Candid, a teeth aligner startup is evolving its direct-to-consumer business. The company aims to basically make straight teeth more accessible and more affordable than Invisalign.
In addition to its at-home impression process, Candid recently started enabling people to come into a physical office to get their teeth scans completed.
With this development, Candid is opening physical storefronts in San Francisco, Austin, Columbus, Ohio and Santa Monica, Calif. This is in addition to the two locations in New York City, one in Boston and one West Hollywood, California.
The company aims to have 75 locations across the U.S. by the end of next year. Candid 3D prints its FDA-approved aligners and is designed for people who need mild to moderate orthodontic work.
In Candid’s physical locations, customers can get their teeth scanned and order aligners within 30 minutes. The studios are operated by Candid’s orthodontists and dental assistants.
“The advantage is, if you don’t have access or live two hours away from the city, the impression kit is a viable and effective way,” Greenfield said. “But if you live in a city with a Candid studio, we recommend you come in for a scan.”
It should be noted that the in-person approach aligns more with the values of the American Association of Orthodontists, which has taken issue with the likes of SmileDirectClub and other teeth-straightening services that don’t require in-person visits with a licensed orthodontist.
As Candid grows and opens more physical locations, it wouldn’t be surprising if the company starts to try to funnel more people through the door than through the virtual shopping cart.