How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Rankite is independent; if a vendor ever pays for a featured spot, that listing is clearly labeled Partner.
Key takeaways
- Cloud 9, Ortho2 Edge Cloud, and Greyfinch lead the cloud-first options, each serving thousands of orthodontic locations with browser-based platforms.
- Dolphin (Patterson) and CS OrthoTrac are the veteran choices, pairing practice management with deep imaging and diagnostics.
- topsOrtho focuses on speed and reliability with a strong reputation in Mac-based offices.
- OrthoFi is different: it focuses on case acceptance, insurance, and collections rather than daily scheduling.
- Pricing is almost never published in this category, so expect demos and custom quotes; WaveOrtho is the exception, listing tiers from $260 to $700 per month.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Cloud 9 | Cloud-first practice management for groups | See website | No |
 Dolphin | Imaging plus practice management | See website | No |
 Ortho2 | Long-standing all-in-one ortho system | See website | No |
 topsOrtho | Fast, reliable daily operations | See website | No |
 CS OrthoTrac | Orthodontists in the DEXIS ecosystem | See website | No |
 Greyfinch | Modern cloud PMS for startups | See website | No |
 OrthoFi | Case acceptance and collections | See website | No |
 WaveOrtho | Built-by-an-orthodontist all-in-one | $260-$700/month | No |
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best orthodontic software
The myth to correct first: orthodontic software is not just dental software with a different logo. Ortho practices need financial contracts that stretch over months, growth charts, ceph tracing, and appointment types that general dentistry tools never handle well. These eight tools are built for that reality.
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Cloud 9, now part of Planet DDS, is one of the best-known cloud-based practice management systems for orthodontics. Because it runs entirely in a browser, staff can work from any location, and the company handles data conversion from nearly every competing platform during onboarding.
The financial arrangements tool handles fee schedules, insurance benefits, down payments, and auto-pay with primary and secondary payment methods, plus paperless contract signing. Cloud 9 Pay adds integrated tap-to-pay and mobile wallet payments that post automatically to the ledger. It is a natural fit for OSOs and growing groups that need organization-wide visibility.
What we like- Fully browser-based with no servers
- Serves 2,000+ locations
- 25+ integrations with common ortho tools
Watch out for- Pricing is not published
- Best suited to groups, may be more than a solo practice needs
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Dolphin Imaging and Management Solutions, backed by Patterson Dental, is the powerhouse when imaging matters as much as scheduling. The company offers 2D/3D imaging, diagnostics, case presentation, and patient education software alongside Dolphin Management, its practice management system.
Dolphin Management runs on Microsoft .NET with SQL Server and is designed to connect data and images across multiple offices with high capacity. It suits high-volume practices and multi-location groups where clinical imaging and diagnostics are central to the workflow. Expect a consultative sales process rather than a self-serve trial.
What we like- Deep 2D/3D imaging and diagnostic tools
- Backed by Patterson Dental
- Trusted by high-volume multi-location practices
Watch out for- Pricing is not published
- Setup is tuned to each practice, which takes more effort
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Ortho2 has spent more than four decades building software only for orthodontists, and its flagship Edge Cloud product is a true cloud platform: no server in the office, data in an off-site data center, accessible from any device with an internet connection. It claims 25,000+ users across 3,000 locations in 10 countries.
The feature set is deliberately complete, including scheduling, imaging, communication, online scheduling, online forms, patient rewards, and an interactive Edge Proposal tool that lets families choose financial options with a slider. Support is a recurring theme in reviews, with white-glove service from coast to coast. A safe choice for practices that want a proven, all-in-one system.
What we like- 40+ years serving orthodontists exclusively
- True cloud Edge Cloud with no server needed
- White-glove support reputation
Watch out for- Pricing is not published
- Older brand perception among younger startups
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
topsOrtho has built its reputation on being the fastest, most reliable orthodontic practice management software, with a particular following among Mac-based offices. The platform covers treatment planning and office management in real time, aiming to increase schedule efficiency and maximize office resources.
User reviews emphasize reliability and responsive support, and the company reports more than 1,000 orthodontic locations across 31 countries. The pricing page exists but requires a conversation, and TopsPay handles integrated payment processing through Fiserv. If your priority is a system that stays out of the way during a busy day, topsOrtho deserves a demo.
What we like- Known for speed and reliability
- Strong in Mac-based offices
- 26 years serving ortho practices
Watch out for- Pricing is not published
- Smaller ecosystem than the largest competitors
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
CS OrthoTrac from Carestream Dental (now part of the DEXIS family) is one of the oldest names in orthodontic practice management. The platform covers appointment scheduling, record maintenance, automated statements and claims, and integrates with the broader CS/DEXIS imaging workflow including 2D imaging and scanners.
Support infrastructure is extensive, with phone, email, chat, and a training institute, which matters for practices that have used the product for years and value continuity. If your imaging hardware already lives in the DEXIS ecosystem, keeping practice management in the same family reduces friction. New buyers should book a demo to see the current cloud options.
What we like- Long-running product with broad feature depth
- Integrates with DEXIS imaging
- Strong training and support resources
Watch out for- Product page focuses on support rather than sales detail
- Pricing is not published
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Greyfinch is a newer, fully cloud-based practice management platform that has won over startup orthodontists with its modern interface and all-in-one approach. SMS, video calls, e-signatures, 24/7 appointment widgets, and online forms come built in rather than through third-party add-ons.
Standout features include HIPAA-compliant video appointments, automated billing plans with flexible down payments, and data dashboards that connect to business intelligence tools. Reviews from practices like Ascend Orthodontics praise the customer service and the decision to keep features in-house. It is a strong pick for new practices that want modern software without legacy baggage.
What we like- 100% cloud-based with no downloads
- Built-in telehealth video visits
- Strong reviews from startup practices
Watch out for- Pricing is not published
- Younger company than the 25-year veterans
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
OrthoFi plays a different position from the rest of this list. Instead of scheduling and charting, it focuses on the money side: patient acquisition, insurance management, case acceptance, and collections. It works alongside your existing practice management system rather than replacing it.
The portfolio includes AcceptCare, which pairs case presentations with personalized multi-lender payment options so more patients can say yes, and OrthoBanc, which combines automation with human support to collect every patient payment. Real-time analytics track performance across the revenue cycle. Practices struggling with starts or collections should evaluate OrthoFi even if their PMS stays the same.
What we like- Focused on revenue: starts, insurance, collections
- AcceptCare multi-lender payment options
- OrthoBanc AR management
Watch out for- Not a full practice management replacement
- Pricing is not published
Starting price$260-$700/month
Free planNo
WaveOrtho was founded by orthodontist Dr. Peter Kimball, who has been writing practice software since the 1990s, and the product reflects that clinical background. The all-in-one cloud platform covers appointment books, treatment charting, imaging, native ceph tracing, ledgers, two-way texting, patient portals, and automated marketing, with features built in-house rather than stitched from integrations.
Notably, WaveOrtho publishes its pricing: Core, Plus, and Pro tiers run $260 to $700 per month, with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on software purchases. A Wavey AI agent can answer plain-English questions about practice data. The company remains independent, which it highlights as a differentiator. For doctors who want clinician-built software with transparent pricing, it is an easy shortlist entry.
What we like- Founded by a practicing orthodontist
- Published tier pricing ($260 to $700 per month)
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Watch out for- Newer brand than the giants
- OSO pricing is custom and unlisted
How we chose
We confirmed each vendor's homepage and reviewed their own product pages, documentation, and press announcements for current features and pricing. We then checked public reviews on G2, Capterra, Software Advice, and SourceForge, plus industry publications like Orthodontic Practice US, to understand how these tools perform in real practices. We mixed long-established platforms with newer cloud vendors and included both full practice management systems and a revenue-focused specialist. We did not test any software hands-on; this ranking is based on documented features, published pricing, and reported user experience.
What to check before you buy
Ortho software decisions stick around for years, so evaluate carefully. These are the questions that matter most.
Financial contracts and auto-drafting
The financial contract module is the heart of ortho software. Confirm the system handles monthly auto-drafting, down payments, insurance installments, and delinquency workflows the way your office actually bills. Cloud 9, Greyfinch, and Ortho2 all emphasize this area.
Imaging and ceph integration
If you rely on ceph tracing, 3D imaging, or digital treatment planning, check how the PMS connects to your imaging hardware. Dolphin and CS OrthoTrac are strongest here, while cloud vendors integrate with third-party imaging tools.
Cloud vs server
Cloud platforms like Cloud 9, Greyfinch, Ortho2 Edge Cloud, and WaveOrtho eliminate office servers and enable remote access. Server-based systems can still work, but ask about backup, security, and what happens when the internet goes down.
Multi-location support
Groups and OSOs need centralized reporting and consistent workflows across sites. Cloud 9, Ortho2, and WaveOrtho all market multi-location capabilities; verify user roles, permissions, and consolidated analytics during the demo.
Migration and training
Ask who converts your data from your current system and what training is included. Cloud 9 and Greyfinch both describe dedicated conversion and training processes; others vary. A rushed migration is the top cause of buyer's remorse in this category.
When general dental software is not enough
General dental practice management tools can technically run an ortho office, but they miss the details that drive ortho revenue: contract ledgers, growth tracking, observation recalls, and appointment types built around adjustment visits. If your current system forces workarounds for monthly drafting or treatment cards, a dedicated orthodontic platform will pay for itself in recovered staff time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does orthodontic software cost?
Most vendors do not publish pricing; expect custom quotes based on providers, locations, and modules. The one published range we found is WaveOrtho at $260 to $700 per month by tier. Budget for onboarding and data migration on top of the subscription.
Is cloud-based orthodontic software safe?
Reputable cloud vendors host in HIPAA-compliant data centers with encryption and signed business associate agreements. Cloud 9, Greyfinch, Ortho2, and WaveOrtho all emphasize security certifications. Ask any vendor for their specific compliance documentation before signing.
Can I switch from my current practice management system?
Yes, and vendors expect it. Cloud 9 states it has converted data from nearly every orthodontic platform, and Greyfinch offers migration assistance. Ask about timelines, image conversion, and what happens to historical financial data during the demo.
What is the difference between orthodontic and dental software?
Orthodontic software adds contract-based billing with monthly auto-drafting, growth and ceph tools, observation recalls, and treatment-card workflows tuned to adjustment visits. General dental tools can be adapted, but dedicated ortho platforms handle these natively.
Do I need separate imaging software?
Not necessarily. Dolphin and CS OrthoTrac bundle deep imaging with practice management, while others integrate with third-party imaging. If your ceph and 3D workflows are central, prioritize vendors with native or tightly integrated imaging.
What is OrthoFi and do I need it?
OrthoFi is not a practice management system; it focuses on case acceptance, insurance processing, and patient collections. Practices with low start rates or collections problems can add it alongside their existing PMS without switching systems.
Sources we checked (10)
- https://cloud9.software/
- https://dolphinimaging.com/
- https://www.ortho2.com/
- https://topsortho.com/
- https://www.carestreamdental.com/en-us/csd-products/practice-management-software/orthotrac/
- https://greyfinch.com/
- https://orthofi.com/
- https://waveortho.com/
- https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240125492824/en/Planet-DDS-introduces-Cloud-9-Pay-Revolutionizing-Payment-Acceptance-for-Orthodontic-Practices/
- https://orthopracticeus.com/industry-news/toothfairy-rebrands-to-become-cloud-9-ignite/
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has spent more than a decade helping SaaS and e-commerce brands grow through search. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.