LightForce Orthodontics, Cambridge Mass, is set to introduce its fully-customized, 3D-printed bracket system at the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. According to the company, the LightForce system unites proprietary digital treatment capabilities with patented 3D manufacturing processes to produce a 100% customized set of appliances for each patient—a world first.
With the LightForce system, each bracket is designed in real time, based on the patient’s specific tooth morphology and the clinician’s individual treatment plan. The orthodontist sets the teeth to the desired finish using LightForce’s digital treatment planning software which generates customized specifications for 3D printing braces with the most biomechanically efficient prescription, according to the company. The case comes with custom indirect bonding trays which are intended to provide increased placement speed and accuracy.
“The limitations of one-size-fits-all prescriptions are now gone,” said Alfred Charles Griffin III, DMD, PhD, MMSc, CEO and founder of LightForce. “By enabling orthodontists to design brackets on a case specific basis we give them full control over their most fundamental treatment tool. This kind of flexibility has never been feasible with traditional bracket manufacturing methods.”
LightForce Orthodontics was founded in 2015. The company is a venture-capital backed startup funded by Matrix Partners and AM Ventures Holding GmbH (AMV).
“Our technology is able to make brackets with the precision and consistency demanded by our profession,” added Griffin. “I’m excited to see where orthodontists take it from here. It’s not about saying here’s how to use it. We want to bring LightForce to the community asking what more can you do with it.”
