LightForce Orthodontics has introduced LightBracket Metal, the first metal bracket manufactured with 3D printing and individually designed for each patient. This new development expands its customized system, which previously only existed in ceramic, to cover the 65% of patients who opt for metal brackets. The global orthodontics market, valued at $4.7 billion, thus receives a tool that seeks greater precision and efficiency.
Six adjustable parameters in each printed bracket 🦷
Each LightBracket Metal bracket is generated directly from the digital plan created by the orthodontist. The system customizes six key parameters: the bracket base, slot height, prescription, angulation, torque, and exact position on the tooth. In its ceramic version, this technology demonstrated a reduction of up to 60% in appointments and 43% in total treatment time. LightForce now transfers those figures to metal, a more resistant material used by the majority of patients.
The bracket that knows where it wants to be before you do 😁
Finally, metal brackets are no longer generic pieces that the orthodontist places by guesswork. Now each bracket comes with its own digital GPS: it knows exactly where to stick and at what angle to tilt. Of course, patients will still avoid smiling in high school photos and sticky candies. But at least, with 60% fewer visits to the dentist, they will have more free time to complain about brackets on social media.