LightForce Orthodontics Gets $80M Funding for 3D Printed Braces

One of the sectors where 3D printing has truly become a key technology is undoubtedly dentistry. Indeed, in contrast to many other field where additive manufacturing is sometimes still in the early stages of adoption, 3D technologies have already been used in dental applications for some now, with uses only growing. So much so that the global dental 3D printing market size was valued at $2.5 billion in 2022 alone according to Grand View Research. And the health of the market has been reconfirmed with the latest news that LightForce Orthodontics has secured $80 million in series D funding for its 3D printed braces system.

We have previously told you about LightForce Orthodontics. It was founded in 2015 in Burlington, Massachusetts by Dr. Alfred Griffin, DMD, phD, MMSc, and Dr. Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS and launched commercial operations in 2020. Its goal? To provide a digital platform for orthodontists to have access to fully customized, 3D printed tooth-moving tools. In other words, braces or other orthopedic devices that help to correct patients’ smiles. Considering that an estimated four million people in the United States have braces at any one time, according to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, with 25% to 53% worldwide requiring orthodontic intervention, it is certainly a field where innovation would be welcomed.

LightForce creates 3D printed brackets for braces, allowing more personalized and effective treatment

In a press release, Griffin expanded on LightForce’s specific mission and the benefits of this funding, explaining, “Teen patients have been limited by the inaccuracy and inefficiency of non-custom braces for decades. LightForce was founded to provide fully personalized 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.”

Bringing 3D Printed Braces to the Next Level

LightForce Orthodontics has been gaining traction in the orthodontics sector for some time now. Previously, we reported on its reception of $50 million in Series C funding in 2021. Now this latest funding has earned the company $80 million, lead by Ally Bridge Group. The money will be used for a number of purposes. Namely, to advance the company’s mission to deliver personalized care with their custom 3D printed brackets for braces, scaling up production and advancing the use of AI in full digital workflows, adapted to create the perfect solution for each patient. To do this, the company hopes to continue to grow its team of engineers and scientists to further improve its software and 3D printed hardware. Additionally, LightForce Orthodontics is expected to scale capabilities for the 3D printed braces with a new 36,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

In any case, the incredible funding certainly shows the interest that people have not only in the company but the role of 3D printing in orthodontics at large. Kevin Reilly, Managing Director at Ally Bridge Group, concludes, “LightForce is taking the orthodontic industry to the next level. Their solution applies highly innovative technologies to enable the personalization of orthodontic treatment via 3D printing, helping patients achieve their best smiles. We are excited to be part of a diverse group of top-tier healthcare and tech investors that believe in the benefits of personalized medicine in the orthodontic industry. The future of orthodontics is customization and digital workflow and we are excited to see the continued enhancement in patient care through this funding.” You can learn more about LightForce Orthodontics HERE.

What do you think of LightForce Orthodontics? Would you have 3D printed braces? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

*All Photo Credits: LightForce Orthodontics