3M Unitek Introduces APC Adhesive Coated Appliance System, an Orthodontic Bonding Technology

3M Unitek, the orthodontic business of global technology company 3M, has launched its game-changing APC Flash-Free Adhesive Coated Appliance System. The new advanced technology, initially available for use with Clarity Advanced Ceramic Brackets, eliminates the flash removal step in bonding, reducing variability and saving time for orthodontists and patients.

The APC Flash-Free adhesive allows orthodontists to move directly from bracket placement to bracket cure without the need for adhesive clean-up. This streamlines the process and takes eleven steps of traditional bonding down to only five. Bonding time is reduced by up to 40 per cent per bracket, and the potential for error caused by accidental bracket movement during flash clean-up is removed.

The new adhesive demonstrates excellent tack and workability before light-cure and delivers extremely reliable bond strength, with a bond failure rate of less than two percent, compared with an average of 7 per cent for traditional bonding. APC Flash-Free adhesive bonding components draw on 3Ms expertise in several technology platforms, including vapour processing, non-woven materials and nano-technology, as well as the companys recognised expertise in adhesives.

"This new technology improves the patient bonding experience by minimising time in chair and drives orthodontic productivity to a new level," said Des Creighton, UK Sales and Marketing manager, 3M Unitek. "It reflects our long-standing commitment to innovation in orthodontics, helping to improve treatment outcomes and increase patient comfort and satisfaction."

Dr James Davies, specialist orthodontist and clinical lead at the Carmarthen Orthodontic Centre, evaluated the product prior to launch. He commented, "Combined with 3Ms Transbond Self-Etching Primer, the APC Flash-Free system greatly reduced my chairside time. The aesthetics are second to none and the ability to place the bracket with no clean up required makes Clarity Advanced brackets with the APC Flash-Free system the leading aesthetic conventional bracket in its class."

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Its culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs about 88,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries.