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 $145.0M across 2 funding rounds.
INBRACE has raised $145.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
INBRACE has raised $145.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
INBRACE's investors include KohFounders, Novo Ventures, Sofinnova Investments, venBio, Venrock, Versant Ventures, Vivo Capital.
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]
INBRACE has raised $145.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $100.0M Series D in September 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2021 | $100.0M Series D | KohFounders, Novo Ventures, Sofinnova Investments, venBio, Venrock, Versant Ventures, Vivo Capital | |
| Oct 1, 2019 | $45.0M Series C | KohFounders, Novo Ventures, Sofinnova Investments, venBio, Venrock, Versant Ventures, Vivo Capital |