Lares Research

What Lares Research does

Lares Research is a privately held, family-owned U.S. manufacturer of dental handpieces founded in 1956 and operating for over 70 years across two generations. The company designs, manufactures, services and distributes highspeed handpieces (ProStyle SF, Legacy 5), lowspeed systems (Perfect Finish 20K, Pastel Plus, Multiforce 5K, ValueTorque 20K), and electric motor systems with contra-angle attachments (Smoothdrive). Its proprietary Fluoresce HD platform integrates fluorescence-based caries detection into the handpiece system, supported by ceramic and stainless steel turbine cartridges engineered for repeated heat sterilization. Supporting the hardware line are consumables (Cybercut carbide and diamond burs, Pastel disposable prophy angles and prophy paste), genuine factory replacement parts, and the Club Lares free handpiece repair service.

The business operates a factory-direct model in the United States, selling to dental practices by phone (1-888-333-8440), an e-commerce storefront, and direct outreach, while bypassing conventional dental dealer networks. Internationally, Lares exports to over 50 countries through a distributor network and offers private label/OEM supply to distributors and OEMs seeking customized packaging and product configurations. The company holds ISO 13485:2016, MDSAP, and EU CE (MDD) certifications covering design, manufacture, service and distribution of handpieces and couplers, and in 2026 had three SKUs awarded "Best Products Tested" by Clinicians Report. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of handpieces, recurring consumables, OEM/private label contracts, and international distribution, with leadership held by Craig J. Lares as President.

Name

Lares Research

Legal name

Lares Research

Website

https://laresdental.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lares Research is a family-owned U.S. manufacturer founded in 1956 that designs, makes, and sells dental handpieces, electric motor systems, and consumables factory-direct to dental practices in the U.S. and through distributors in over 50 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dental Handpieces and Equipment

NAICS

Dental Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (339114)

SIC

Dental Equipment & Supplies (3843), Wholesale-Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies (5047)

akta.pro primary industry

Dental & Oral Care Devices (Dental Units, Handpieces, Imaging) (HLAMAFAD)

Keywords

• Dental handpieces
• Dental equipment manufacturing
• Highspeed dental instruments
• Lowspeed dental handpieces
• Caries detection technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Chico

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Dental Handpiece Sales: Direct sales of dental handpieces (highspeed, lowspeed, electric systems) and accessories to dental practices. Products sold include ProStyle SF, Legacy 5, Pastel Plus, Perfect Finish, Multiforce, and Smoothdrive systems along with replacement parts and consumables.
2. Consumables: Sales of disposable and consumable products including Cybercut carbide and diamond burs, Pastel disposable prophy angles, prophy paste, and other infection control accessories
3. Private Label / OEM: Supply of products on a private label basis domestically and internationally to distributors and OEMs. Customized solutions for packaging and product look and feel for volume customers seeking exclusive offering pricing and margin power.
4. International Distribution: Export sales to over 50 countries through international distributor network. Direct shipping to dentists in countries without distributors.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Lares Research manufactures and sells dental handpieces (highspeed, lowspeed, and electric motor systems) and supporting consumables and accessories. The company sells factory-direct to dental practices in the U.S. and through international distributors in over 50 countries, with proprietary offerings including Fluoresce HD caries detection technology and the Club Lares free repair program.

Product overview

Lares Research manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of dental handpieces and accessories, operating as a unified product ecosystem rather than a modular platform. The core product lineup includes air-driven highspeed handpieces (ProStyle SF, Legacy 5), electric motor systems with contra-angle attachments (Smoothdrive Electric Motor System, Smoothdrive Electric Contra Angles), and lowspeed systems (Perfect Finish 20K, Pastel Plus, Multiforce 5K, ValueTorque 20K). A distinctive innovation is the Fluoresce HD, which integrates caries detection technology into the handpiece system. Supporting the hardware portfolio are consumable accessories (Cybercut burs, Pastel disposable prophy angles/paste), replacement parts (turbines, cartridges), and Club Lares—a free repair service program. The products are distributed factory-direct, with ISO 13485:2016 and MDSAP certifications covering design, manufacture, and distribution of these dental devices.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ProStyle SF Air-driven highspeed dental handpiece offering precision cutting performance for dental procedures. Awarded 'Best Products Tested of 2026' by Clinicians Report.
• Legacy 5 Air-driven highspeed handpiece providing reliable performance for dental cutting applications. Awarded 'Best Products Tested of 2026' by Clinicians Report.
• Smoothdrive Electric Motor System Electric motor system that powers dental handpieces with enhanced control and precision for various dental procedures.
• Smoothdrive Electric Contra Angle Electric contra-angle attachments (1:5 and 1:1 ratios) designed to work with the Smoothdrive electric motor system.
• Pastel Plus Air-driven prophylaxis (prophy) handpiece designed for dental cleaning and polishing procedures. Awarded 'Best Products Tested of 2026' by Clinicians Report.
• Perfect Finish 20K Lowspeed System Air-driven lowspeed restorative handpiece system designed for finishing and polishing dental restorations.
• Multiforce 5K Straight Lowspeed Handpiece Air-driven 5K lowspeed handpiece for various dental procedures requiring lower speed operation.
• Fluoresce HD Dental handpiece system with integrated caries detection technology using fluorescence for identifying tooth decay during procedures.
• Cybercut Carbide and Diamond Burs Carbide and diamond burs for use with dental handpieces in cutting and shaping procedures.
• Pastel Disposable Prophy Angles and Prophy Paste Disposable prophylaxis angles and prophy paste for dental cleaning procedures.
• Club Lares Free Handpiece Repair Program Free handpiece repair program offering complimentary maintenance and repairs for registered handpieces.
• Genuine Factory Replacement Parts Factory replacement parts including turbines, cartridges, and components for Lares dental handpieces.
• Handpiece Accessories Accessories for dental handpieces including couplers, lighting systems, and maintenance supplies.
• ValueTorque 20K Lowspeed System Air-driven lowspeed handpiece system providing 20K rpm performance for various dental procedures.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• International DistributorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of international distributors spanning over 50 countries. Lares provides exceptional service, attends international dental meetings, and collaborates on distributor marketing plans to drive mutual revenue increases. Key growth initiative focuses on new market development and partnership with new distributors in markets where dentists do not yet have access to Lares quality products.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NSK Nakanishi: NSK Nakanishi is a leading Japanese manufacturer of dental handpieces, electric motor systems, and small burs, with a global distribution network spanning the Americas, Europe, and Asia. It competes head-to-head with Lares in air-driven highspeed and electric handpiece categories, particularly in North American DSOs and group practices.
• W&H Dentalwerk: W&H is an Austrian family-owned manufacturer of dental handpieces, surgical devices, and sterilization equipment, with a strong international footprint and a similar family-business heritage. It directly competes with Lares in highspeed, lowspeed, and electric handpiece systems, particularly in Europe and the Americas.
• Bien-Air Dental: Bien-Air is a Swiss manufacturer specializing in dental handpieces, electric motors, and micromotors, with global distribution. Its product line and premium positioning closely mirror Lares' handpiece portfolio, especially around electric motor systems like Lares' Smoothdrive line.
• Young Dental: Young Dental is a US manufacturer of handpieces, prophylaxis angles, and prophy paste, directly overlapping with Lares' Pastel Plus and disposable prophy products. It is a like-sized specialty competitor focused on the same dental hygiene and restorative niches.
• StarDental (DentalEZ): StarDental, a DentalEZ brand, manufactures highspeed and lowspeed dental handpieces sold primarily through US dealers. It competes directly with Lares' ProStyle SF and Legacy 5 lines in the same dental office customer base.

Broad incumbents

• KaVo Dental: KaVo Dental, part of Envista Holdings, is one of the largest dental equipment manufacturers globally, offering handpieces alongside chairs, imaging, and treatment units. It competes with Lares in the handpiece category but as part of a much broader dental portfolio and through traditional dealer channels rather than factory-direct.
• Dentsply Sirona: Dentsply Sirona is the largest publicly listed dental equipment and consumables company, offering handpieces as part of an extensive portfolio that includes chairs, imaging, CAD/CAM, and endodontics. It competes broadly with Lares through dealer channels and group purchasing organizations rather than factory-direct.
• A-dec: A-dec is a US-based, family-owned manufacturer of dental chairs, delivery systems, and cabinetry, with handpieces and small equipment forming a smaller part of its portfolio. While primarily a furniture-and-equipment company, it overlaps with Lares at the integrated dental practice level.

Others

• Henry Schein: Henry Schein is the largest dental distributor in North America, carrying Lares and competing handpiece brands. It is an indirect channel partner for Lares' US sales through DSOs and group practices, and a benchmark for the scale of dental distribution that Lares bypasses via its factory-direct model.
• Patterson Companies: Patterson Companies is a major US dental and veterinary supply distributor, competing with Henry Schein as an indirect sales channel for dental handpiece brands including Lares' competitors. It represents the dealer channel Lares deliberately avoids.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lares-research

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lares Research