uLab Systems and Biolux Technology have partnered to bundle uSmile aligners with the OrthoPulse near-infrared light therapy device. Orthodontic Products spoke with representatives from both companies and an orthodontist using the bundle to explore how the integration is impacting treatment efficiency, comfort, and predictability.
With a new partnership announced between uLab Systems and Biolux Technology, orthodontists now have access to a bundled solution that combines uSmile aligners with the OrthoPulse near-infrared (NIR) light therapy device. Available directly through the uDesign Cloud platform, the bundle offers a streamlined approach to biologically accelerated clear aligner treatment.
To understand the rationale behind the integration and what it means for clinical practice, Orthodontic Products spoke with representatives from both companies and a practicing orthodontist. Mike Hendricks, chief business officer at Biolux Technologies, shares how OrthoPulse uses NIR light to stimulate bone remodeling and support faster tooth movement. Johanna Beckman, vice president of marketing and commercial operations at uLab Systems, discusses how the integration aligns with uLab’s treatment planning philosophy. Finally, Eric Wu, DMD, of Wu Orthodontics in Palo Alto, Calif, offers insight into how the bundled offering performs in a real-world clinical setting.
First up, Hendricks on the OrthoPulse technology.
OP: Can you explain how OrthoPulse’s near-infrared light therapy biologically accelerates tooth movement?
Mike Hendricks: OrthoPulse uses patented near-infrared (NIR) light at a wavelength of 850 nm to stimulate the mitochondria in periodontal and bone cells. This increases cellular energy (ATP) production and triggers a cascade of biological effects, including enhanced bone remodeling, improved blood flow, and reduced inflammation. In orthodontics, this means teeth can move more efficiently because the surrounding bone is adapting and healing faster—accelerating tooth movement by up to 50% compared to standard treatment.
OP: What clinical outcomes have been observed when OrthoPulse is used specifically with clear aligner therapy?
Hendricks: Clinical studies and real-world data consistently show that OrthoPulse improves both the speed and predictability of aligner treatments. On average, orthodontists report ~35% fewer finishing aligners and lower refinement rates, meaning treatment plans stay closer to the original digital setup. Patients also benefit from approximately 70% reduction in peak pain during aligner changes, which supports compliance and overall satisfaction. This combination of faster treatment, improved comfort, and greater predictability has made OrthoPulse a strong adjunct to clear aligner therapy.
OP: How does offering OrthoPulse as part of an integrated aligner system change the way orthodontists adopt light therapy?
Hendricks: Bundling OrthoPulse with uSmile aligners makes it simple and seamless for orthodontists to adopt light therapy. Instead of a separate workflow, they can now order OrthoPulse directly alongside their aligners in one step. This integration reduces barriers to adoption, ensures every aligner patient is offered the option of biologically accelerated treatment, and elevates the patient experience with a complete digital-plus-biological care package.
OP: What technical or user experience updates, if any, were made to OrthoPulse to support this bundled rollout?
Hendricks: The biggest advancement is the introduction of the OrthoPulse Smart Digital Platform, which connects patients and doctors in real time. The Patient App keeps patients engaged with reminders, treatment tracking, and compliance insights, while the Doctor Portal allows orthodontists to monitor progress remotely and optimize treatment plans with actionable data. This digital ecosystem transforms OrthoPulse from a standalone device into a connected solution that enhances compliance, predictability, and overall patient experience.
While Hendricks outlined the biologic mechanism behind OrthoPulse, the integration with uSmile aligners required a streamlined path for providers. That came through the uDesign Cloud platform. Beckman explains how the bundled option fits into uLab’s focus on clinical efficiency and ease of use. She also shares how provider feedback helped drive the decision to offer OrthoPulse as an integrated part of the aligner workflow—positioning uLab as the first to make biological acceleration a built-in option.
OP: How does integrating the OrthoPulse device into the uDesign Cloud platform enhance the overall uLab treatment planning workflow?
Johanna Beckman: uLab is all about giving orthodontists control and choice. Adding the OrthoPulse purchasing option directly into uDesign Cloud lets providers bundle the device with uSmile aligners in one simple order—no stocking or extra logistics. It’s a seamless way to accelerate treatment and elevate the patient experience.
OP: What role does near-infrared light therapy play in improving outcomes when paired with uSmile aligners
Beckman: OrthoPulse near-infrared light therapy enhances comfort and reduces refinements. Paired with uSmile aligners—crafted from ultra-strong, thin Reva material that hugs teeth closely—patients enjoy efficient tooth movement and a more comfortable, predictable treatment.
OP: How does this bundled offering help differentiate uLab aligners in a competitive clear aligner market?
Beckman: uLab is the first clear aligner company to offer a bundled aligner-plus-OrthoPulse option, setting a new benchmark for innovation and convenience in the market.
OP: What kind of feedback or demand did uLab receive from providers that led to the development of this partnership?
Beckman: Early-adopter orthodontists who already use OrthoPulse praised its ability to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Their enthusiasm, combined with strong evidence for infrared light therapy, made this partnership a natural next step for uLab.
With the bundle now available through uDesign Cloud, orthodontists are putting it to work in real-world treatment. Wu is one of the early adopters. In his practice, he’s seen how pairing uSmile aligners with OrthoPulse affects treatment timelines, patient comfort, and the need for refinements. He also discusses how he explains near-infrared light therapy to patients, how the app supports compliance, and what he says to peers who are still undecided about introducing biologic tools into aligner therapy.
OP: What changes have you observed in treatment times or patient comfort since adopting the uLab–OrthoPulse bundle?
Eric Wu, DMD: Since integrating OrthoPulse with uLab clear aligners, I’ve observed that overall treatment efficiency has improved. Patients often progress to their next aligner more quickly, which translates into shorter treatment times without compromising predictability. Comfort has also been notable—patients frequently report that their aligner transitions feel smoother, with less soreness compared to conventional protocols.
OP: How do you explain the role of near-infrared light therapy to patients, and how do they respond?
Wu: I describe OrthoPulse as a way to “give the bone and gums a gentle boost of energy.” The near-infrared light penetrates the tissues, increasing cellular activity and blood flow around the teeth, which makes it easier for teeth to move into their planned positions. Patients appreciate that it’s non-invasive, takes only 10 minutes a day, and essentially makes their aligners work more efficiently. Most are intrigued and receptive when they realize it’s harnessing the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
OP: Have you seen a difference in the number of refinements or mid-course corrections needed?
Wu: Yes. I’ve found that by pairing OrthoPulse with uLab’s precise staging, there’s often better tracking of tooth movement. This tends to reduce the number of refinements or unplanned corrections needed, which is a big win for both clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction.
OP: What has the patient compliance been like with OrthoPulse, and how does the app support that?
Wu: Compliance has been strong. The device is simple and quick to use, and the app provides gentle reminders and usage tracking that keeps patients engaged. When patients can see their own progress and receive positive reinforcement, they’re more motivated to stay consistent—and that translates directly into better outcomes.
OP: Why did you decide to adopt this bundled solution, and how has it impacted your aligner cases overall?
Wu: I adopted the bundle because it made sense clinically: uLab provides customizable, in-office control of aligner planning, and OrthoPulse adds a biologic accelerator that helps realize that plan more predictably and efficiently. Together, they create a synergy where I can deliver faster, smoother, and more reliable treatment—while patients feel like they’re getting the “latest and best” care.
OP: What would you say to a colleague who is skeptical about incorporating near-infrared light therapy into their aligner treatments?
Wu: I’d say that skepticism is healthy, but the science behind near-infrared light therapy is solid—it’s well-studied in medicine and dentistry for its ability to stimulate cellular metabolism and healing. In my practice, it’s been a safe, well-tolerated adjunct that improves the aligner experience for patients. If a colleague is hesitant, I suggest trying it on a few select cases—the clinical feedback and patient enthusiasm often speak louder than the literature alone. OP
Photos courtesy of Biolux Technology, uLab Systems, and Eric Wu, DMD.
