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PlusDental

Health Tech & Medtech · Berlin, Germany · Founded 2017

PlusDental, founded in Berlin in 2017, is a health-tech company specializing in teledentistry and clear aligner treatments. Initially launched as Sunshine Smile by founders Constantin Bisanz, David Khalil, Peter Baumgart, and Lukas Brosseder, the company's first business model involved at-home dental impression kits. Customers would create molds of their teeth and receive custom clear aligners by mail, without needing to visit a dentist. In October 2019, the company rebranded to PlusDental and shifted its business model to a doctor-led approach. This change required patients to have at least one in-person visit to a partner dental practice for a 3D oral cavity scan to create a precise model of their teeth and jaw. This pivot was reportedly influenced by customer feedback and criticism from dental professionals, aiming to combine digital convenience with high medical standards. The aligners are produced in-house at its Berlin laboratory. The company's mobile app is used for remote check-ups, allowing dentists to monitor progress. The company's target market is patients with minor to moderate dental malocclusions, such as crooked or crowded teeth and gaps. By digitizing the treatment process, PlusDental aimed to make aesthetic dentistry more accessible and affordable, with treatment plans starting from €1,690. Its business model relies on attracting patients through online advertising and then connecting them with a network of partner dental clinics across Europe. This network expanded from an initial 29 practices in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to over 200 partner clinics in several countries, including the UK, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. PlusDental secured significant funding to fuel its growth, including a €32 million Series C round in May 2020. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company maintained its growth trajectory, treating over 50,000 patients in total by 2022. In May 2022, the Straumann Group, a global leader in tooth replacement and orthodontic solutions, acquired PlusDental for approximately CHF 135 million (around $138 million). This acquisition was intended to strengthen Straumann's position in the doctor-led consumer orthodontics market in Europe. Following the acquisition, PlusDental's services were integrated with DrSmile, another company in Straumann's portfolio. Keywords: PlusDental, teledentistry, clear aligners, orthodontic treatment, digital dentistry, doctor-led orthodontics, dental technology, aesthetic dentistry, Sunshine Smile, Straumann Group, medical technology, Berlin startup, malocclusion treatment, 3D oral scan, remote dental care, aligner therapy