3M Introduces APC Flash-Free Adhesive Coated Appliance System for Orthodontic Bonding

MONROVIA, Calif. -- 3M Unitek announced its game-changing APC Flash-Free Adhesive Coated Appliance System, which will be on display May 4 through May 7 during the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual 113th Session in the 3M Unitek booth #625. The new advanced technology eliminates the flash removal step in bonding, reducing variability and saving time for orthodontists and patients.

APC Flash-Free Adhesive reduces bonding time by up to 40 percent per bracket by eliminating the flash removal and clean-up step, allowing orthodontists to move directly from bracket placement to bracket cure. The 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. Accidental bracket movement after positioning is reduced since no flash clean-up is needed.

"The new APC Flash-Free Adhesive Coated Appliance System is a groundbreaking technology that improves the patient bonding experience by minimizing time in chair and drives office efficiency and productivity," said Armineh Khachatoorian, global product manager, 3M Unitek. "Its a terrific addition to our APC brand family of adhesive products."

Commitment to Innovation

The design of the APC Flash-Free Adhesive bonding components draw from deep 3M experience across several technology platforms, from vapor processing, nonwoven materials and nanotechnology to the companys unparalleled world leadership in adhesives. Introduction of the product on the industry leading Clarity ADVANCED Ceramic Brackets delivers on a longstanding commitment to innovation in orthodontic bonding from 3M Unitek, particularly with regard to improved control over treatment outcomes and increased patient comfort and satisfaction.

About 3M Health Care

3M Health Care offers solutions in the medical, oral care, drug delivery, food safety and health information markets. The company has an unparalleled ability to connect people, insights, science and technology to think beyond today, solve problems, and make better health possible. Its culture of collaboration empowers us to discover and deliver practical, proven solutions that enable our customers to protect and improve the health of people around the world. Learn more at 3M Health Care.

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. The companys 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 88,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries.