Align Your Success: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Aligner Business

The Clear Aligner industry has seen burgeoning success with each exciting innovation conceived in the last decade or so. At present, clear aligners are rejoicing in the same success and fame that classic metal braces were steadfast to achieve over many centuries.

Due to the never-ending expansion of this orthodontic sector, young entrepreneurs are steadily on the prowl for a great opportunity to parade their expertise. Building a business from the ground up is no venture for the weak and while some dentists set forth into entrepreneurship with a clear vision of their business model, others have a fleeting whim.

Every great business owner preaches on monetizing what you love – that you should always dive head first into any project. However, before you go running your super successful enterprise from your office and putting your hard-earned cash into an already saturated market, you should take into account what it takes to build a clear aligner business and make it profitable.

Have nothing but a dream and a charmingly ripe college degree? Here is a detailed blueprint for developing and growing your clear aligner business.

 

1. Construct a business plan

You will need a business strategy that you can show your potential investors and stakeholders. A strong business plan is the crux of every business. Research the aligner market thoroughly, set objectives and goals, scale finances, and outline a general marketing strategy.

Your aligner business plan should also include details like the products and services you plan to offer, how you plan to profit from your said products and services, who your competitors are, what your dream team will look like, and who your target demographic is going to be.

Breathe the essence into your brand with the help of a well-thought-out business model and the rest shall fall in place.

 

2. Apply for licenses and permits

You want your business set up as seamlessly as possible so it is fair that you learn and comply with all the relevant dental and medical regulations that are specific to your region. It is best that you set aside time early on during the developing stage of your business to find out what licenses and permits you need before you put your heart and soul into your new project.

 

3. Choose a clear aligner system

Now that you are ready to launch your business, consider factors such as cost, training, and supply chain before you select the clear aligner system that is compatible with your business. There are hundreds of new and promising clear aligner brands in the market today. Make sure that you choose an aligner provider that is popular and trusted in your area.

 

4. Secure funding

Every start-up business needs start-up capital. Determine what source of funding for equipment like 3D printers and thermoforming machines, software, lab partnerships, advertising campaigns, and routine operational costs. You may explore your funding options through personal savings or direct investors. Some companies also finance loans for aspiring ortho-businessmen.

 

5. Determine a foolproof business model

As a clear aligner service provider, you are required to decide how you are planning to construct and subsequently distribute aligners to your patients.

• In-house aligner production: If you choose this business model, you should be ready to provide clear aligners from scratch all from your dental practice. This calls on you to invest in 3D printers, treatment planning software, and equipment for aligner fabrication. Therefore, you will need to prepare a significant upfront investment and conjure well-trained experts to do your bidding.
• Partner with a lab: Another popular business model among orthodontists today is where your dental office collaborates with a reputable laboratory that constructs the aligners for you. By outsourcing the aligner fabrication and treatment planning bit to a third-party lab, you save your business a huge financial burden.

 

6. Build your team

The dental personnel you employ form the backbone of your business’ success. This is why you need to assemble a team of qualified professionals, including orthodontists, dentists, and dental assistants trained in clear aligner treatment.

It is also important that you hire proactive administrative and marketing or sales staff who can promote your aligner services and attract prospective patients to your dental practice.

 

7. Set up your office

Your dental practice needs the right final touches to become a local success. The location of your office is of utmost importance. Choose a location that is accessible and convenient for your patients. An office with adequate parking and around a friendly neighborhood gives you twice the chance to be discovered. Also, design a welcoming space for patient consultations, treatment planning, and aligner fabrication and monitoring.

This is also when you unload your surplus. Invest in all essential equipment, instruments, and devices based on the business model you have chosen. Making a one-time investment in high-quality dental equipment will save you a lifetime of additional costs for breakdowns and downtime.

 

8. Deliver good patient care

Patients are the building blocks of every successful dental practice. Your patient should always be your top priority. Providing patient-centered care focuses not only on delivering top-class services to your patients but also on building relationships with them. You treat them with dignity and respect and they will return the favor with loyalty to your brand.

Exceptional patient care includes

• One-on-one personalized consultations with your patients to better learn their unique needs and expectations.
• Maintaining open communication with your patients through the orthodontic treatment process and responding promptly to their concerns.
• Delivering only the best treatment services using high-quality and latest aligner technology to ensure predictable and satisfactory results.

 

9. Relearn, reevaluate and refine

As a business owner, you should always be open to change. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and advancements in aligner technology and treatment techniques. Track key metrics like patient acquisition, treatment completion rates, backlog clearance rates, and patient satisfaction. You should also analyze your performance at regular intervals to make sound decisions for the growth and success of your business.

 

Takeaway

Massive popularity always brings massive chances, some of which may cause you to think twice about your choices. Turning a small business idea will take enormous determination and commitment. But with the right business strategy and potential for surging revenue, it might be worth your while after all.