Dr. Clear Orthodontics Secures Hundred-Million-Yuan Series A Funding Led by Qiming Venture Partners
VCBeat has learned that Changzhou Born ClearMed Smart Medical Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Dr. Clear”), a Chinese brand specializing in clear aligner orthodontics, has recently completed a Series A financing round worth hundreds of millions of RMB, with Qiming Venture Partners as the sole investor. The funds will be used for the research and development and construction of an automated production line for clear aligners, biomechanics-based product development, AI-driven software solution development, and market expansion both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Clear, established in 2016 and headquartered in Shanghai, is a leading provider of early orthodontic correction solutions for children and clear aligner therapy for adults, integrating production, academia, research, and sales. Over the past eight years, Dr. Clear has leveraged its R&D strengths in the pediatric early intervention and adult orthodontic markets to emerge as a frontrunner in the increasingly competitive clear aligner industry.
Development History of Dr. Clear
“White Paper on Chinese Orthodontic Consumers” data shows that the overall prevalence of malocclusion in China is as high as 74%, while the current number of orthodontic cases is only around 3 million. Based on China’s population base, the penetration rate is merely approximately 0.3%.
In 2020, there were approximately 10.4 million cases of malocclusion in China. However, among the 3.1 million cases that received treatment, only 11% utilized clear aligners. In contrast, among the 4.5 million treated cases in the United States, 33.1% underwent treatment with clear aligners. Regarding China’s clear orthodontic market, demand-side potential is substantial; existing demand has yet to be fully realized, while new demand is accelerating.
Centered on big data models and artificial intelligence technologies, Dr. Clear has launched a series of clear aligner orthodontic solutions during its development, with an annual production capacity exceeding one million units, serving dentists and orthodontic patients worldwide. Furthermore, the company has established in-depth collaborations with several domestic and international dental schools and research institutions to drive innovation in oral health technology and talent development, while partnering with major dental healthcare providers to co-build a sustainable ecosystem for the dental industry.
Since its inception, ClearMed has been dedicated to providing users with scientific and precise orthodontic solutions through digital technology. The company maintains in-depth collaborations with domestic and international orthodontic experts, academic institutions, and research organizations. In the field of early childhood orthodontics, it has introduced the concept of full-cycle pediatric orthodontics and offers comprehensive orthodontic solutions for children of all ages. In the realm of adult clear aligner therapy, ClearMed has conducted extensive R&D to launch an alveolar arch coordinate system based on root and bone structures, achieving complete and accurate data reconstruction as well as holistic and correct innovations in biomechanical algorithms, thereby promoting the high-quality development of orthodontic technology in China.
Alveolar Bone Coordinate System Function in Clear Check Software
Dr. Clear has established professional medical service centers, software R&D centers, customer service centers, and operational service centers in China, with a marketing and sales network covering the entire country. The Dr. Clear C4 Clear Aligner System utilizes revolutionary materials and is powered by an innovative digital orthodontic system, offering one-on-one personalized treatment plans to provide effective orthodontic solutions for patients. The adult product line employs the latest FLX triple-layer composite membranes supplied by Bay Materials USA. These thermoformed sheets feature a three-layer “ABA” structure with a unique dual-shell sandwich design, combining superior tooth-moving forces with patient comfort, thereby enabling a broader range of treatment options. This supports the feasibility, controllability, and achievability of clear aligner therapy. From the C4 Youth Edition, C4 Classic Edition, and C4-S Combined Edition to the C4-Flex Expert Edition, the system meets diverse patient needs, ranging from simple teeth alignment to comprehensive correction of dentofacial deformities. Additionally, the C4-S Combined Edition offers traditional brackets to accommodate specific patient requirements.
ClearMed Generation III Membrane
Clear C3 Full-Cycle Orthodontic System utilizes silicone appliances, functional removable appliances, and clear aligners. Throughout the primary dentition, mixed dentition, and permanent dentition stages in children, the system fully accounts for the growth and development characteristics of children and adolescents while mastering various control factors that may influence the development of teeth, dental arches, jaws, and facial soft tissues. It provides accurate diagnosis and prediction of existing and impending malocclusions, formulates sequential comprehensive treatment plans, and intervenes through various hybrid orthodontic techniques and tools to successfully establish a healthy and normal permanent dentition.
Clear C3 Full-Cycle Orthodontic System Product
It is worth noting that Dr. Clear is the first brand to introduce the “teeth-bone-muscle” integrated 3D treatment concept to the clear aligner market. Its orthodontic system, comprising three distinct products—silicone appliances, removable functional appliances, and clear aligners—provides comprehensive, multidimensional, in-depth, and high-standard solutions for various malocclusions in children across the primary dentition, mixed dentition, and permanent dentition stages.
In recent years, Dr. Clear has leveraged its robust software team and specialized medical R&D team to continuously launch innovative products, such as the GroForce growth modification solution for children and adolescents, the BalanForce extraction solution, HE attachment templates, reinforced clear aligners, invisible extraoral arches, invisible mandibular advancement devices, invisible buccal tubes, Dr. Clear Clear III (modified FR-III), C4 Flex digital clear orthodontics, the alveolar arch coordinate system based on the root-bone system, the dynamic occlusal system, the AI cephalometric automatic diagnosis system, and the Clear-Check treatment plan review system. In 2024, the Dr. Clear C3 Full-Cycle Orthodontic System for Children was upgraded to the Clear C3 Full-Cycle Orthodontic System for Children and Adolescents, expanding the product boundaries and making the product ecosystem more inclusive and open.
Meanwhile, supported by its self-built backend manufacturing facilities, Dr. Clear has significantly increased the production capacity for clear aligners. By integrating online and offline marketing systems with its proprietary smart factories, supply chain, and sales network, the company has established a comprehensive, closed-loop industry ecosystem. Looking ahead, Dr. Clear will accelerate its R&D efforts to capture the adult market, while simultaneously strengthening its foundational capabilities in the pediatric and adolescent orthodontic segment, thereby pursuing robust growth in both the adult and children’s markets.
Zhu Yujing, CEO of Dr. Clear, stated, “Over the past decade in the oral health industry, we have observed numerous issues that require resolution and improvement. Many medical institutions lack effective training systems and tool-based products, causing children to miss the optimal window for treating malocclusion. This not only affects craniofacial growth and development but also impacts overall physical and mental health, including airway function, breathing, and self-confidence. Addressing these pain points is the core value and mission of Dr. Clear. As China’s first clear aligner brand to propose the concept of full-cycle orthodontic treatment for children, we aim to empower more medical institutions and practitioners with our products, enabling more clinics to successfully implement differentiated care through full-cycle facial management for children and adolescents. Through prevention and early intervention, we help children grow up with confidence and brighter smiles. Meanwhile, Dr. Clear is dedicated to integrating industry, academia, and research with digital technological innovation, delivering high-quality products and services that truly address clinical challenges, and leveraging innovation to allow Chinese brands to make a global impact.”