INBRACE

High-Level Overview

InBrace, operating under Swift Health Systems, Inc., developed a revolutionary orthodontic treatment featuring personalized Smartwire® technology—a smart wire placed behind the teeth for automated, hands-free teeth straightening without monthly adjustments or removable aligners.[1][2][3] It targeted patients seeking a discreet, convenient alternative to traditional braces or Invisalign, serving orthodontists and their patients by addressing compromises like visible metal, daily tray removal for eating, and frequent visits; the company reported $56.4M revenue, 225-250 employees, and over $218M in total funding, including a $45M round in 2022.[1][2] However, InBrace ceased operations in April 2025 due to funding shortages and macroeconomic challenges, leaving limited inventory and no new cases.[4][5][6]

Origin Story

InBrace originated in 2012 at the University of Southern California (USC) from a collaboration between three orthodontists—Dr. Robert Lee, Dr. Hongsheng Tong, and Dr. John Pham—and two engineers, who aimed to innovate orthodontic care.[3][5] Dr. Lee, a co-founder and co-inventor, designed the initial Generation 1.0 brackets and Smartwires, while partnering with Dr. Tong on manufacturing processes that became foundational.[3] The team won multiple awards for their work, leading to the formal founding of Swift Health Systems, Inc. (dba InBrace) in 2014 in Irvine, California.[1][3][5] Early traction built through orthodontist adoption, culminating in over $200M raised; pivotal moments included the 2022 launch of Generation 2.0, with Dr. Lee leading clinical trials as Principal Investigator.[3]

Core Differentiators

InBrace stood out in orthodontics through these key features:

• Smartwire® Technology: A customized, shape-memory alloy wire bonded behind teeth for continuous, automated movement—personalized via 3D scanning for gentle force without painful tightenings or tray changes.[1][2][3]
• Patient Convenience and Aesthetics: Fully hidden (lingual placement), no removals for eating/drinking, and fewer visits; positioned as the most aesthetic, hassle-free option versus visible braces or disruptive aligners.[2][4]
• Orthodontist-Centric Design: Founded by orthodontists for orthodontists, emphasizing biology, mechanics, and aesthetics; included clinical protocols, education, and support from experts like Dr. Lee as Senior Clinical Advisor.[2][3]
• Tech Integration: Leveraged advanced manufacturing and tools like Dassault Systèmes for precision; aimed for "teeth straightening on autopilot."[1][2]

Despite these, challenges like complex bonding, limited flexibility, and inconsistent tolerance contributed to its struggles.[4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

InBrace rode the wave of digital orthodontics and medtech innovation, blending AI-driven personalization, 3D printing, and smart materials to disrupt a market dominated by Invisalign (aligners) and traditional braces.[1][2][3] Timing aligned with rising demand for discreet, tech-enabled consumer health solutions post-2010s direct-to-consumer aligner boom, fueled by self-confidence trends and teledentistry.[2][4] Favorable forces included orthodontist needs for differentiated tools and patient aversion to aligner hassles, positioning InBrace to influence "automated tooth movement" paradigms.[2][5] It impacted the ecosystem by validating lingual smartwire viability—raising $200M+ and partnering widely—but its 2025 shutdown highlights risks in capital-intensive medtech amid tightening venture markets and slow adoption.[4][5][6]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

InBrace's closure in April 2025 marks the end of a bold medtech experiment, driven by inability to secure funding amid economic headwinds and operational hurdles like delivery complexity.[4][5][6] No revival appears likely, with providers shifting patients to alternatives like clear aligners or conventional braces; its legacy endures in advanced manufacturing techniques now foundational elsewhere.[3][5] Looking ahead, trends like AI-optimized orthodontics and at-home monitoring will shape successors, potentially evolving InBrace's "autopilot" vision into more scalable hybrids—underscoring how even award-winning innovations must navigate adoption and capital realities to transform smiles at scale.[2][4]