3D printing has introduced a new level of customisation to fixed braces treatment. LightForce™ 3D Braces use digital treatment planning and 3D-printing technology to create brackets designed specifically for the individual patient.
Unlike traditional braces, which use standard pre-manufactured brackets, LightForce™ brackets are designed around your teeth and your Specialist Orthodontist’s treatment plan.
So, what does that actually mean for your orthodontic treatment? Here’s how LightForce™ 3D-printed braces work and what makes them different from traditional braces.
What Are LightForce™ Braces?
LightForce 3D Braces are a customised fixed braces system that combines digital orthodontic treatment planning with 3D-printed brackets.
Developed by American orthodontist Dr Alfred Griffin, LightForce™ Braces are the world’s first fully custom, 3D printed braces. Unlike traditional braces, which use generic, one-size-fits-all brackets, LightForce brackets are custom-designed to fit the unique shape and angle of each of your teeth using the same 3D scanning technology used for clear aligners.
Your Specialist Orthodontist digitally plans your treatment, including the intended tooth movements and bracket positioning. LightForce™ technology then uses this treatment plan to design individual brackets for your teeth.
Each bracket has a customised base designed to closely match the surface of the tooth it will be bonded to. Custom placement trays then help transfer the digitally planned bracket positions onto your teeth during your bonding appointment.
“We believe that the future of orthodontics is going to revolve around 3D printing and customisation.” – Dr Alfred Griffin, founder and CEO of LightForce
Why Choose LightForce™ 3D Braces?
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Customised brackets
Traditional braces use standard pre-manufactured brackets. LightForce brackets are individually designed and 3D printed based on your orthodontist’s treatment plan.
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Digital treatment planning
Your Specialist Orthodontist plans the intended tooth positions and bracket placement digitally before your braces are fitted.
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Custom placement trays
LightForce uses custom placement trays to help transfer the planned bracket positions onto your teeth during your bonding appointment.
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Ceramic and metal options
Whether you prefer the discreet appearance of ceramic brackets or the classic braces look of metal brackets, LightForce™ has an option to suit you
How Are 3D-Printed Braces Different From Traditional Braces?
Both traditional and LightForce™ braces use brackets and archwires to apply controlled forces to the teeth. The main difference is how the brackets are made and how their positioning is planned.
Traditional metal braces use standard, pre-manufactured brackets that your orthodontist positions according to your treatment plan. LightForce™ brackets are individually designed and 3D printed based on digital planning completed by your orthodontist.
Neither option is automatically right for every patient. Your orthodontist will consider your teeth, bite, treatment needs and preferences when recommending a braces system.
Smarter Monitoring with Dental Monitoring Technology
We pair LightForce™ treatment with the same advanced Dental Monitoring technology used in our aligner cases. With a smartphone and our app-compatible scan box, patients can submit remote scans from home, the office, or even while travelling. Your orthodontist can track progress from your weekly scans and let you know if an in-person visit is necessary, so you’re supported even when you’re not in the clinic.
LightForce’s case studies have also seen patients experience fewer appointments while staying closely monitored.
L&L Orthodontics: Australia’s Largest Provider of LightForce Braces
We are proud to be the largest provider of LightForce™ 3D printed braces in Australia, based on the number of patients treated since we introduced the technology in September 2022.
If you’re looking for a Melbourne orthodontist offering the latest in custom braces and 3D orthodontic treatment, we’d love to help you explore your options.
Book a consultation at L&L Orthodontics to find out if LightForce™ 3D printed braces are right for you. With clinics in Melbourne CBD and Templestowe, we make it easy to access the future of orthodontic care today.
Consultation required to assess eligibility. Our orthodontists will advise whether treatment is suitable for you.