Henry Schein Orthodontics Expands U.S. Portfolio with Exclusive smartIPR™ Distribution Agreement to Advance Orthodontic Care
Henry Schein Orthodontics (HSO), the orthodontics division of Henry Schein, Inc., has strengthened its portfolio of clinical solutions through an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Eversmile for the smartIPR™ system, an innovative technology designed to modernize interproximal reduction (IPR) procedures. The agreement marks another milestone in Henry Schein Orthodontics’ strategy of bringing advanced orthodontic technologies to clinicians while improving treatment efficiency, patient comfort, and clinical precision.
The introduction of smartIPR™ provides orthodontists with a new approach to performing one of the most common procedures in clear aligner and comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Rather than relying on conventional manual strips or rotating abrasive disks, the system employs an oscillating handpiece and specially engineered non-rotating disks that allow clinicians to gradually and safely create space between teeth with greater control.
The technology is now available exclusively through Henry Schein Orthodontics across the United States, expanding access to a system that both companies believe represents a significant advancement in orthodontic workflows.
Addressing the Challenges of Traditional IPR
Interproximal reduction is a widely used orthodontic procedure that involves removing a small amount of enamel from between adjacent teeth to create space. The technique is commonly used during orthodontic treatment to alleviate crowding, improve tooth alignment, facilitate clear aligner therapy, and reduce the need for tooth extractions in selected cases.
Although IPR has become a routine part of modern orthodontics, traditional methods present several clinical challenges.
Conventional procedures typically rely on razor-sharp hand strips or rapidly spinning abrasive disks to remove enamel. While these tools have long served clinicians, they require precision, experience, and careful handling to avoid injury to surrounding soft tissues or excessive enamel removal.
Many orthodontists have sought technologies that offer greater control while making procedures more comfortable for patients.
The smartIPR™ system was developed specifically to address these concerns by replacing traditional cutting methods with a controlled oscillating technology designed to improve precision while reducing procedural complexity.
How smartIPR™ Works
Unlike traditional IPR instruments, smartIPR™ uses a vibrating handpiece that operates with specialized smart DISKS rather than rotating cutting wheels.
The non-rotating disks gently oscillate between adjacent teeth, allowing clinicians to gradually widen tight interproximal contacts while maintaining excellent tactile control throughout the procedure.
Each smart DISK is lubricated and engineered to glide smoothly between teeth instead of aggressively cutting enamel.
This unique design enables clinicians to polish enamel surfaces while simultaneously creating highly precise interproximal space.
Because the disks do not spin like conventional rotary instruments, the system minimizes the likelihood of accidental contact with surrounding soft tissues, providing an additional level of safety during chairside procedures.
The gradual oscillating action also helps clinicians perform enamel reduction in a more controlled and predictable manner.
Improving Clinical Precision
One of the primary advantages of the smartIPR™ system is its emphasis on precision.
Creating the appropriate amount of space between teeth is critical during orthodontic treatment, particularly in clear aligner therapy where treatment planning relies on carefully calculated tooth movements.
Even minor variations in enamel reduction can influence treatment outcomes.
The smartIPR™ system enables orthodontists to perform incremental enamel reduction with enhanced visibility and tactile feedback, supporting greater consistency throughout the procedure.
This controlled approach allows clinicians to open tight contacts gradually rather than relying on aggressive cutting techniques.
As orthodontic practices continue adopting increasingly digital workflows, technologies that improve procedural accuracy have become valuable additions to modern treatment protocols.
Enhancing the Patient Experience
Patient comfort remains an important consideration during orthodontic care.
Traditional IPR procedures can sometimes cause anxiety due to the use of sharp instruments or rotating abrasive disks.
Although the amount of enamel removed is typically minimal, patients often appreciate procedures that feel smoother and less invasive.
The oscillating motion utilized by smartIPR™ offers a gentler treatment experience while reducing the need for sharp manual strips.
Its controlled movement may also help minimize accidental soft tissue irritation, contributing to improved patient confidence during treatment appointments.
As patient expectations continue evolving, orthodontic practices increasingly seek technologies that improve both clinical outcomes and overall treatment experiences.
Henry Schein Orthodontics Expands Its Innovation Portfolio
The exclusive distribution agreement with Eversmile reflects Henry Schein Orthodontics’ ongoing commitment to expanding its portfolio of clinically driven technologies.
According to Zachary Meli, Vice President and General Manager at Henry Schein Orthodontics, the partnership enables the company to provide orthodontic professionals with access to innovative solutions that improve efficiency while supporting high-quality patient care.
He noted that smartIPR™ represents a reimagining of the traditional interproximal reduction process and aligns with the company’s broader mission of delivering technologies that simplify clinical workflows.
By adding smartIPR™ to its growing product portfolio, Henry Schein Orthodontics continues strengthening its position as a provider of comprehensive orthodontic solutions designed for modern practices.
Eversmile Sees Growing Demand
For Eversmile, the partnership significantly expands the reach of smartIPR™ across the United States.
Dr. Michael Florman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eversmile, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Henry Schein Orthodontics, noting that both organizations share a commitment to advancing orthodontic care through innovation.
Since its initial introduction, smartIPR™ has generated increasing interest among orthodontic professionals seeking a more controlled approach to interproximal reduction.
According to Dr. Florman, clinicians have responded positively to the system’s ability to simplify chairside procedures while improving consistency.
The exclusive distribution agreement provides an opportunity to introduce the technology to a much broader network of orthodontic practices nationwide.
Supporting Modern Orthodontic Practices
Orthodontic practices continue embracing digital technologies that improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient outcomes.
Advances such as digital intraoral scanners, three-dimensional treatment planning software, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics, and clear aligner systems have transformed orthodontic workflows over the past decade.
Procedures like interproximal reduction have also evolved to complement these increasingly sophisticated treatment approaches.
smartIPR™ fits naturally into this digital ecosystem by providing clinicians with a system-based solution that integrates easily into contemporary orthodontic practices.
Rather than functioning as a standalone instrument, the technology supports comprehensive treatment planning by enabling precise enamel reduction when required as part of digital orthodontic workflows.
Streamlining Clinical Workflows
Efficiency remains a major priority for orthodontic practices balancing growing patient volumes with increasingly complex treatment plans.
Technologies that reduce procedural time while maintaining high clinical standards can significantly improve practice productivity.
The smartIPR™ system has been engineered to streamline chairside procedures by offering clinicians a predictable and simplified approach to interproximal reduction.
Its ergonomic handpiece, oscillating technology, and specialized disks help reduce procedural variability while enabling clinicians to work with greater confidence.
Improved workflow efficiency benefits both providers and patients by supporting shorter appointment times and smoother clinical experiences.
A Strategic Partnership Focused on Innovation
The collaboration between Henry Schein Orthodontics and Eversmile reflects a broader trend within the dental industry toward strategic partnerships that accelerate innovation.
Rather than developing every technology internally, leading dental companies increasingly partner with specialized innovators to bring differentiated solutions to market more quickly.
Through its exclusive distribution agreement, Henry Schein Orthodontics combines Eversmile’s product innovation with its own nationwide sales, education, and customer support infrastructure.
This collaborative model enables faster adoption of emerging technologies while providing clinicians with comprehensive training and ongoing support.
Strengthening the Henry Schein Orthodontics Brand Portfolio
The addition of smartIPR™ further enhances Henry Schein Orthodontics’ family of specialized orthodontic brands.
The company has assembled a diverse portfolio that addresses multiple aspects of orthodontic treatment, including appliances, digital technologies, treatment planning, and clinical workflow solutions.
Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Carriere® Motion™, Ortho Technology®, Smilers®, Nemotec, and several other specialized orthodontic products and services.
Each brand contributes to Henry Schein Orthodontics’ objective of helping clinicians improve treatment efficiency while delivering consistent, high-quality patient care.
The inclusion of smartIPR™ complements these offerings by addressing one of the most frequently performed procedures in orthodontics.
As orthodontics continues evolving through digital innovation and minimally invasive treatment approaches, technologies that improve precision, efficiency, and patient comfort are expected to play an increasingly important role.
The exclusive U.S. distribution agreement between Henry Schein Orthodontics and Eversmile positions both organizations to meet growing demand for advanced chairside solutions that enhance everyday clinical practice.
By replacing traditional IPR instruments with an oscillating system designed for greater control and safety, smartIPR™ offers orthodontists a modern alternative that aligns with today’s digitally driven treatment environment.
For Henry Schein Orthodontics, the launch reinforces its long-term strategy of collaborating with industry innovators to deliver differentiated technologies that help practices optimize workflows, improve clinical performance, and elevate the patient experience. As orthodontic providers continue seeking solutions that combine precision with efficiency, the addition of smartIPR™ further strengthens the company’s position as a leading partner for advanced orthodontic care across the United States.
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