Latest news with #Toothsi
Hans India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Toothsi faces backlash over alleged mismanagement, customer complaints
Mumbai: Dental tech startup Toothsi, which promises convenient and affordable clear aligners for teeth straightening, is now facing growing criticism from its users over alleged mismanagement, misleading practices, and poor after-sales service. Several users have taken to social media platform X and consumer forums to share their negative experiences, raising serious concerns about the company's operations. One user, Geet Dhir, who identifies as an advocate, expressed his frustration publicly, saying: "Even just keeping this in my mind I am waiting for your positive reply at the earliest because I am just about to finish the last received 8th aligners. Send new aligner at the earliest to me. I insist as well request". His message suggests he has been left waiting without the next set of aligners, despite already completing the previous batch. However, the company responded, assuring him that their team would get in touch with him shortly. Another user, Shivendra Soni, was even more blunt, calling the company a scam. "Toothsi app and Toothsi is a scam. Ap log kuch ho aur krte kuch ho. Mere paise pure barbaad huye," he wrote, accusing the company's staff and doctors of giving customers the runaround instead of delivering on promises. Their complaints are not isolated. According to a report by The Ken, dozens of users have had similar issues with Toothsi. One such case is that of Priya, a marketing executive from Mumbai. She was thrilled to try Toothsi's service for Rs 50,000. However, before she could even mail in her dental impressions, she received a call from the company saying they had already been rejected. She was then asked to pay an additional Rs 11,000 for a 3D scan at one of their centres. "They rejected impressions I hadn't even sent," she said, adding that the excuse of a "pre-assessment" felt like a tactic to push her into paying more. According to a Voxya report, another user, Fahima N, filed a complaint on March 18, detailing her troubling experience. She said that while she was promised a fully remote procedure after a video consultation, the company later asked her to travel hours away for treatment. She was also told she needed a tooth extraction, but local dentists refused to follow Toothsi's prescription, calling it unsafe. Despite all this, she received her aligners before the extraction was even approved or done, raising doubts about the customisation. When she asked for a cancellation, she was told she would still be charged as the loan had already been processed. MakeO, the parent company of Toothsi and its skincare branch Skinnsi, had raised significant funding in January 2025 at a valuation of Rs 2,231 crore ($270 million). But now, reports suggest that the company is seeking funds at nearly half that valuation, possibly due to these ongoing customer complaints and operational issues.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
19-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Kusha Kapila gets invisible braces: Why clear aligners are trending now
With Kusha Kapila joining the clear aligner crowd, this once-niche dental fix is now a mainstream must-have for millennials and professionals alike Barkha Mathur New Delhi Traditional metal braces that some of us were forced to wear in high school were never fun. Between the wires, food restrictions, and awkward grins in photos, while many accepted their fate, others just chose to live with imperfect teeth. But now, invisible aligners—a sleek new way to straighten teeth—have taken over urban India. From Instagram influencers to young professionals, everyone's hopping on this clear-tray trend. Recently, content creator and internet icon Kusha Kapila revealed she is on an invisible aligner journey, and soon her changed smile had everyone talking. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Invisalign India (@invisalign_in) How do clear aligners straighten your teeth? Invisible aligners are clear, removable trays that straighten teeth without metal braces. They use custom-made orthodontic moulds to fit snugly over your teeth and gradually shift them into alignment. They are typically worn for 20–22 hours a day and removed only for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing. They need to be changed every 1 week to 10 days, depending on the programme, to progress the treatment. Technology behind invisible braces: CAD, 3D scans and more According to California-based Align Technology, which manufactures Invisalign clear aligners, the tech used includes 3D scans, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and thermoformed plastic trays. What materials are used in invisible aligners? The materials vary by brand but generally include: Medical-grade thermoplastic polymers for strength and flexibility SmartTrack material (Invisalign) for controlled tooth movements BPA-free polyurethane resins (ClearCorrect) ClearQuartz (ClearCorrect), offering improved elasticity and force consistency Why are invisible braces becoming popular in India? Aesthetic preference: Millennials and professionals want straight teeth without visible braces Digital access: Teledentistry and apps make it easier to track progress Health and confidence trends: A perfect smile is now part of wellness culture Celebrity endorsements: Influencers and actors are marketing clear aligners Convenience: Fewer clinic visits and minimal lifestyle disruption Which invisible aligner brands are available in India? Toothsi/makeO: ₹50,000 – ₹90,000, home scans, D2C model Illusion Aligners: ₹40,000 – ₹1.2 lakh, 3D tech, global certifications Clove Dental: ₹49,999 onwards, includes both Invisalign and in-house aligners 32 Watts Clear Aligners: ₹40,000 – ₹1 lakh, app tracking Flash Aligners: In-clinic only, strong presence in smaller cities How to get started with invisible aligners in India Option A: Direct-to-consumer (D2C) like Toothsi/makeO Book free home scan or impression kit Receive a 3D smile preview Approve treatment, pay (EMI available) Get aligners delivered home Monitor via app or dentist check-ins Option B: In-clinic route (e.g., Invisalign, Clove Dental) Visit certified orthodontist Get 3D scans and customised treatment Receive aligners and attend regular follow-ups What are the pros and cons of invisible aligners? Pros: Virtually invisible Removable during meals No wires or brackets Fewer dentist visits Comfortable and custom-fit Cons: Must wear ~22 hrs/day Not suitable for complex dental issues Costlier than metal braces in some cases Are clear aligners worth the cost and hype? According to Clove Dental, invisible aligners are a great fit if aesthetics and comfort are priorities. They're especially suitable for influencers, working professionals, and anyone seeking discreet orthodontic treatment. However, they're not a substitute for traditional braces in complex orthodontic cases.
