Join me for a look into a recent digital innovation within orthodontics, Lightforce. I explore how the 3D printed labial bracket system works, the features and what the proposed advantages. Recent research exploring the advantages of Lightforce is discussed as well as my comparison to other digital innovations within orthodontic appliances.

What is Lightforce

·      Manufacturing: 3D printed brackets Cad/Cam

·      Material: ceramic polycrystalline labial

·      Planning: Digital planning using Lightplan, visualisation of the outcome, alter both tooth position and bracket position, individualise prescription per bracket as a result of planned movements

·      Flexibility in positioning:  Brackets do not have to be in the Facial Axis of the Clinical Crown, through altering the base thickness, the resulting moment can be achieved through the center of resistance

·      Torque expression is  independent of the vertical position,  for the same reasons

·      0.018", 0.020", and 0.022", including combinations

Stages

1.        Submit records

2.        Digital planning using lightplan, visualisation of the outcome, 

3.        Case approval

4.        Indirect bonding tray – light-Tray, with brackets in situ

Other advantages

·      Accuracy of 3D printed slot

·      Adapted base, less adhesive

·      Minitubes, biteturbos

What are the proposed advantages and claims around Lightforce with evidence

1.        Shorter duration of treatment due to precision

a.        JCO 2024 Wheeler 2024 Retropsectice study, 900 lightforces cases and over 300 conventional cases,  30% shorter and 30% fewer appointments. significant floors, with a lack of outcome measure and matching of controls

Proposed advantages and claims around Lightforce ithout evidence

2.        Reduced complications white spot lesions, dehiscences and root resorption as relate to duration

3.        Remove issue of compliance or biomechanics as limitations to treatment outcomes  

4.        Saving Doctors time and money, remove repositions

5.        Reduce or eliminate wire bends

What are my thoughts?

·      Labial fixed appliances are catching up with aligners and lingual appliances

·      New possibilities of varying biomechanics, slot size, bracket position and customised prescription

·      Presence of Lighforce features within other appliances:

o   Customised brackets Insignia / Incognito

o   Digital planning: aligners, Insignia

·      No customisation of archwires with Lightforce

·      Not sure how Lightforce would reduce appointment intervals, ligation is conventional ligation through elastomeric modules, with plastic deformation

Papers and videos on Lightforce

https://www.jco-online.com/media/42415/2023_09_500_waldman.pdf

JCO retrospective study

https://www.jco-online.com/media/43897/2024_05_273_wheeler.pdf

Youtube videos from Lightforce company, Alfred Griffin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSNkYVgZ69I&t=2s&ab_channel=People%2BPractice

Disclaimer

The podcast is opinion and may not be 100% accurate or representative of the lecture / speaker, the podcast is not endorsed by an institute or the speaker and is the independent work of Farooq Ahmed and the Orthodontics in Summary team. It is not intended to over-ride or replace the requirement clinicians have in being familiar with the relevant training and guidelines for the treatment they provide.

Contributions

Contents and editing

Farooq Ahmed