Gergen's Orthodontic Lab

What Gergen's Orthodontic Lab does

Gergen's Orthodontic Lab is a privately held, family-owned full-service orthodontic laboratory founded by David Gergen in 1984 and operating since 1986 from Phoenix, Arizona, with a secondary facility in Dunlap, Illinois. The lab fabricates custom fixed and removable orthodontic appliances — including TMJ splints, retainers (Hawley), flippers, Bionators, Twin Blocks, and other functional appliances — for orthodontic specialists and general dentists. Its product portfolio spans core orthodontic devices, specialized TMJ appliances, and a growing line of dental sleep medicine devices, including the Herbst sleep appliance (where the lab claims to be the country's largest fabricator), the Panthera D-SAD, the Respire Blue Series, the pediatric sleep appliance, the VIVO'S appliance, and the newly launched (August 2025) Open Loop Cricket (OLC) exclusive fabrication.

The lab's revenue model is built on per-case, quote-based custom fabrication services ordered by licensed dental practitioners through a digital customer portal, with no publicly disclosed pricing. Distribution is exclusively B2B via direct relationships with orthodontists and general dentists, supplemented by a digital case-submission workflow. The lab holds one of only two Medicare PDAC approvals (billing code E0486) for oral appliances in the United States and operates an exclusive Kaiser Permanente partnership for Medicare patient fabrication, providing a durable regulated revenue stream.

Growth and brand reach are reinforced through David Gergen's parallel leadership of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA; 60,000+ members, where he serves as Executive Director) and his co-founding of the Pro Player Health Alliance (PPHA), which runs large-scale sleep apnea awareness events with former NFL players, veterans (American Legion), and partners including the NFLPA Professional Athletes Foundation, Living Heart Foundation, and Mayo Clinic Scottsdale. These activities function as both training infrastructure and demand-generation channels, converting ASBA-trained dentists into lab customers.

Name

Gergen's Orthodontic Lab

Legal name

Gergen's Orthodontic Lab

Website

https://gergensortho.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gergen's Orthodontic Lab is a family-owned, full-service orthodontic laboratory fabricating custom orthodontic, TMJ, and dental sleep appliances for orthodontists and general dentists, and is one of only two US labs with Medicare PDAC approval for oral sleep appliances.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Orthodontic Laboratory Services

NAICS

Dental Laboratories (339116), Dental Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (339114)

SIC

Dental Equipment & Supplies (3843), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Orthodontic Appliances & Aligners Fabrication (HLABAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sleep & Airway Orthodontics (OSA Appliances/Expansion) (HLABABAI)

Keywords

• Orthodontic appliances
• Dental sleep medicine
• Sleep apnea appliances
• TMJ treatment devices
• Custom dental fabrication

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Orthodontic Appliance Fabrication: Fabrication and sale of custom orthodontic appliances including TMJ Splints, Flippers, Retainers, and functional appliances (Herbsts, Bionators, Twin Blocks) to orthodontists and general dentists.
2. Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances: Fabrication of oral appliances for sleep apnea treatment including Herbst appliances and Panthera D-SAD. Exclusive provider for NFLPA Professional Athletes Foundation OSA program.
3. Medicare/PDAC Approved Devices: One of only two labs in the country meeting federal requirements to fabricate PDAC-approved oral appliances for Medicare patients. Exclusive partnership with Kaiser Permanente for Medicare patient oral appliance fabrication.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Gergen's Orthodontic Lab is a custom dental laboratory that designs and fabricates fixed and removable orthodontic appliances (TMJ Splints, Flippers, Retainers, Bionators, Twin Blocks, Hawley Retainers) and sleep apnea oral appliances (Herbst, Panthera D-SAD, Respire Blue Series, VIVO'S, Pediatric Sleep Appliance, Open Loop Cricket) on a prescription basis for orthodontists and general dentists. Services include digital case submission, 3D printing, and exclusive fabrication of specialized devices such as the Open Loop Cricket and Medicare PDAC-approved oral appliances.

Product overview

Gergen's Orthodontic Lab is a family-owned, full-service orthodontic laboratory specializing in fixed and removable orthodontic appliances and sleep medicine devices. Founded in 1986, the lab operates from Phoenix, AZ and Dunlap, IL, providing complete service in every phase of design and fabrication for orthodontists and general dentists. The product portfolio centers on four core areas: (1) Orthodontic Appliances including Retainers, Flippers, TMJ Splints, and functional appliances like Bionators and Twin Blocks; (2) Sleep Appliances including the Herbst Appliance (the lab is the country's largest fabricator), Panthera D-SAD, Respire Blue Series, and VIVO'S Appliance; (3) the exclusive Open Loop Cricket (OLC) for TMJ decompression and cranial correction; and (4) 3D Printing services with online digital case submission capabilities. The lab also fabricates specialized pediatric sleep appliances and is one of only two labs in the country certified to fabricate Medicare-compliant oral appliances.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Orthodontic Appliances Fixed and removable custom orthodontic appliances including TMJ Splints, Flippers, Retainers, and functional appliances such as Herbsts, Bionators, and Twin Blocks. Each appliance is custom fabricated for orthodontists and general dentists with artistic attention to detail.
• TMJ & Sleep Appliances Specialized custom-fabricated appliances for treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and sleep-disordered breathing including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Used by orthodontists and general dentists treating patients with TMJ dysfunction or sleep apnea.
• Herbst Sleep Appliance Custom-fabricated oral appliance for chronic snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Proven effective and recognized as the most durable and successful oral appliance for sleep. Gergen's is the biggest fabricator of the Herbst sleep appliance in the country.
• Open Loop Cricket (OLC) Exclusive fabrication at Gergen's Orthodontic Lab. A three-dimensional developmental approach appliance designed to decompress TMJ strain, correct cranial asymmetry, and improve airway. Available only through dental professional prescription.
• Panthera D-SAD Sleep appliance for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, exclusively fabricated at Gergen's Orthodontic Lab for dental professionals prescribing it for patients with OSA.
• Respire Blue Series Medicare-approved oral appliance for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), fabricated exclusively by Gergen's for dental professionals treating Medicare-eligible patients with sleep apnea.
• VIVO'S Appliance Oral appliance endorsed by David Gergen for the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, custom fabricated for dental professionals treating patients with sleep-disordered breathing.
• Pediatric Sleep Appliance Appliance worn on child's upper and lower teeth to guide growth of teeth, jaw, and airway. Expansion of upper jaw creates room for tongue to posture forward and opens airway for improved sleep patterns in pediatric patients.
• Hawley Retainer Combination of plastic and metal retainer used to stabilize teeth position after orthodontic treatment while bone hardens. Adjustable, removable, and more durable than other retainer types, fabricated by Gergen's for orthodontic patients.
• Bionators Functional orthodontic appliance used for jaw alignment and growth modification in orthodontic treatment. Custom fabricated for orthodontists and general dentists treating patients requiring mandibular or maxillary development.
• Twin Blocks Functional orthodontic appliance designed for mandibular advancement and correction of Class II malocclusions. Custom fabricated for orthodontists and general dentists treating patients with bite correction needs.
• TMJ Splints Custom-fabricated appliances for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders, used by dentists and orthodontists treating patients with TMJ dysfunction and related symptoms.
• 3D Printing Services Digital case submission and 3D printing services for orthodontic appliances, allowing dentists and orthodontists to submit digital files online for custom-fabricated appliances with faster turnaround.
• Online Services Portal Digital workflow services for dental professionals including customer portal access, online case submission, prescription forms, lab downloads and instructions, and appliance maintenance guidance. Enables orthodontists and dentists to manage orders digitally.

Quantifiable outcome

• Derek Kennard's AHI reduced from 72 to 2 using Herbst Appliance
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• Living Heart FoundationmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 November 2019Partnership for NFL player health assessments providing sleep apnea screenings. Living Heart Foundation conducts health assessments and refers diagnosed players to PPHA/Gergen's for oral appliance treatment.
• NFLPA Professional Athletes Foundation (PAF)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 November 2019NFLPA's Professional Athletes Foundation partners with Living Heart Foundation and PPHA for former player health assessments. Gergen's is the exclusive fabricator of oral appliances for the PAF OSA program.
• Mayo ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 December 2012Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale hosted sleep apnea and cardiovascular screening events with PPHA and former NFL players in December 2012.
• Sleep Group SolutionsmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2012Dental continuing education company that co-sponsors PPHA events and provides free home sleep tests at awareness events. Rani Ben-David is co-founder of both PPHA and Sleep Group Solutions.
• Kaiser PermanentecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 September 2012Exclusive partnership where Gergen's is the only lab in the country partnered with Kaiser Permanente to treat Medicare patients with oral appliance fabrication. One of only two labs meeting federal PDAC requirements.
• American LegionmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 September 2012American Legion has teamed up with PPHA and Gergen's to spread sleep apnea awareness. Post 94 and other districts participate in Tackle Sleep Apnea campaign events nationwide.
• American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012David Gergen serves as Executive Director and Dental Director of ASBA, a national interdisciplinary academy dedicated to sleep training and education with over 60,000 members. Gergen's lab is closely aligned with ASBA training programs and education.
• Pro Player Health Alliance (PPHA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012David Gergen founded PPHA with Rani Ben-David. PPHA is dedicated to helping former NFL players through testing and treatment for sleep apnea. Gergen's is the official lab of PPHA, fabricating all oral appliances for campaign participants.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Glidewell Laboratories: One of the largest dental laboratories in the U.S., offering crowns, implants, orthodontic, and sleep appliances at scale. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the same dental lab space, though Glidewell is significantly larger and more diversified than Gergen's.
• Dental Services Group (DSG): Large multi-brand network of dental laboratories offering orthodontic, prosthetic, and digital dental solutions across the U.S. Comparable as a much larger incumbent serving the same orthodontic lab customer base with broader portfolio.

Direct peers

• Great Lakes Dental Technologies: Long-established U.S. orthodontic and dental laboratory fabricating a broad range of custom appliances, retainers, and splints — directly comparable in core offering, B2B-to-dentist distribution, and product mix to Gergen's orthodontic appliance business.
• DynaFlex: U.S. orthodontic and sleep appliance manufacturer and distributor offering custom-made OSA devices, orthodontic appliances, and TMJ splints. Closely comparable in product categories (especially sleep appliances) and B2B dental distribution model.
• Modern Dental Laboratory USA: Large multi-site dental laboratory group fabricating crowns, bridges, orthodontic appliances, and removable prosthetics for dental practices. Comparable in business model (B2B custom lab fabrication) and customer overlap with Gergen's orthodontic appliance work.
• Arrowhead Dental Laboratory: Full-service dental laboratory producing custom orthodontic appliances, splints, and sleep devices for dentists and orthodontists nationwide. Comparable as a U.S. custom dental lab serving the same B2B customer base with overlapping appliance categories.
• Space Maintainers Laboratory (Appliance Therapy): Specialty dental laboratory producing a wide range of custom orthodontic appliances, retainers, TMJ devices, and pediatric dental appliances. Highly comparable in niche orthodontic lab focus and B2B-to-dentist distribution.

Emerging players

• Panthera Dental: Canadian-based manufacturer of sleep apnea and dental devices including the D-SAD, which Gergen's exclusively fabricates for the U.S. market. Comparable in OSA appliance specialization and direct overlap on a product line that is a Gergen's exclusive.
• ProSomnus Sleep Technologies: Medical device company focused on precision oral appliance therapy for OSA, producing CAD/CAM fabricated sleep devices. Comparable as a specialized OSA appliance provider competing for the same dental sleep medicine channel as Gergen's.
• Respire Medical: Developer of the Respire Blue Series OSA appliance, which Gergen's exclusively fabricates. Comparable as a sleep-appliance specialist where Gergen's acts as the manufacturing partner for the U.S. channel.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/gergensortholab
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/gergensortho?feature=results_main
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/Gergens-Orthodontic-Lab/110769125609790

Compliance2 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 Gergen's Orthodontic Lab