The orthodontics sector has seen significant investment recently, with 12 venture- and private equity-backed companies raising over $1.4 billion collectively. Most of these companies are focused on digital technology to reduce in-person visits and provide more customized treatments. Despite the rise in technology, these startups aim to augment orthodontists' work rather than replace them.
Key takeaways:
- LightForce Orthodontics, a company that creates personalized 3D-printed braces, has raised an $80 million Series D round led by Ally Bridge Group, bringing its total funding to over $150 million.
- Several orthodontics-focused companies have collectively raised over $1.4 billion in recent quarters, with most having a digital technology focus aimed at reducing in-person visits and providing more customized treatments.
- LightForce is building a 36,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to 3D-print custom braces, which they claim reduce overall treatment time and the number of orthodontist visits.
- While investor interest in orthodontic technology is high, the focus is on augmenting orthodontists' work rather than replacing them, with AI being used to design braces but not to apply them.