DiFranco Orthodontics

What DiFranco Orthodontics does

DiFranco Orthodontics is a single-location orthodontic practice founded in 1985 by Dr. Paul DiFranco, DDS, MS, in Park Ridge, Illinois, approximately 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The practice delivers comprehensive orthodontic treatment to children, teens, and adults residing in Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Edison Park, Harwood Heights, Rosemont, and the broader Northwest Chicago suburbs. Core service lines include traditional metal braces, tooth-colored ceramic clear braces, the Invisalign family of clear aligners (standard, Teen, and First for ages 6-10), surgical orthodontics coordinated with oral surgeons, and accelerated orthodontics using Propel micro-osteoperforation technology. The practice is staffed by four board-certified orthodontists — founding partner Paul DiFranco plus Omar Souman, Jonathan Rakstang, and Jessica Hedger — and operates as an affiliated practice within the Smile Brands Inc. dental service organization (DSO) network.

The practice's clinical technology stack centers on iTero digital intraoral scanning, which captures three-dimensional tooth and arch models and replaces conventional alginate impressions. Output from the scanner feeds a 3D treatment simulation tool that renders projected post-treatment tooth positions for patient review and consent. Adjacent technologies include self-ligating bracket systems that reduce friction during tooth movement and digital progress tracking between in-person visits. These are patient-facing clinical enablers rather than back-office automation; the practice does not describe any proprietary software, API, or platform product, and integrations are limited to CardPointe for payment processing and Google Maps for directions.

Revenue is generated on a fee-for-service basis with multi-month installment billing. Direct billing to most dental PPO insurance plans is handled in-house, supplemented by interest-free in-house financing, family discounts, and pay-in-full discounts. The practice offers a complimentary smile assessment for patients under 18 (and a $150 credited exam for adults) as a funnel-leading offer. Patient payment cadence extends across the typical 12-24 month orthodontic treatment window. Patient acquisition is primarily local: dentist referrals, organic search, the practice's own website and Google Business profile (4.9-star rating), community involvement with local schools, and word-of-mouth from the established patient base of 15,000+ cumulative patients treated since 1985.

Name

DiFranco Orthodontics

Legal name

Smile Brands Inc.

Website

https://difranco-ortho.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DiFranco Orthodontics is a Park Ridge, Illinois orthodontic practice serving children, teens, and adults in Chicago's Northwest suburbs with braces, Invisalign, surgical orthodontics, and accelerated treatment using iTero scanning and Propel technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Orthodontic Services

NAICS

Offices of Dentists (621210)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Orthodontic Clinics (HLABABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Early Interceptive Orthodontics (Phase I) (HLABABAF), Adult Orthodontics (HLABABAC), Clear Aligner Orthodontics (HLABABAD), Orthodontic Group Practices (HLABAKAC)

Keywords

• Orthodontic treatment services
• Invisalign clear aligners
• Metal and clear braces
• Surgical orthodontics
• Accelerated orthodontics

Headquarters

HQ city

Park Ridge

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Orthodontic Treatment Services: Direct patient revenue from orthodontic treatment services including braces (metal, clear), clear aligners (Invisalign), accelerated orthodontics, and surgical orthodontics. Revenue generated through insurance payments, financing plans, and patient out-of-pocket payments. Treatment typically spans 12-24 months with ongoing payment schedules.
2. Insurance Payments: The practice accepts most dental insurance plans and is in-network with many PPO providers. They handle insurance claims paperwork for patients including out-of-network providers.
3. Patient Financing: Flexible financing options with interest-free plans, low monthly payments, and credit card autopay. Family discounts and pay-in-full discounts available.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

DiFranco Orthodontics is a single-location orthodontic practice in Park Ridge, IL that provides metal and clear (ceramic) braces, Invisalign clear aligners (including Invisalign Teen and Invisalign First), surgical orthodontics, and Propel accelerated orthodontics for children, teens, and adults. All treatment is delivered in person at the office at 401 W Talcott Road, supported by iTero digital scanning, 3D treatment simulation, and digital progress tracking. The practice also offers a complimentary Smile Assessment for patients 18 and under, a Rewards Club, and flexible insurance and financing arrangements.

Product overview

DiFranco Orthodontics is an orthodontic practice offering a comprehensive portfolio of treatment options for children, teens, and adults. The core services include traditional Metal Braces and Clear Braces (ceramic brackets), along with the full suite of Invisalign clear aligner products (Invisalign Treatment, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign First for children ages 6-10). Additional services include Surgical Orthodontics for complex jaw issues and Accelerated Orthodontics using Propel technology. The practice leverages advanced dental technology including iTero digital scanning, 3D treatment simulation, and self-ligating braces. Supporting programs include a Rewards Club for patient engagement and flexible insurance/financing options. The practice is led by three board-certified orthodontists serving the Park Ridge, IL area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Children's Orthodontics Early orthodontic evaluations and Phase 1 treatment for children ages 7-10, focused on guiding jaw growth, managing space for permanent teeth, and preventing future alignment issues.
• Adult Orthodontics Orthodontic treatment options for adults including clear braces, metal braces, and clear aligners, designed for adult professional and personal lifestyles and addressing cosmetic, functional, and relapse concerns.
• Invisalign Treatment Custom clear plastic aligners using 3D imaging and digital mapping to gradually move teeth; removable and virtually invisible, available for adults and teens.
• Invisalign Teen Clear aligner treatment designed for teenage patients, featuring compliance indicators and free replacement aligners.
• Invisalign First Treatment Clear aligner treatment for children ages 6-10 in the Phase 1 stage, designed to guide developing teeth and jaws.
• Clear Braces Ceramic braces with tooth-colored or transparent brackets providing discreet fixed orthodontic treatment, popular with adults and image-conscious teens.
• Metal Braces Traditional stainless-steel brackets and wires for reliable tooth movement, suitable for complex alignment and bite issues.
• Surgical Orthodontics Combined orthodontic and oral surgery treatment for severe jaw misalignment or bite problems, coordinated with oral surgeons to improve function and facial balance.
• Accelerated Orthodontics Advanced orthodontic treatment using Propel technology, which stimulates bone remodeling through micro-osteoperforations to shorten treatment time when combined with braces or aligners.
• Rewards Club Membership program allowing patients (especially children and teens) to earn points for appointments and hygiene that can be redeemed for rewards and prizes.
• Insurance & Financing Options Flexible payment plans, broad dental insurance acceptance (in-network with many PPO providers plus out-of-network claim handling), family discounts when multiple members begin treatment, and pay-in-full savings for upfront payment.
• Smile Assessment Complimentary initial consultation for patients 18 and under featuring digital imaging and personalized treatment planning; adult assessment carries a $150 fee that is credited toward treatment if the patient proceeds.

Quantifiable outcome

• 15,000+ smiles transformed since 1985
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature6 records

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Smile Brands Inc. Parent DSO of DiFranco Orthodontics; operates a multi-brand network of dental and orthodontic practices across the U.S. with shared back-office, marketing, and clinical infrastructure, making it the closest operating peer at the network level.
• Heartland Dental: One of the largest DSOs in the U.S., supporting thousands of dentists and orthodontists across general and specialty practices; comparable to DiFranco as a DSO-affiliated clinical delivery network with multi-specialty services.
• Aspen Dental: Large multi-location DSO operating branded dental practices (and in many markets orthodontic services) across the U.S.; comparable to DiFranco as a DSO-delivered orthodontic and dental care model.
• Pacific Dental Services: Major U.S. DSO supporting dental and specialty practices (including orthodontics) with shared technology, billing, and clinical support infrastructure.
• Mortenson Dental Partners: Regional DSO with strong Midwestern presence and orthodontic service lines; comparable delivery model to DiFranco Orthodontics as a DSO-affiliated dental/orthodontic practice.
• Dentsply Sirona (SureSmile / Byte): Large dental equipment and clear-aligner manufacturer; supplies orthodontic technology and clear aligner systems, including the Byte DTC brand, that compete with or substitute for the services DiFranco provides.

Others

• Align Technology: Manufacturer of the Invisalign clear aligner system and iTero scanners used by DiFranco; also operates the Invisalign provider network and consumer-facing Smile Direct Club channel, making it both a key supplier and indirect competitive threat.

Emerging players

• SmileDirectClub: Direct-to-consumer clear aligner brand that bypasses in-office orthodontic visits; competes with DiFranco's adult Invisalign/clear-aligner offering for mild-to-moderate cases, especially adult consumers seeking convenience and lower cost.
• Candid Co. Direct-to-consumer clear aligner company that pairs remote monitoring with in-office orthodontist network; competes for adult clear-aligner cases that might otherwise go to a traditional orthodontic practice like DiFranco.

Regional players

• Great Lakes Dental Partners: Chicago-area DSO supporting multi-specialty practices including orthodontics; closest geographic peer to DiFranco Orthodontics given overlapping Northwest Chicago and Chicagoland service territory.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/difranco-orthodontics

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

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 DiFranco Orthodontics