LightForce Orthodontics — breaking the mold

Dr. Anthony Serrano discusses how the LightForce personalized IDB system, LightTray, changed his practice

Remember the first time you tried indirect bonding (IDB) with stock brackets? Me too. The concept sounded like a game-changer — greater efficiency, better bracket placement — but the reality was anything but. I spent hours manually placing brackets on models in the lab, only to face inevitable “round-tripping” when adjustments were needed. This process was cumbersome, error-prone, and time-consuming.

That’s why LightForce’s fully customized bracket and indirect bonding system, along with its broader advancements in digital orthodontics, have completely transformed how I practice. It finally solves the issues that traditional IDB systems never could. By combining computer-aided design, 3D printing, and intraoral scanning, LightForce has transformed indirect bonding into a precise, predictable process. In practice, what used to take hours in the lab now takes my team only 5 to 10 minutes in the chair. And because the accuracy is so dialed in — down to hundredths of a millimeter — bracket placement is right the first time, drastically reducing the need for adjustments later on.

But LightForce isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about continuous improvement. Their latest innovation, LightTray, takes the bonding process to the next level by making it even more predictable and user-friendly for my team. Built from both data and direct feedback from orthodontists and staff, LightForce redesigned its IDB trays with personalized segments that adapt to each patient’s anatomy. This means each segment is designed to incorporate patient-specific factors like spacing, crowding, and erupting teeth, leveraging historical data to optimize bond success. For my assistants, that translates to a smoother workflow — no more rocking trays over partially erupted teeth or tearing trays during removal. Simply put, LightTray makes indirect bonding easier, faster, and more reliable than ever.*

Beyond the bonding process, the real game-changer is the ability to fully customize bracket placement. Unlike stock brackets, which force every patient into the same generic setup, LightForce customizes each bracket to the patient’s exact dental anatomy. No more FA point bracket placement required. No more wire slop. I can adjust torque, rotation, and prescription from the start without compromise. And the impact on treatment is undeniable — I’ve cut treatment times from 23 months to about 15 or 16 months, with five fewer office visits per case.** For adult patients, that’s a huge motivator to start treatment.

On the practice side, the impact has been just as profound. With shorter treatment times and fewer visits, I’ve reclaimed nearly 30 extra days each year — time I can spend growing my practice, training my team, or just enjoying life outside the office. And the best part? Patients notice. They want efficiency, customization, and fewer office visits.

Looking back, I’ve come to realize that digital orthodontics is more than just stock brackets on a computer screen. It’s about eliminating inefficiencies, simplifying workflows, and delivering better results with less guesswork. LightForce has redefined indirect bonding, and it’s been one of the most impactful changes I’ve ever made in my practice.

* The LightForce system was honored as the 2024 Townie Choice Award Winner for Best Digital Indirect Bonding System.
** Individual results may vary.
This information was provided by LightForce.