InSmile Braces vs. InBrace: What's the Difference?

Introduction

If you've been researching hidden braces or lingual braces, you may have come across InBrace in past years and are now hearing about InSmile Braces. One of the most common questions patients ask is:

"Are InSmile Braces and InBrace the same thing?"

The short answer is yes and no.

InSmile Braces is built upon the same patented core technology that made InBrace a breakthrough in lingual orthodontics. But InSmile is a new company with new leadership, continued investment in product development, and a stronger clinical focus than ever before.

At Life Orthodontics in Tustin, we have a unique perspective on this story. Dr. Robert Lee co-invented the original technology, serves as Chief Medical Officer of InSmile Braces, and has been involved in its development from the very beginning. Dr. Sarah Pi served as a clinical advisor for InBrace and consults for InSmile. Between them, there is no orthodontic practice in Orange County more experienced with this system.

What Happened to InBrace?

InBrace, the company that originally developed and manufactured the technology, ceased operations in April 2025. Rather than allow the technology to disappear, Dr. Scott Schwartz, one of the largest InBrace providers in the country, moved quickly to acquire the intellectual property, manufacturing equipment, and production assets. He did so with the founding team already in place alongside him, including Dr. Robert Lee as Chief Medical Officer, Alston Chung as VP of Engineering, and Fergie Ferguson as General Manager, drawing from the original clinical, engineering, and operations teams that built the system. InSmile Braces launched in August 2025 as an independent company, entirely separate from InBrace, with a clear focus on continuing and improving the technology.

The Origins of the Technology

The original InBrace and Smartwire technology was developed by Dr. Hongsheng Tong, Dr. John Pham, Dr. Robert Lee, and two engineers at USC. Together they created the foundational patents and early prototypes that established the system's core mechanics.

After the first generation InBrace product, the engineering team at InBrace, including Alston Chung who is now part of the InSmile founding team, developed the second generation of the system, refining the manufacturing process and improving the clinical performance of the Smartwire.

That lineage of development, from the original inventors through to the engineers who built Gen 2.0, is now continuing at InSmile. The people who built this technology are still the ones advancing it.

What Stayed the Same

The Patented Core Technology

InSmile Braces continues to use the same patented customized Smartwire technology that powered InBrace. Each wire is individually designed using digital treatment planning to deliver light, continuous forces customized specifically for your teeth. The braces attach entirely behind the teeth, making them completely invisible from the front.

The Treatment Philosophy

The philosophy has always been the same: efficient tooth movement, comfortable treatment, minimal patient compliance, and lingual braces that nobody can see. That has not changed.

Key Members of the Original Team

One of the biggest misconceptions is that everything changed when InBrace closed. In reality, many of the people most responsible for developing and manufacturing the original technology are now part of InSmile, including members of the original founding group and the engineering team that built the second generation of the system. This continuity is one of the most important reasons the quality and consistency of the treatment has been preserved.

What Has Changed

Orthodontist-Led Ownership

Perhaps the most meaningful change is who is running the company. InSmile is now owned and led by orthodontists who use the technology themselves every day. That means every clinical decision is made by people who understand what patients and providers actually need.

Active Product Development

Rather than simply maintaining the existing platform, InSmile is actively investing in product improvements, better digital workflows, enhanced provider education, and improved clinical support. The technology is not standing still.

A Stronger Provider Experience

InSmile has invested heavily in improving the experience for orthodontists who use the system, including better training, faster communication, and stronger clinical support. Better-supported providers lead to better patient outcomes.

What This Means for You as a Patient

If you were considering InBrace before it closed, the good news is that you can still access the same core technology through InSmile Braces.

If you are researching hidden braces or lingual braces for the first time, InSmile offers one of the most discreet and precise orthodontic options available today. Because the braces attach behind your teeth, no one can tell you are in treatment. You do not need to remove them to eat or drink, and there is nothing to remember to wear.

At Life Orthodontics in Tustin, Dr. Lee and Dr. Pi treat InSmile patients every day. Dr. Lee co-invented the system and serves as its Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Pi served as a clinical advisor for InBrace and continues to consult for InSmile. Together they bring a depth of expertise with this system that is unmatched anywhere in Orange County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is InBrace discontinued? Yes. InBrace ceased operations in April 2025 and no longer accepts new cases or supports providers. The underlying patented technology continues through InSmile Braces, which launched in August 2025.

Is InSmile exactly the same as InBrace? The core Smartwire technology and treatment philosophy are very similar, but InSmile is a completely independent company with new ownership, new leadership, and an active commitment to continued product development.

Will my treatment be different from InBrace? For most patients, the treatment experience feels very familiar because it is built on the same customized Smartwire technology. The lingual braces attach the same way and move teeth using the same principles.

I was mid-treatment with InBrace when it closed. What should I do? If you were in active InBrace treatment when the company closed, we recommend contacting your treating orthodontist first to discuss your options. You can also use the provider locator on InSmile's website to find a certified InSmile provider near you who can assess your treatment and help determine the best path forward.

Who developed the InSmile technology? The original Smartwire technology was developed by Dr. Hongsheng Tong, Dr. John Pham, Dr. Robert Lee, and two engineers at USC. The second generation of the system was developed by the engineering team at InBrace, including Alston Chung, who is now part of the InSmile founding team. The lineage of development, from original inventors through to the engineers who refined the system, continues at InSmile today.

Where can I get InSmile lingual braces in Orange County? Life Orthodontics in Tustin is the premier InSmile provider. Dr. Robert Lee, Chief Medical Officer of InSmile, and Dr. Sarah Pi, clinical advisor to InSmile, both treat patients personally at our office. We offer complimentary consultations for anyone considering InSmile hidden or lingual braces in Tustin, Irvine, or anywhere in Orange County.

Looking Ahead

The transition from InBrace to InSmile is more than a name change. It is a reset under clinician leadership, with a clear commitment to advancing hidden and lingual orthodontics through better technology, better education, and better patient outcomes.

At Life Orthodontics, we are proud to continue offering this technology because we genuinely believe it remains one of the most remarkable options available for adults and teens who want a truly invisible orthodontic solution.

Whether you are considering lingual braces for the first time, were researching InBrace before it closed, or are a former InBrace patient looking for a path forward, we are here to help.

Contact Life Orthodontics today to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn if InSmile Braces is the right treatment option for you.

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