Lightforce Orthodontics Secures $50M Funding - Revolutionizing Smiles

The Evolution of Orthodontics: LightForce's Innovative Approach

Traditionally, orthodontic treatment has relied heavily on the skill and artistry of practitioners, given the unique characteristics of each patient’s dentition. However, the late 1990s witnessed a shift with Invisalign and its customizable aligners. Despite this advancement, aligners are only suitable for approximately 30% of orthodontic cases.

Until recently, innovation for the remaining 70% had been limited. LightForce Orthodontics has emerged as a disruptor, introducing custom, 3D-printed brackets and placement trays for braces. This “one size fits one” philosophy signifies a paradigm shift: patients benefit from reduced treatment durations, while orthodontists gain the ability to implement highly precise tooth movement plans, accurate to within a thousandth of a millimeter.

Rapid Growth and Investment

LightForce Orthodontics has experienced remarkable growth, achieving 500% revenue expansion alongside a 300% increase in team size over the past year. This impressive trajectory attracted significant investor interest.

Kleiner Perkins, a firm with a history of success in orthodontics – notably their early investment in Invisalign – is leading a $50 million Series C funding round. Participation also includes existing investors such as Matrix Partners, Tyche Partners, and AM Ventures.

Patient-Centric Philosophy and Market Focus

“Our core principle is prioritizing patients in every decision we make,” explains Dr. Alfred Griffin III, DMD, PhD, MMSc, CEO and co-founder of LightForce. “We consistently evaluate our actions through the lens of patient benefit.”

Dr. Griffin, who continues to practice orthodontics four days a month, highlights the importance of addressing adolescent psychology, as this demographic represents 75% of all U.S. cases. He shares, “I’ve encountered numerous instances where parents express concern about their children being teased. LightForce enables us to accelerate treatment, minimize appointments, and reduce school absences, ultimately delivering superior results through technology.”

Strategic Funding and Technological Advancement

Although LightForce had recently secured a $14 million Series B round, the company engaged with Kleiner Perkins when they expressed interest. The potential for collaboration proved compelling.

The company’s custom bracket design allows for sub-millimeter precision in placement and alignment, while also conforming to the natural shape of each tooth. This contrasts with traditional brackets.

“We raised capital slightly ahead of schedule,” Griffin notes. “Kleiner Perkins stood out due to Wen Hsieh’s expertise in 3D printing and hard tech. They possess a unique understanding of the orthodontic landscape, having previously backed Align Technology, which revolutionized the industry.”

The Synergistic Relationship Between Clinical Expertise and Technology

Wen Hsieh, partner at Kleiner Perkins, emphasizes the value of Dr. Griffin’s clinical background. “Alfred’s experience as an orthodontist is invaluable. He understands how to seamlessly integrate new technologies into existing workflows, optimizing efficiency and patient care.”

Hsieh continues, “He knows which aspects of the current process can be eliminated or enhanced, how it impacts dental technology, office space, and patient visit frequency. Simultaneously, he incorporates knowledge from fields like simulation and 3D printing.”

Addressing the Limitations of Aligners

A common question arises: why not simply utilize Invisalign? The answer lies in the fundamental limitations of aligners. Aligners can only exert pushing forces; they cannot effectively pull teeth. Braces excel at achieving this type of tooth movement.

Furthermore, aligner compliance is a challenge. Patients are expected to wear them for 22 hours daily, a requirement often unmet. As Griffin points out, “Parents are less likely to reprimand a teenager for slow progress, often attributing it to the orthodontist.”

3D Printing and the Future of Orthodontics

The LightForce brackets and trays are both 3D-printed, enabling precise bracket placement. The new brackets are also semi-translucent, blending seamlessly with the natural tooth color for improved aesthetics.

This investment benefits not only patients but also the 3D printing industry. Orthodontics is a major commercial application of 3D printing – Invisalign is currently the world’s largest 3D printing company – and LightForce’s expansion will further drive this trend.

Scaling for Success

The $50 million investment will fuel LightForce’s operational scaling and market expansion, enabling more orthodontic practices to combine the benefits of aligner therapy with the efficiency and quality of braces. This undertaking presents significant logistical and operational challenges, given the custom-printed nature of each brace set.

“Mass customization is a complex problem often discussed theoretically, but rarely implemented effectively,” admits Griffin. “Our team currently comprises around 200 individuals, and we anticipate doubling that number in the next year. Sales and engineering will be key areas of investment, but we will also need to significantly expand our manufacturing capabilities, both in physical and digital production.”