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§ Private Profile · Irvine, CA, USA
INBRACE is a technology company.
InSmile™ Braces redefine how teeth are straightened by placing braces behind the teeth – hidden from view. They provide a solution for patients seeking an aesthetic and compliance-free treatment option.
INBRACE has raised $210.0M across 4 funding rounds.
INBRACE has raised $210.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
INBRACE has raised $210.0M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $45.0M Debt in August 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8, 2022 | $45M Debt Financing | Horizon Technology Finance | — | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2021 | $100M Series D | Farallon Capital Management, Marshall Wace | KohFounders, Novo Ventures, Sofinnova Investments, VenBio Partners, Venrock, Versant Ventures, Vivo Capital, BlackRock, ROB Barmann, MVM Partners, RTW Investments, Soleus Capital | Announced |
| Oct 1, 2019 | $45M Series C | Novo Ventures, Vivo Capital | KohFounders, Sofinnova Investments, VenBio Partners, Venrock, Versant Ventures | Announced |
| May 4, 2018 | $20M Series B | — | — | Announced |
INBRACE has raised $210.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
INBRACE's investors include Horizon Technology Finance, Farallon Capital Management, Marshall Wace, KohFounders, Novo Ventures, Sofinnova Investments, venBio, Venrock, Versant Ventures, Vivo Capital, BlackRock, Rob Barmann.
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]
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]
InBrace stood out in orthodontics through these key features:
Despite these, challenges like complex bonding, limited flexibility, and inconsistent tolerance contributed to its struggles.[4]
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]
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]