Ep. 7: Dr. Alfred Griffin – 3D Printed Brackets, Orthodontic Innovation, Digital Workflow & Customization

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast: Shining a Light on Orthodontist Innovators

Dr. Alfred Griffin III is a Harvard-trained orthodontist and the founder of LightForce Orthodontics — the first company to introduce a fully customized, 3D-printed bracket system. As a respected innovator in orthodontic technology, Dr. Griffin blends his academic background with entrepreneurial vision to shape the future of the orthodontic profession.

On this episode, you will discover:

• How Dr. Griffin’s upbringing in a dental family inspired his journey as an orthodontic innovator
• The origin story of LightForce and the challenges of launching an orthodontic startup during residency
• Why 3D printing is redefining efficiency, customization, and biomechanics in orthodontic treatment
• The unique advantages of patient-specific brackets and digital workflows for modern orthodontists
• What it means to build a company by orthodontists, for orthodontists, and how LightForce is scaling innovation

Recorded March 12, 2021 at the new LightForce Headquarters in Boston, MA.

Generous support for this podcast comes from HIP Creative and Dentagrafix.

Join the community of forward-thinking orthodontists and catch up on every episode at illuminateorthopodcast.com — where innovation meets inspiration.

The Illuminate Orthodontic Podcast explores cutting-edge orthodontics and dentistry, offering orthodontists insights on innovation, patient care, custom braces, Invisalign & aligners, and 3D printing — while spotlighting leadership, practice growth, work-life balance, and the business of running a thriving orthodontic practice with creativity and entrepreneurship.