SnapLink Re-Convertible Tube
Background Buccal tubes are attached to the upper and lower molars to anchor the distal ends of archwires, or to attach an auxiliary wire, headgear or lip bumper, or as an attachment and anchor for elastics and non-compliant Class II devices. Many orthodontists use convertible buccal tubes on the first molars. However, engaging the second molars with round wire is challenging and engaging rectangular wires is nearly impossible. Consequently, the doctor must convert the tube into a bracket and tie and retie the tube/bracket for every adjustment and wire-change appointment. In 2006, Ormco launched an alternative to convertible buccal tubes: the SL Buccal Tube. This re-convertible tube was offered in Orthos and Damon prescriptions in a.022 slot as well as in weldable and bondable designs. The SL Buccal Tube features an easy-to-use slide mechanism, making it simple to open, lay the wire in the slot and reclose the tube with the touch of a finger. With the SL Buccal Tube, wire changing with any size archwire is faster and easier. Doctors can get to the second molars quicker, make compensating bends or loops between the molars sooner, and treat-out faster. The current SL Buccal Tube with a Damon prescription is marketed under the Damon brand name with an emphasis on its self-ligation design. As a result, non-damon users have been reluctant to incorporate the product in their practices. In response, Ormco will launch a new re-convertible buccal tube with its own brand identity and with enhanced design features that provide additional benefits to the doctor.
SnapLink Re-Convertible Tube Summary Marketed under the brand name SnapLink Snap Link allows doctors to convert and reclose the tube as often as needed and benefit from improved mechanics. SnapLink eliminates the need for doctors to tie and retie ligatures throughout treatment, making wire changes fast, easy and more efficient. SnapLink makes it easy for doctors to pick up their 2 nd molars and easily handle wire bends and place auxiliary appliances between the molars. SnapLink will be initially available in a.022 slot and Damon prescription.
Product Overview
Positioning Statement The SnapLink re-convertible buccal tube provides orthodontists with all the benefits of both a tube and a bracket for superior sliding mechanics and greater efficiency. With SnapLink, doctors can make fast and easy wire changes, connect to the second molars faster, and make compensating bends or loops between the molars sooner, thereby treating their patients faster, more comfortably and more efficiently than treatment with other buccal tubes.
Damon SL Buccal Tube vs. SnapLink Damon SL Tube SnapLink
Product Improvements & Changes New opening/closing mechanism With SnapLink, a new Opening/Closing Instrument requires only a twisting motion similar to a screwdriver to open the slide for greater patient comfort. No opening force is exerted onto the tooth Laser-welded L hooks and pads with more rounded corners and profiling for better patient comfort Manufacturing SnapLink is easier to MIM and results in a more consistent manufacturing process for greater performance reliability.
High retention hook Upper 1 st Molar 80-gage mesh pad Positive stop Slide Opening tool notch Pad Contours Chamfered opening
Pad features 2-degree angulation on occlusal side, ensuring occlusal sides of the pads between the 1st and 2nd molars and 2nd bicuspids remain horizontal and level with each other. Lower 1 st Molar
Opening/Closing Tool Opening tip p/n 866-4011 Closing tweezers
SnapLink Opening/Closing Instrument Features & Benefits Features Size-calibrated flattened tip on anterior end ensures minimal force is used during opening procedure, reducing pressure placed on the tube slide Closing tweezers on posterior end allows user to fully engage the archwire, seat it and hold it within the slot while slide is closed Sturdy, stainless steel design Benefits Greater patient comfort Faster, more efficient wire changes Greater patient comfort Easy cleaning and sterilization
SnapLink Tube Features & Benefits Features Easy-to-use slide and opening/ closing tool Benefits More efficient opening and closing Greater patient comfort Self-ligating tube; no ligature ties Four solid walls Speed and convenience during wire changes, posterior archwire bends and with wire-towire Class II appliances Eliminates friction for more efficient sliding mechanics and faster, more predictable posterior tooth movement More control throughout treatment Sleek design and lower profile on lower tubes Angled high retention hook Chamfered mesial opening Minimizes occlusal interference for greater patient comfort and more reliable bond retention Greater patient comfort Easy wire insertion, even when slide is closed 80-gage mesh on pads More reliable bond retention Pads with rounded corners Prevents rocking on the patient s tooth for more reliable bond retention
Product Part Numbers Description Part Number L6R SNAPLINK.022-28/2/2 438-2190 L6L SNAPLINK.022-28/2/2 U6R SNAPLINK.022-18/0/12 U6L SNAPLINK.022-18/0/12 438-2191 438-2160 438-2161 OPENING/CLOSING INSTRUMENT 866-4011 Kit Distribution: Quad sticks with 10 tubes in each stick
SnapLink - Strengths Re-convertible molar tube for greater treatment efficiency Slide design and opening/closing tool reduce pressure during opening/closing for greater patient comfort Contoured pads for that perfect fit and more reliable bond retention Low profile and sleek design ensure patient comfort Reflects Ormco s reputation for quality
SnapLink - Opportunities Distinct brand identity to help draw non-damon accounts Damon and current SL Buccal Tube users represent a large base of progressive orthodontists interested in using the highest quality, most innovative products available
Our Target Audiences All Ormco accounts that are utilizing conventional and Damon. SnapLink is not just for SL users. This product is, should and will be focused at ALL Dr s using buccal tubes.
Messaging Re-convertible tieless tube/bracket Unmatched control More efficient treatment mechanics Easy to use Faster, more convenient