The Science Behind the Archwire

Ed Marill is the vice president and general manager of GAC International, Bohemia, NY, and has been with the company for more than 21 years. In 2006, he was asked to head GAC, the orthodontic division of Dentsply International, York, Pa.

OP: What is the In-Ovation® C Bracket System?

Marill: In-Ovation C combines the efficiencies of a self-ligating bracket with the aesthetics of ceramics. It is a comfortable, true twin, torque-in-base, translucent bracket. In-Ovation C offers interactive treatment for greater control, especially in the later stages of treatment.

OP: How does In-Ovation R compare with other self-ligating brackets on the market?

Marill: Like other self-ligating bracket systems, In-Ovation R is passive in the early stages of treatment. It functions like a tube through which the archwire is free to move with minimal friction. What is unique about In-Ovation R is its interactive spring clip which, as treatment progresses and archwire size increases, provides control, as needed, to seat the archwire and express the bracket's programming. This control is not possible with other self-ligating brackets.

Another important distinction between In-Ovation R and some other self-ligating brackets is that In-Ovation R requires no special training or change in technique. It is a twin bracket that adapts to whatever technique or philosophy an orthodontist follows.

OP: Describe the Straight 'N' Clear™ System.

Marill: GAC's Straight ‘N' Clear System offers the orthodontist and the patient a range of aesthetic options including In-Ovation C self-ligating ceramic brackets, Interactive Mystique® with Neo-Clip™, Allure® ceramic brackets, and the Raintree Essix MTM™ Cosmetic Correctors™ line of clear plastic retainers designed for minor tooth movement.

OP: Why has your BioForce® Sentalloy® NiTi wire become so popular?

Marill: BioForce is the only superelastic, body-heat-activated wire that graduates in force from about 100g in the anterior to about 300g in the molar region, while remaining superelastic at any given point. It is the only archwire that exerts biologically correct forces to move anteriors and molars—all in one wire.