By Samantha Denefrio, PhD

What is it?

Candid is making it easier and more affordable to get the teeth you have always wanted. First, you purchase a $95 starter kit that allows you to make a mold of your teeth from home. Then, you are assigned an orthodontist and you work with your doctor to review a 3D model of your future smile. Last, you receive a package complete with all the clear aligners you need to achieve your perfect smile, in addition to retainers and a professional-grade whitening kit.

Why is it innovative?

Perhaps the best part about Candid is that you never have to go to a dentist’s office. Unlike other teeth alignment companies (i.e Invisalign, Uniform Teeth), Candid requires no office visits.  You complete the whole process of straightening your teeth from the privacy of your home and using their 3D printer technology. An orthodontist creates a 3D model of you new smile and you review it with him or her before being sent the final retainers. This takes away the anxiety that often accompanies dentist appointments and the sensitivity some may experience when it comes to fixing their teeth.

The Market

Over half of Americans would be a candidate for orthodontic services and the number of adults wanting care is growing faster than ever before (Dental Tribune). But there are a number of barriers to treatment with cost and accessibility being two major limitations. In fact, braces for adults can cost more that $7,000 making teeth straightening a significant investment (Tech Crunch). Candid offers the entire package for eligible patients at a fee of $1900 with monthly financing available, making the service more attainable.

Mission

In an interview with CEO and Founder Nick Greenfield, he said  “We’ve found a way to deliver orthodontia via the top network of providers in the business, at an affordable price, conveniently delivered right to the customer. Plus, we provide the top-notch service and care teams required to really drive it home. And speaking of home, that’s right where it starts: Treating our customers well starts with treating our employees well. We have an incredibly tight team, and it’s a pleasure to work with them every day” (Candid).

Advantages

• There is no cost if you end up not qualifying for their services.
• Candid offers a 3D model for $95 dollar with no commitment.
• They often offer coupons.
• There is one low cost of $1900 paid upfront with monthly financing options available.
• Online approach reduces barriers to dental care.
• Candid does have a NYC studio if you want to be evaluated in person.

Disadvantages

• There may be hesitant to ask questions since there are no in-office visits.
• There may be an unknown increase in medical risks or complications associated with no direct doctor’s appointments.

Funding (Crunchbase)

Total $78.4 M

• April  2019 Series B $63.4 M (e.ventures, blisce/, RiverPark Ventures, Greycroft, Bessemer Venture Partners)
• November 2017 Series A $15 M (e.ventures, Tectonic Capital, Sean Rad, Justin Mateen, Jason Fiedler, Greycroft, Eric Glyman, Bessemer Venture Partners)

Facts Sheet and Details (Crunchbase)

• Founders: Bobby Ghoshal, Nick Greenfield
• Date Founded: 2017
• Funding Status: Early Stage Venture
• Status: Privately Held
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 1-844-295-6915
• Address: 41 Union Square W, New York, NY 10003
• Website: https://www.candidco.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoCandid/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livecandid/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/livecandid
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/livecandid

News Stories on Candid

• Tech startups want to go inside your mouth
• Silicon valley wants to fix your crooked teeth
• A $88-a-month startup that wants to help straighten your teeth just raised $15 million
• These 9 retail brands are the ones to watch in 2019
• Goodbye, braces? Invisalign, SmileDirectClub lead teeth-straightening boom
• Candid™ Launches First Candid Studio™ in New York City’s Chelsea Neighborhood