OrthoFX CEO Ren Menon on new aligner innovations that bring reduced wear time, stain resistance, and whitening options to market.
In a crowded aligner market defined by incremental change, OrthoFX is taking a different path. In this interview with Orthodontic Products, Ren Menon, OrthoFX co-founder and CEO, discusses how the company is rethinking clear aligner technology—from polymer innovations that reduce wear time to stain-resistant and whitening-enhanced systems. He explains how these developments aim to improve clinical efficiency and patient experience, especially for orthodontists in private practice.
Orthodontic Products: How does OrthoFX’s aligner technology differ from traditional aligners, and what are the advantages for orthodontists in private practice?
Ren Menon: Despite limited innovation in clear aligner polymers over the past two decades, OrthoFX has successfully developed a full range of clear aligner systems designed to help orthodontists differentiate their practice and elevate patient satisfaction. Our new-generation aligner innovations include FXClear, FXBright, and AirFlex. All three systems have demonstrated unprecedented predictability, leading to significantly fewer refinements compared to leading aligner brands using off-the-shelf materials. Patients can now enjoy a more comfortable teeth-straightening experience with less pain, along with clear aligner options for the appearance of instantly whiter teeth or for reduced wear time by up to 50%.
OP: What technology enables the 9-to-12-hour wear schedule of the AirFlex aligner, and how does it maintain effective tooth movement within that reduced wear time?
Menon: AirFlex is engineered with HyperElastic technology, enabling a convenient minimum 9-to-12-hour continuous wear schedule. This proprietary material ensures effective tooth movements within the reduced wear time by leveraging hyper-elastic properties that decouple stress and strain. As a result, AirFlex can maintain a consistent level of gentle forces, rather than a logarithmic level, independent of deflection, providing continuous orthodontic efficiency throughout the entire tooth movement journey.
OP: What types of cases or patient profiles are best suited for AirFlex? Are there limitations to what it can treat?
Menon: The AirFlex aligners are FDA-cleared and indicated for the alignment of permanent teeth during orthodontic treatment for all classes of malocclusions. Orthodontists have told us that AirFlex may be a good solution for patients seeking a more comfortable orthodontic treatment option that minimizes pressure on the teeth and gums, as excessive force could potentially worsen their condition or anxiety. These could be patients with various needs or concerns, such as gum recession, dental sensitivity, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), speech concerns, and active lifestyles requiring shorter daily wear time.
AirFlex aligners have no treatment limitations, except in cases that require skeletal correction. It is essential to note that the effectiveness and treatment duration may vary depending on the severity of the malocclusion and the individual patient’s specific needs.
OP: FXBright combines aligner treatment with teeth whitening. How does this technology work, and what makes it unique in the aligner market?
Menon: Wearing the FXBright aligner creates an illusion of naturally whiter teeth by leveraging the semi-crystalline nature of the aligner and the natural opalescence of tooth enamel. This proprietary polymer innovation technology establishes an iso-refractive environment between the tooth and the FXBright aligner, allowing for a brighter, more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the dentition without the need for additional whitening gels or treatments.
OP: FXClear is marketed as a stain-resistant, ultra-transparent aligner. What technology or materials make it more resistant to staining than competitors?
Menon: The stain resistance of an aligner is determined by the surface properties of the material. FXClear aligners are made with a chemically neutral surface property that effectively resists stains. The proprietary material features a neutral surface property, allowing it to maintain its transparency and remain stain-resistant compared to traditional aligners in the market.
OP: OrthoFX offers its own remote AI-monitoring platform to doctors. What are the platform’s key features and how does it integrate into the practice workflow?
Menon: OrthoFX integrates AI throughout the entire clear aligner treatment process, from treatment planning and patient follow-up to financing options and post-treatment support. AI-driven predictive modeling optimizes case selection and aligner design, improving the accuracy and efficiency of tooth movement. Our remote monitoring tools utilize AI to track patient progress in real time, enabling proactive adjustments and reducing the frequency of office visits.
In the realm of financing, AI facilitates risk assessment and personalization of payment plans, making treatment more accessible to patients. Furthermore, our AI-driven automation helps practices enhance patient follow-up, promoting adherence to treatment plans and providing timely reminders.
Following treatment, AI plays a crucial role in analyzing patient compliance and recommending interventions for retention protocols. This data-driven approach results in improved long-term outcomes and greater patient satisfaction. Through these AI-powered innovations, OrthoFX delivers a comprehensive, tailored, and seamless orthodontic experience for both patients and practitioners.
OP: For orthodontists partnering with OrthoFX as an aligner provider, what does this mean in practical terms for the orthodontists?
Menon: Partnering with OrthoFX means orthodontists can achieve significantly greater chairside efficiency while delivering an exceptional patient experience. Our advanced polymers streamline treatment, reducing refinements and chair time, allowing orthodontists to focus more on patient care and practice growth. By offering OrthoFX, orthodontists can differentiate their practice with a unique, high-performance aligner system that stands apart from conventional options—enhancing both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
OP: What kind of marketing, patient education, or practice management support does OrthoFX provide for orthodontists?
Menon: Our approach ensures that orthodontists have the tools, resources, and support they need to deliver great care while growing their practices. In terms of marketing support, we offer branded brochures and posters, digital marketing assets, and social media content to help promote the OrthoFX clear aligners difference. Additionally, we provide guidance on paid advertising effectiveness and co-branded advertising assets to help practices be more successful with their marketing, especially for OrthoFX Smile Day events.
For patient education, we provide user-friendly brochures, chairside materials and FAQs about how clear aligners work and the treatment process. We also share real success stories and before-and-after images, which instill confidence in choosing OrthoFX. Furthermore, we offer courses and tools to help practices effectively communicate treatment options and treatment journeys.
In practice management, we supply treatment planning software that seamlessly integrates with existing tools to streamline the treatment process. We also deliver training programs for staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to present and implement OrthoFX. Practices appreciate our FXPay, which makes it more accessible for patients to get financing options and approval.
We value our customers and prioritize continuous support by assigning dedicated account managers to each practice, providing personalized guidance, and sharing regular updates. We also support or facilitate local events that encourage practices to exchange experiences, best practices, and success stories, fostering growth and learning with the orthodontic community. OP
Photos: OrthoFx
