Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do orthotics last?
Q: What is the break-in procedure?
Q: How do I know that my orthotics are 100% custom made as opposed to a “Best Fit” orthotic?
Q: What is your manufacturing turn-around time?
Q: What methods can I use to cast my patients' feet?
Q: What is a Pedorthist?
Q: Will insurance cover my orthotics?
Q: How do I care for my orthotics?
Q: Will one pair of orthotics fit all different types of shoes?
Q: How much should I charge for orthotics?
Q: Who may I call to ask questions?
Q: Are orthotics hard and uncomfortable?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: How long do orthotics last?
A: The durability of orthotics is dependent upon what materials were selected in the design of the orthotics.
Semi-Rigid and Semi-Flexible Shells will generally last five years and may last up to a lifetime. Graphite Shells will generally last for 2-3 years. Soft Orthotic Shells will generally last for 12-18 months.
The top-cover of the orthotic is subject to the greatest amount of wear and tear because it is in direct contact with your foot and perspiration. The life of the topcover depends on your body chemistry and activity level.
We recommend that the foot be re-casted after 5 years or in the event of a new significant injury.
Q: What is the break-in procedure?
A: It takes time for the body to adjust to wearing orthotics. At first, patients should only wear orthotics for as long as they are comfortable (a few hours) followed by a two hour rest period. Patients should gradually increase wearing time. Patients should be able to wear them comfortably all day within 2-4 weeks.
If orthotics are not broken in after 4 weeks, please contact your providing professional for further assistance. Minor adjustments to your original prescription for fit, function or comfort will be made at no charge within 6 months from date of shipping. Charges will apply for the addition of any new components or major changes to your original prescription.
Q: How do I know that my orthotics are 100% custom made as opposed to a “Best Fit” orthotic?
A: Every pair of orthotics made at our fabrication lab is made using a three-dimensional impression of the foot. To create a positive mold of the foot, the cast will be filled with plaster or scanned digitally in three dimensions.
Scans are followed by CNC milling of a wood positive. Raw materials (e.g. polypropylene, subortholene, graphite, XPE etc… ) are thermo vacuumed onto the positive. Each orthotic is made custom to the patient’s foot and cast. We do NOT use “Best Fit” techniques nor “Category Library Systems” at Kintec Lab Services.
Q: What is your manufacturing turn-around time?
A: Once our lab receives your order and impression, orders will be sent back to you on or before the 5th business day. Our shipping is next day shipping in BC. For example if we received an order on a Wednesday, it would be shipped out no later than the following Wednesday. You would then receive it on the Thursday.
Q: What methods can I use to cast my patients' feet?
A: We accept several casting techniques and encourage you to use a foam technique or a plaster slipper cast. However, we can also use STS sock casts, wax casts etc. If you have dynamic pressure data (e.g. F-Scan, Gait Scan Technology), please send us the report so that a pedorthist may review it. However, we will NOT fabricate orthotics based on pressure data only.
Q: What is a Pedorthist?
A: Our staff of Canadian-Board Certified Pedorthists and Technicians is a highly qualified team of individuals, ready to help you. As Pedorthists, we specialize in the foot and lower limb mechanics of the human body. Our pedorthists first possess a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology or Health Sciences, and then follow an extensive in-house residency program.
Upon completion, these individuals must successfully complete examination by the College of Pedorthics Canada and be members in good standing of the Pedorthic Association of Canada to become certified. For more information on pedorthics, visit www.pedorthics.ca .
Back to the top
Q: Will insurance cover my orthotics?
A: The manufacturing techniques at Kintec Lab Services COMPLY WITH what the major insurance companies require. We continue to work with the insurance companies and will apprise you of any changes as they become known to us.
We provide a Fabrication Certificate of Authenticity for every pair of orthotics we produce. This form explains exactly how we have manufactured the orthotics. Both the Doctor’s name and the patient’s name will appear on this form as well as the date of fabrication.
Kintec Lab Services is a Board-Accredited Prescription Foot Orthotics Laboratory.
Q: How do I care for the orthotics?
A: Remove the orthotics from shoes at night to allow perspiration and moisture to evaporate. The orthotics should be cleaned periodically by wiping them down with a damp cloth. If the orthotics have a soft top-cover, sprinkle them with baking soda or talcum powder to help absorb any odor they may collect.
DO NOT immerse the orthotics in water (e.g. sink, washing machine).
DO NOT subject them to heat sources (e.g. heater, fireplace).
Back to the top
Q: Will one pair of orthotics fit all different types of shoes?
A: This depends largely on the type of orthotic (standard, sport, or casual, or dress etc… ) that has been manufactured and the type of shoes that you own. There is an interaction between the orthotic device and footwear.
Shoes which have a removable liner have a higher degree of compatibility for orthotics than shoes that do not. Patients who have a large variety of shoes will typically need more than one type of orthotic.
Q: How much should I charge for orthotics?
A: Ultimately it is up to each Doctor to set their own prices. The average price of orthotics range from $385- $475/pr.
Q: Who may I call to ask questions?
A: If you have questions or concerns, call our Account Manager Dan Lacroix. For biomechanical and technical questions, he may put you in touch with one of our Certified Pedorthists.
Q: Are orthotics hard and uncomfortable?
A: The rigidity of Kintec orthotics span the entire range from very soft to hard. The stiffness of the orthotic is made to address the biomechanical needs of the patient.
One example goal of orthotic therapy is to reduce the magnitude and velocity of rearfoot and midfoot over pronation. In order to achieve this, the orthotic will be designed with an appropriate level of stiffness. Some orthotics will be more rigid than others, but none of them are truly hard and should not be uncomfortable.