KLOwen CEO Brandon Owen taps former SureSmile exec for COO Post
Appointment of operations veteran indicative of growing product demand; coincides with move to larger manufacturing and lab facility
Austin, Texas (August 24, 2021) — KLOwen Braces, Inc. inventor, founder and CEO Brandon Owen, DDS, MS, has announced another C-level appointment with the hiring of Jerry Metz as Chief Operations Officer. Metz brings more than 30 years’ experience in the medtech, healthcare, technology and SAAS service industry sectors. He served as chief operations officer at OraMetrix, Inc., a leading provider of innovative 3D technology solutions from 2006-2021. During Metz’s tenure at OraMetrix, the company was acquired by Dentsply Sirona (NASDAQ:XRAY) for approximately $150M.
“Jerry’s experience at OraMetrix building out the SureSmile platform, combined with his years in senior engineering, manufacturing and supply chain management at semiconductor and technology start-ups is already proving to be a huge asset for our KLOwen community. His business acumen and experience are particularly valuable for us and for the providers we serve. He’s totally in sync with perpetuating our core value to provide the best experience for our orthodontists and their patients,” said Owen, “As we scale, I am super confident in Jerry’s abilities to guide our collaborative process systematically and scientifically for high quality product delivery.”
The Metz announcement coincides with the move of KLOwen’s manufacturing facility and lab to a larger operating space in The Domain area of Austin, Texas. As anticipated, the uptick in product demand spurred the need for more space to accommodate more technicians.
KLOwen has been steadily growing a national customer base amongst orthodontists seeking to scale digital worktlow throughout their practice combined with the use of the custom modular treatment patented by KLOwen Braces.
KLOwen’s orthodontic partners are demonstrating the ability to scale using the KLOwen system as a primary standard of care. Designed and developed by Owen, early adopter orthodontists and scientific advisers are reporting 30-40% shorter treatment times with fewer office visits than traditional braces with clinically excellent results when using the system.
“I believe KLOwen Braces has found the balance for a custom appliance for the orthodontic market. The custom braces paired with our custom placement system driven by highly skilled digital lab technicians is a winning combination for the patient and the doctor. We give orthodontists the means to provide clinical excellence with extreme practice efficiency at a price point that’s a fraction of the cost of other custom treatment options,” said Metz, “I look forward to helping the orthodontic community get KLOwen in their practices. I’m excited to be where I can continue to help make a difference in the lives of practitioners and their patients.”
Developed by Owen after years of treating patients using many digital orthodontic products, the KLOwen System works on any comprehensive case including those requiring functional appliances, expansion, or surgery. After an intraoral scan is taken, the KLOwen system employs software to map bracket placement and select from of a kit of 27 patented pieces to fit each tooth. 3D-printed transfer trays then allow brackets to be placed and bonded precisely in the optimal position as designed with the software for complete 7-7 custom treatment. KLOwen also has a unique slot to wire relationship that allows for complete and accurate wire expression, providing a world class example of true straightwire treatment. This solution dramatically mitigates or eliminates the need for wire-bending and bracket-repositioning.