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COMPANY BACKGROUND
In 2013, Orthodontist Dave Pechersky was treating his own teeth with clear aligners. Like many clear aligner users, including his own patients, Dr. Dave used a rubber chewie to help eliminate air pockets between his aligner trays and teeth, optimizing tooth movement during orthodontic therapy. Chewing exercises can also increase blood flow, reducing discomfort.
But, Dr. Dave gagged on the chewie and didn’t feel comfortable using it. He found it was like having a miniature pool noodle in his mouth. And, since he used the same chewie twice a day for a couple weeks, it began to smell and was not sanitary. Dave decided to carve the chewie in different ways to see if it helped with the gagging – it did not. So, he began experimenting in his office lab with dissolvable products, including candy and mints. He found the best result came from cutting grooves into mints that could sit between the teeth in the front of the mouth without slipping. He also liked that mints acted as a breath-freshening mechanism.
Excited about the mint concept, Dr. Dave connected with good friend Drew Goldstein, JD/MBA, a strategic start-up business consultant, and the duo quickly began working together to bring the idea to fruition. They filed for Movemints, LLC in 2014. During the next few years, Dr. Dave and Drew were deep in R&D, perfecting the mint’s functionality, flavor, and shape. As part of this process, the team worked with Pittsburgh-based artist Isaac Bower to sculpt the mint’s concave design so that the grooves would be deep enough—on all sides—to prevent slipping no matter where it is placed between the user’s aligners. During this time, the duo also received three patents for Movemints’ shape and utility.
With patents in-hand and proof of concept achieved, Dr. Dave and Drew brought Frank McNally onto the team to help take their product to market and to establish their digital footprint. The trio raised broader awareness for Movemints amongst aligner patients through social media and an expanded online presence. They selected a manufacturer, and in May of 2018, the company commercially launched its sugar-free Movemints at the American Academy of Orthodontists’ Annual Session in Washington, D.C.
As Movemints were the first edible accessory ever created for clear aligners, adoption from dentists and orthodontists quickly grew as they saw how beneficial they were for their patients. Movemints became an innovative treatment for enabling gentle chewing, which promotes optimal tooth movement and helps patients seat their trays, resulting in a better fit.
Today, Movemints continue to provide a breakthrough treatment option and a better way to manage the clear aligner journey. They keep breath fresh and are sweetened with a therapeutic dose of xylitol, which eliminates dry mouth. They help clear aligner patients find relief from the traditional challenges that impact their progress....
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
FAST FACTS
History
- Movemints, LLC was founded in 2014 by Dr. David Pechersky and Drew Goldstein in Pittsburgh, PA. During the next few years, Dr. Dave and Drew were deep in R&D, perfecting the mint functionality, flavor, and shape.
- From 2014 to 2018, Movemints was awarded four patents for the sugar-free mint’s shape and utility.
- In May 2018, the company commercially launched Movemints at the American Academy of Orthodontists’ Annual Session in Washington, D.C.
Movemints Today
- Movemints are the first edible clear aligner accessory available for patients. They promote optimal tooth movement and are sweetened with a therapeutic dose of xylitol to fight dry mouth and provide a nice break from only water. They also provide a minty taste that freshens breath.
- Manufactured in Turkey, Movemints are comprised of five ingredients - Xylitol, Sorbitol, natural spearmint flavoring, natural mint flavoring and Magnesium Stearate.
- Movemints are sold to dentists, orthodontists and directly to patients through the dentalmovemints.com website as well as Amazon.com.
Company Milestones
- Movemints has delivered more than 16 million individual mints to customers in more than 40 countries while achieving an “Amazon’s Choice” designation as a Top 100 Best Sellers Rank in the very competitive Candy/Mints category.
- Movemints continues to grow, and the company is experiencing a more than 30% year-over-year increase in mint distribution volume and international expansion.
- With a strong background in orthodontia, the company leadership publishes a monthly blog with educational articles for clear aligner users. The blog receives 10,000 to 30,000 unique visitors a month.
- The company remains based in Pittsburgh and has 18 team members consisting of employees and an ecosystem of consultants and interns.
EXECUTIVE BIOS
Dr. Dave Pechersky
Founder and CEO of Movemints, LLC
Dr. Dave Pechersky is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Movemints, LLC. An orthodontist, Dr. Dave invented the company’s sugar-free Xylitol Mints as a breakthrough treatment to promote optimal oral health and tooth movement after treating his own teeth with clear aligners. Movemints are the only edible accessory ever created for clear aligner patients. Under Dr. Dave’s leadership and that of his co-founder Drew Goldstein, the company has shipped more than 16 million Movemints to individuals in more than 40 countries. The company continues to experience a more than a 30% year-over-year increase in mint distribution volume and international expansion.
Dr. Dave remains a practicing orthodontist at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Pechersky Orthodontics, where he’s been since 2011.
He leads the multi-location Orthodontic practice and treats patients of all ages with braces and clear aligners. He received his specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2011. He received his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2009 from the University of Pittsburgh and a BS from the University of Michigan in 2005.
Drew Goldstein
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer of Movemints, LLC
Drew Goldstein is the Chief Operating Officer for Movemints, LLC, where he is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations and creation of policies and strategies to ensure company profitability and growth. Under Drew’s leadership and that of co-founder, mint creator, and company Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dave Pechersky, the company has shipped more than 16 million Movemints to dentists, orthodontists, and patients in more than 40 countries. Movemints continues to experience more than a 30% year-over-year increase in mint distribution volume and international expansion. Drew is described as a “serial social entrepreneur,” startup consultant and executive coach.
In addition to his role at Movemints, he is the Principal of the RoundSquare Group, a member of NEXUS Global, and a strategic advisor and sponsor to Lost Tribe. Previously, Drew served as the Chief Development Officer for The Packard Companies, and prior to that role, he was the Vice President of Operations for Pristine Properties. Drew began his career at Black & Decker USA in sales and marketing.
In 2013, Drew received his JD and his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. He received a B.S. in Business Administration from Indiana University in 1999.
take a bite out of these reviews
These xylitol mints are a lifesaver and are shaped to chew on to make the aligners fit into place. - Stacey T.
I would not be able to get my aligners on properly without these xylitol mints as they make it possible. - Jamie R.
The Movemints really do help with getting your aligners in place. I use them every time I switch trays and continue until they fit comfortably on their own. - John F.
I use them to freshen my breath up a little when needed. Those little things definitely do the trick. - Tracey Y.
These xylitol mints are a lifesaver and are shaped to chew on to make the aligners fit into place. - Stacey T.
I would not be able to get my aligners on properly without these xylitol mints as they make it possible. - Jamie R.
The Movemints really do help with getting your aligners in place. I use them every time I switch trays and continue until they fit comfortably on their own. - John F.
I use them to freshen my breath up a little when needed. Those little things definitely do the trick. - Tracey Y.
After brushing my teeth, I can put the aligners in and bite on one of these xylitol mints. - Sonja P.
These xylitol mints are great for getting the aligners to pop into place so I'm not using my teeth or having to stick my hands in my mouth - Adrienne K.
They taste great and make your breath nice and fresh! - Dan P.
The xylitol mints worked really well for my Invisalign. Whenever they were aching a little or I changed trays I'd use the mints which would help them fit more securely. - Sarah M.
After brushing my teeth, I can put the aligners in and bite on one of these xylitol mints. - Sonja P.
These xylitol mints are great for getting the aligners to pop into place so I'm not using my teeth or having to stick my hands in my mouth - Adrienne K.
They taste great and make your breath nice and fresh! - Dan P.
The xylitol mints worked really well for my Invisalign. Whenever they were aching a little or I changed trays I'd use the mints which would help them fit more securely. - Sarah M.
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