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KLOWEN Braces, based in Lakeway, Texas, develops custom digital orthodontic solutions, including its Stride Custom Braces, which utilize 3D printing, AI, and digital indirect bonding to create fully individualized labial braces with metal or clear bracket options. This technology aims to transform orthodontic practices by increasing efficiency, improving patient outcomes, and significantly reducing patient appointments by an average of 7.1. The company successfully raised $10.5 million in Series A funding in 2022, with notable investors including Columbia Pacific Advisors, Jazz Venture Partners, and SpringRock Ventures. Its current leadership features CEO Ryan Elmore, and the board of directors includes industry veteran Chris Bentson. KLOWEN Braces was founded in 2019 by Dr. Brandon Owen. Its business model centers on sells custom fixed orthodontic appliances and digital solutions to orthodontic practices.
KLOWEN Braces has raised $11.1M across 2 funding rounds.
KLOWEN Braces has raised $11.1M in total across 2 funding rounds.
KLOWEN Braces has raised $11.1M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $11.0M Series A in May 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2022 | $11M Series A | John Bratrud | JAZZ Venture Partners, American Association OF Orthodontists, Ensemble Innovation Ventures, Springrock Ventures | Announced |
| Jul 7, 2020 | $50K Venture Round | Chris Roberts | — | Announced |
KLOWEN Braces has raised $11.1M in total across 2 funding rounds.
KLOWEN Braces's investors include John Bratrud, Jazz Venture Partners, American Association of Orthodontists, Ensemble Innovation Ventures, SpringRock Ventures, Chris Roberts.
KLOwen Orthodontics is a custom digital technology company that provides a full custom digital orthodontic solution, including Stride Custom Braces, a portfolio of metal, clear, and self-ligating brackets with tailored prescriptions for each tooth.[1][2][4] It serves orthodontists and their patients by solving inefficiencies in traditional braces—such as 27 months and 19 visits—delivering faster treatments (20-40% less time), fewer appointments (average 7.1 fewer per patient), doubled practice capacity and profits without added staff, and improved outcomes via cloud-based software, 3D-printed trays, and practice support.[1][2][3][4][5] The company has shown strong growth momentum, raising a $10.5M Series A in 2022 and up to $25.5M Series B recently, backed by investors like InLight Capital, Jazz Venture Partners, and others, while expanding its product line including a 2024 custom metal self-ligating solution.[1][2][4]
Founded in 2019 by Dr. Brandon Owen, DDS, MS, an orthodontist with over 15 years of practice experience, KLOwen Orthodontics emerged from Owen's mission to fix the one-size-fits-all flaws of traditional braces, which demand years of adjustments and limit practice growth.[1][2][3][4] Named after his son, Keller Logan, the company stemmed from Owen's inventions; he earned the first AAO Ortho Innovator Award in 2019 for the KLOwen Custom Digital System and holds multiple orthodontic patents.[2] Early traction came from helping orthodontists double capacity and profits; pioneers like Dr. Patrick Brady adopted it for better results, reduced visits, and higher revenue per visit ($418 vs. $279).[3] By 2022, it premiered 3D-printed clear brackets, and Ryan Elmore now serves as CEO.[1][4]
KLOwen rides the wave of digital orthodontics and 3D printing in healthcare, shifting from analog, reactive braces to predictive, customized fixed appliances amid demands for efficiency in a stressed medical sector.[1][2][3][4][5] Timing aligns with post-pandemic practice pressures—fewer visits, remote management needs—and rising custom medtech adoption, fueled by investor interest (e.g., Series B for expansion).[4] Market forces like orthodontist shortages, patient desire for faster/smarter smiles, and profitability squeezes favor it; KLOwen influences the ecosystem by enabling scaled practices (e.g., 50% smarter growth for users like Dr. Kristen Knecht), setting standards for hybrid digital-analog workflows, and pioneering inclusivity in a field dominated by off-the-shelf solutions.[3][5]
KLOwen is primed to dominate custom orthodontics with its Series B fueling commercial scaling, broader market reach, and tech advancements like self-ligating expansions.[4] Trends in AI-driven personalization, 3D manufacturing scalability, and value-based care will accelerate its trajectory, potentially capturing more share from competitors like LightForce as practices modernize.[2] Its influence may evolve by standardizing efficient, profitable orthodontics nationwide, transforming patient experiences while sustaining growth—echoing Dr. Owen's original vision of ditching braces' "years-long chaos" for custom control that reshapes practices and smiles.[1][5]
