LightForce Orthodontics secures funding for 3D-printed brack

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 10. August 2023

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BURLINGTON, Mass., US: A Series D funding round has generated US$80 million (€73 million) for LightForce Orthodontics. The young Massachusetts company uses 3D printing to manufacture customised fixed appliances that it says shorten treatment time and require fewer patient visits.

LightForce said in a press release that it would use the capital to scale up production of its 3D-printed brackets at its new production facility in Wilmington in Massachusetts, to advance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its workflows and to invest in education and hiring.

The company markets its orthodontic system to orthodontists as a comprehensive fixed appliance solution that improves treatment efficiency and patient outcomes. It says that its bespoke software is based on powerful AI that generates accurate digital representations of patient anatomy and optimal tooth positions.

Dr Alfred Griffin, LightForce CEO and co-founder, commented in the press release: “Teen patients have been limited by the inaccuracy and inefficiency of non-custom braces for decades. LightForce was founded to provide fully personalised treatment options to orthodontists for each of their patients to improve their outcomes and experience while in treatment. With this funding, LightForce will continue to attract key talent, innovate through our incredible community of orthodontists, and scale operations as we seek to elevate the standard of care for teen orthodontic treatment.”

“LightForce is taking the orthodontic industry to the next level,” said Kevin Reilly of Ally Bridge Group, which led the funding round. “The future of orthodontics is customisation and digital workflows, and we are excited to see the continued enhancement in patient care through this funding,” Reilly added.

Founded in 2015, LightForce brought its fixed appliances to the US dental market in 2019. The company raised US$50 million in Series C funding in November 2021.