- February 17, 2025
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LightForce Braces and the future of Orthodontics
What is LightForce?
LightForce is company pioneering 3D printed braces. They are designed with precision and enhance patient outcomes while streamlining the treatment process for orthodontists. These new 3D-printed braces are made with a ceramic-polymer matrix. A laser or light projector is used to harden the liquid resin mixed with ceramic powder, layer by layer. This gives you a strong and beautiful bracket that is custom formed to your teeth, which leads to a faster and more effective treatment.
Common Questions About
LightForce Braces
Do LightForce braces hurt?
You may feel some discomfort with LightForce, but less than with standard braces.
How long do I have to wear LightForce?
Light force braces are up to 30% faster than metal braces.
How much does LightForce cost?
LightForce braces can range between $6000 and $6500.
LightForce's History
In 2015 Dr. Alfred Griffin III began researching 3D printing advancements, leading him to develop the first-ever 3D-printed ceramic poly-crystalline alumina bracket after three years of innovation. Partnering with Dr. Lou Shuman, he built a team of experts to bring the vision of fully personalized fixed appliance treatment to life, securing FDA clearance and launching Lightforce at the 2019 AAO Annual Session.
This allows Orthodontists across the US to provide a fully personalized set of braces to each client.
Our Expert: Dr Matthew Miller
Dr. Miller, Owner of Rocky Point Orthodontics, attended Boston College, NYU College of Dentistry, and completed a General Practice Residency at Stony Brook University. He then completed an additional 3 years of training at NYU to become a Specialist in Orthodontics. At NYUCD, Dr. Miller graduated in the top 5% of his class and was invited into the OKU honor society. Dr. Miller is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, an honor achieved by only one-third of practicing orthodontists. He owns and operates Rocky Point Orthodontics.
We asked Dr Miller “What’s your goal as a orthodontist?”
"My goal is for every patient is to finish orthodontics with teeth that are not only straight, but healthy, and to achieve an overall sense of well-being."
In his spare time Dr. Miller enjoys tennis, swimming, live music, and car shows.
What are the benefits of lightForce over traditional braces?
LightForce offers completely custom fit dental appliances, allowing orthodontists to provide treatments that are more precise, more comfortable and take less time.
"Treatment is up to 30 percent faster because of the efficiency. More difficult cases can be treated to a better result. If a patient has a significant open bite or deep bite, or if teeth are dramatically tipped one way or another, this system will be able to get a better end result and get there faster."
Traditional braces occasionally prevent orthodontists from pursuing treatment plans they would otherwise choose. LightForce gives orthodontists the tools necessary to treat difficult cases and perform difficult tooth movements with confidence.
"With traditional braces, if a tooth is not far enough in the mouth or if it is very crowded or rotated, traditional braces have to be rebonded once more space is available. This is inefficient and often involves backtracking to some extent when we drop back into lighter wires to engage the new bracket."
Who are LightForce Braces for?
"Ideal candidates are those with all adult teeth (excluding wisdom teeth) erupted."
The Future of Braces
LightForce is revolutionizing orthodontics by providing highly accurate, custom-fit braces that enhance patient comfort and streamline workflows for orthodontists. As this technology continues to advance, practices that embrace LightForce and 3D printing will offer faster, more efficient, and more precise treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Will My Patients be Able to Afford Them?
The cost of LightForce treatment is similar to that of standard braces. This treatment is not meant to be a premium alternative, but a replacement to the old standard.
Are LightForce braces more visible than Standard Braces?
LightForce braces are made from a state-of-the art non-metallic ceramic material. LightForce is constantly advancing this material to be stronger and more translucent for optimal esthetics.
