Beam Orthodontics

What Beam Orthodontics does

Beam Orthodontics is a single-location, privately held orthodontic practice founded in April 2018 by Dr. Jeffery Schaefer, a board-certified orthodontist, in Encinitas, California. The practice delivers a full range of orthodontic treatments for children (age 7+), adolescents (10–19), and adults, including Damon self-ligating braces, ceramic braces, INBRACE lingual (hidden) braces, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen clear aligners, surgical orthodontics, and airway/sleep apnea orthodontics. Treatment is supported by iTero digital intraoral scanning, 3D computer imaging, and OrthoFi-powered insurance verification and patient financing, eliminating traditional physical impressions and streamlining front-office workflows.

The business operates on a direct-to-consumer, case-based revenue model in which patients pay either upfront (with a 5% bookkeeping courtesy) or via interest-free monthly payment plans during 12–24 months of active treatment; insurance is filed on behalf of patients and the practice is in-network with United Concordia PPO. Customer acquisition is driven by community sponsorships, Instagram and Facebook content, local press, dentist referrals, and a complimentary initial examination — both in-office and virtual — designed to lower the barrier to entry. The practice is bootstrapped and family-owned, with Dr. Schaefer as the sole orthodontist present at every appointment and his wife Diana Schaefer serving as Chief Marketing Officer and Registered Dental Hygienist.

Beam positions itself as a high-touch, technology-forward boutique practice rather than a multi-location dental group. Its competitive emphasis is on board-certified expertise, modern clinical technology, a single-location commitment, lifetime retainer checks and limited revisions, flexible hours including evenings and Fridays, and local community involvement. The practice has no external funding, no parent company, no patents or trademarks, and no disclosed financial figures; its sole operating geography is North County San Diego with nine surrounding communities within its draw radius.

Name

Beam Orthodontics

Legal name

Beam Orthodontics

Website

https://smilesbeam.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Beam Orthodontics is a single-location, family-owned orthodontic practice in Encinitas, California, founded in 2018 by board-certified orthodontist Dr. Jeffery Schaefer. It serves children, adolescents, and adults across North County San Diego with Damon braces, INBRACE lingual braces, Invisalign, and airway orthodontics on a direct-to-consumer, payment-plan revenue model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Orthodontic Services

NAICS

Offices of Dentists (621210)

SIC

Dental Equipment & Supplies (3843), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Orthodontic Clinics (HLABABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adult Orthodontics (HLABABAC), Pediatric Orthodontics (HLABABAB), Clear Aligner Orthodontics (HLABABAD), Interceptive/Phase I Pediatric Orthodontics (HLABAGAG)

Keywords

• Orthodontic treatment services
• Braces and clear aligners
• Invisalign provider
• Pediatric and adult orthodontics
• Digital intraoral scanning

Headquarters

HQ city

Encinitas

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 Fees: Revenue generated from orthodontic treatment services including braces (Damon, ceramic, lingual/INBRACE) and clear aligners (Invisalign/Invisalign Teen). Payment options include Option A: Payment in Full with 5% bookkeeping courtesy for upfront payment; Option B: Monthly payment plan with no interest or finance charges. Insurance is filed on behalf of patients. In-network with United Concordia PPO.
2. Initial Exam and Records: Initial new patient exams are provided free of charge. Records fee is due at time of records appointment. OrthoFi financial software is used to verify insurance benefits before the exam.
3. Retainer and Retention Services: Free retainer checks for life for existing patients. Limited revisions for life offered at a lower fee than standard treatment fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Beam Orthodontics is a single-location orthodontic practice that provides comprehensive teeth-straightening services for children, adolescents, and adults. Its service mix includes Damon metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces, INBRACE lingual braces, and Invisalign/Invisalign Teen clear aligners, supported by iTero digital impressions and 3D imaging. Treatment is supplemented with airway and sleep apnea care, surgical orthodontics coordination, and oral hygiene education, all delivered from its Encinitas, California office.

Product overview

Beam Orthodontics is a single-location private orthodontic practice offering comprehensive orthodontic treatment services. The practice provides a full spectrum of braces and aligner options including Damon metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces, INBRACE lingual (hidden) braces, and Invisalign/Invisalign Teen clear aligners. Treatment is available for all age groups through distinct programs: Early Treatment (7-Up Program) for children around age 7, Adolescent Treatment for ages 10-19, and Adult Treatment. Additional specialized services include airway and sleep apnea treatment, surgical orthodontics for jaw discrepancies, and oral hygiene instruction. The practice is led by Dr. Jeffery Schaefer, a board-certified orthodontist, at its brand new facility in Encinitas, California.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early Treatment (7-Up Program) Interceptive orthodontic treatment program for children aged 7 and older, including growth and development monitoring, guidance of jaw growth, and correction of harmful oral habits before all permanent teeth erupt. Includes the Little Scoots recall program for children who are monitored without immediate treatment.
• Adolescent Treatment Comprehensive orthodontic treatment for patients aged 10-19, leveraging accelerated growth and eruption of permanent teeth to correct crowded or crooked teeth, improper bites, jaw growth imbalances, and missing teeth through braces, Invisalign Teen, and dentofacial orthopedics.
• Adult Treatment Orthodontic services for adults including Invisalign clear aligners, INBRACE hidden braces, and ceramic braces, with personalized treatment plans addressing crowding, bite issues, aesthetic concerns, and periodontal considerations, including coordination with periodontal specialists when needed.
• Damon Metal Braces Self-ligating metal braces using a slide mechanism and light memory wires that eliminate elastic ties, reduce friction, and allow teeth to move more freely, quickly, and comfortably. Many patients begin to see dramatic results in as little as 10 weeks.
• Ceramic Braces Clear or tooth-colored ceramic braces offering a less noticeable appearance than metal braces, using self-ligating doors for efficient and gentle tooth movement without staining.
• INBRACE (Hidden Lingual Braces) Lingual braces placed behind the teeth using space-age memory wire, custom fabricated from 3D imaging, allowing normal brushing and flossing without the need for aligner trays. Dr. Schaefer is one of few providers in San Diego county offering this option.
• Invisalign Clear Aligners Series of clear, plastic aligner trays designed from 3D computer imaging technology that gradually move teeth into the correct position. Nearly invisible, removable for eating and brushing, and worn approximately 22 hours per day.
• Invisalign Teen Clear Aligners Clear aligner system specifically designed for teenagers, offering nearly invisible teeth straightening with convenience for active lifestyles, sports, and musical instruments.
• Airway and Sleep Apnea Treatment Airway-aware orthodontic care addressing sleep apnea and airway issues in children and adults, coordinated with dentists, ENTs, and myofunctional specialists to improve breathing and sleep quality.
• Surgical Orthodontics Orthodontic treatment coordinated with surgical correction for skeletal jaw discrepancies, including detailed records, X-rays, and ongoing communication with surgical experts for comprehensive bite correction.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction Comprehensive oral hygiene education for orthodontic patients covering brushing and flossing techniques, food avoidance, appliance care, and management of dental cleanings during orthodontic treatment.
• Complimentary New Patient Examination and Virtual Consultation Free in-office new patient examination and virtual new patient consultation offered to prospective orthodontic patients, with insurance benefits verified in advance through OrthoFi before the exam.
• Retention and Limited Revisions for Life Treatment guarantee covering free retainer checks for life and limited revisions for life at a lower fee than standard treatment fees, available to patients who started treatment at Beam Orthodontics.

Quantifiable outcome

• Treatment time can be reduced by months with new technologies
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 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

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OrthoFicoreTechnology or IntegrationOrthoFi is Beam Orthodontics' financial and insurance software partner. OrthoFi works with patients to verify insurance benefits before their exam, determines coverage levels, and facilitates the payment plan process. The practice uses OrthoFi's platform to submit patient forms and manage insurance filings.
• Cardiff 101 Main StreetcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBeam Orthodontics is a member of Cardiff 101 Main Street, a community organization that aims to enhance the well-being of the Cardiff/Encinitas community. The practice participates in community events organized by Cardiff 101 and references its membership as part of its local commitment.
• Cardiff Soccer LeagueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeam Orthodontics sponsors the Cardiff Soccer League team as part of its community giving-back program. The practice actively seeks out sponsorship opportunities for its patients' teams and organizations.
• Encinitas Little LeagueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeam Orthodontics sponsors the Encinitas Little League team (Go Indians!) as part of its commitment to supporting local youth sports and the broader Encinitas community.
• Leap Coffee (P.J. Ortega)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeam Orthodontics serves coffee from local Cardiff roaster P.J. Ortega of Leap Coffee, demonstrating its commitment to supporting local businesses. The roaster's branding appears in the practice's office environment.
• Invisalign (Align Technology)coreTechnology or IntegrationBeam Orthodontics is a certified provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen clear aligner treatments. The practice uses Invisalign's technology and branding as part of its service offerings. Dr. Schaefer is undergoing his own Invisalign treatment to increase his awareness of the patient experience.
• INBRACE (GAC Dental / Cowell Smiles)coreTechnology or IntegrationBeam Orthodontics offers INBRACE lingual braces — a system that hides behind the teeth using space-age memory wire. Dr. Schaefer is identified as one of the few providers in San Diego county offering INBRACE. The partnership is featured prominently on the website with the INBRACE logo.
• Damon Smile (Ormco)coreTechnology or IntegrationBeam Orthodontics is a registered Damon Doctor providing Damon self-ligating braces. The practice uses the Damon System's proprietary slide mechanism and memory wires. The Damon Smile logo appears on the website footer alongside other professional affiliations.
• Thrive Learning CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThrive Learning Center is a religious non-profit California corporation and education support program. Beam Orthodontics team members (Dr. Schaefer and Dental Assistant Olivia) conducted an Oral Hygiene Instruction session for students at the center, demonstrating community educational outreach.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Envista Holdings (Ormco): Parent of Ormco, which manufactures the Damon self-ligating braces system Beam offers. Comparable as a key technology supplier whose Damon-bracket system is part of Beam's differentiating treatment portfolio.
• Align Technology: Manufacturer of Invisalign clear aligners and iTero scanners — two of Beam's core technology platforms. Comparable as a critical upstream supplier whose commercial terms and product roadmap directly shape Beam's service offering economics.

Broad incumbents

• Heartland Dental: One of the largest US dental support organizations supporting general and specialty dental practices including orthodontics. Comparable because it operates in the same end market (US orthodontic/dental services) but at vastly larger scale and as a DSO rather than a single owner-operator practice.
• Pacific Dental Services: Large US DSO supporting dental and specialty practices. Comparable because it serves the same orthodontic patient demographic through supported practices and represents the corporate-practice competitive threat to independent offices like Beam.
• Aspen Dental: National branded dental practice chain with orthodontic service offerings. Comparable because it competes for the same consumer orthodontic patient pool, particularly in suburban markets, but operates at much larger scale across many states.

Direct peers

• Smile Source: A national network/co-op of independently owned dental and orthodontic practices that band together for purchasing power and marketing. Comparable because Beam is an independent orthodontic practice of the type Smile Source organizes; the affiliation model is similar in spirit.

Emerging players

• SmileDirectClub: Direct-to-consumer clear aligner company (now in bankruptcy/restructuring) that pioneered at-home orthodontic treatment. Comparable because it represents the most visible DTC orthodontic disruptor that has pressured traditional orthodontic practice economics and patient acquisition costs.
• Imagen Dental Partners: A dental support organization that partners with orthodontists and dentists, including orthodontic practices. Comparable because Beam represents the type of single-location orthodontic practice that DSOs like Imagen target for partnership or roll-up.
• Candid: Hybrid clear-aligner orthodontic company combining in-office orthodontist oversight with remote treatment. Comparable because it targets the same adult and adolescent orthodontic patient seeking discreet treatment and represents an emerging alternative delivery model.
• orthobrain: Orthodontic support and consulting company that helps general dentists deliver clear aligner therapy. Comparable because it operates in the same orthodontic services ecosystem and represents the trend of non-orthodontists delivering orthodontic care that Beam competes against.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/BEAMOrthodontics
• Instagraminstagram.com/beamorthodontics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/beam-orthodontics

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Beam Orthodontics