The world’s only fully-customized, 3D-printed brackets have arrived! LightForce unites orthodontic insight, digital treatment, and 3D printing to create the first significant advancement in bracket-based treatment protocol the world has seen in the past 50 years.
The LightForce Company
In 2015, LightForce Orthodontics was created to research and design an individualized approach to bracket-based orthodontic treatment. Alfred Griffin III founded the innovative company and hypothesized that 3D printing technology could create a 100% customized prescription for patients.
As soon as Griffin completed his exhaustive research and design studies, he patented a system for custom-designed brackets based on tooth morphology and anatomy using 3D technology.
Dr. Lou Shuman, a key member of the Invisalign executive team was welcomed onto the team by Griffin. Shuman is a dental industry key opinion leader and successful entrepreneur that is highly valued by the LightForce team. Once Shuman joined the tam, hardware engineers, biomechanical engineers and software developers were added to the roster.
The LightForce main office is located in Boston and continues to welcome engineering talent. In 2019, the company received FDA clearance which allowed the system to be officially launched in Los Angeles at the AAO Annual Session.
How does it work?
LightForce technology uses virtually identical material that is comparable to injection modeled ceramic brackets, but they are specially formulated for 3D printing which allows treatment to be customized to the patient’s needs. This innovative system provides strength and precision needed for orthodontic appliances, while at the same time offering development pathways for aesthetic options.
Unlike traditional brackets with a prescription that is predetermined, the LightForce brackets are a patient-specific prescription due to the 3D-printed technology. The innovative brackets are tailored to the dental anatomy of the patient and a customized treatment plan is created to suit the needs of individuals.
Simple Interface
LightForce has an intuitive and simple online interface that is specially designed for efficient and fast treatment planning. Orthodontists don’t need to spend hours in front of a computer screen anymore instead the innovative interface does most of the work.
Flexible Bracket Positioning
The fully digitally manufactured and designed treatment provides various bracket positioning to suit the need of each patient. The software is specially designed to maintain the straight wire goal while simultaneously avoiding occlusal interference.
The insightful software creates an ideal occlusion by providing orthodontists with 3D skeletal landmarks and information to create a customized treatment plan for each patient. The orthodontist has control over every aspect of the process.
The LightForce system provides precise control of the final tooth positioning from the planning stage. Orthodontists have access to make adjustments directly on the 3D model in real-time.
The proprietary mechanical base is designed for greater retention. The 100% mechanical base system is specially designed for reliable bonding and debonding. The proprietary under-loc™ retention mechanism provides a predictable and reliable bonding experience due to the deep undercuts capability.
Orthodontists have full control of the entire procedure from beginning to end. Creating a customized teeth-straightening plan for patients has just become much easier with this new 3D technology option.
About Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, D.M.D., P.C.,
Dr. Jacqueline Fulop-Goodling, D.M.D., P.C., also known to her patients as Dr. Jacquie Smiles is an NYC orthodontist, she became a spokesperson for Invisalign Teen treatment which was featured on the Tyra Bank’s show in 2009. Dr. Jacquie teaches and certifies students and orthodontic residents in many of our dental schools and universities in the U.S. and Canada. She has also taught over 14,000 doctors, students and their teams in multiple areas of orthodontics throughout the world including North and South America, Europe, Asia, The Caribbean, and the Middle East.
