, but a few bat colonies may be showing signs of resistance.

Conservation photographer Krista Schlyer is documenting the people, wildlife and landscapes of America's 'forgotten' river.

These tips will help you make a trip to any type of grocery store as zero-waste as possible.

In a goofy, profane, self-mocking rap video, a handful of young Australian climate scientists preach an inconvenient truth: There are two few scientists at the

Gut-wrenching appeals can mean fewer donations, say two British researchers who looked into marketing approaches.

One blogger's perspective on the recent 'success' of Wisconsin's carbon capture pilot program.

Lend your voice to calls for power plants to upgrade their water systems to prevent millions of fish from being chopped to bits.

Here are 10 historic shopping centers that are still thriving today.

From the venerable, eco-conscious publisher comes a new place to find great gifts, fairly made jewelry and sustainable fashion.

DoneGood's browser extension and app let you shop for socially responsible alternatives to whatever you're looking for.

Shop for Good Sunday lets you put your holiday spending where your values are.