Ormco announced the launch of its EtchFree Bonding system, which eliminates acid etching and simplifies the orthodontic bonding process, ahead of its official debut at AAO 2025.

Ormco will debut its new EtchFree Bonding system at the upcoming American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Session in Philadelphia, marking a shift in how brackets are bonded to teeth. The system, now available in the United States, is designed to eliminate acid etching—a standard practice in orthodontics for more than a century.

Jennifer Messenger, DDS, MS. who has implemented the new system in her practice, highlighted both clinical and patient benefits. “In the bonding process, most doctors don’t consider the drawbacks of typical acid etching where the tooth’s surface is roughened, and the enamel can be damaged,” she said. “My practice has also increased efficiency because patients are not having to make as many return appointments in the first few weeks after the start of treatment, due to brackets popping off.”

The EtchFree Bonding system allows for bonding without the traditional etch, rinse, and dry steps. According to Ormco, this reduces technique sensitivity, improves bond reliability in both wet and dry conditions, and helps prevent enamel damage and white spot lesions. The technology works by forming ionic bonds with calcium in enamel rather than creating a mechanical bond through surface roughening.

Jay Issa, vice president of portfolio management at Ormco, said, “With the astounding technological advancements in orthodontics, it’s surprising there has been limited improvement to the standard bonding mode. Ormco responded to the industry demand for a better system because a product that performs well in wet or dry conditions reduces pain points for orthodontic professionals.”

READ MORE: Inside Ormco’s Newest Technologies: EtchFree Bonding, Spark BiteSync, and Spark Retainers

The EtchFree Bonding system includes three components and does not require special equipment or added steps. It will be showcased at Ormco’s AAO booth (#1015) during the conference from April 25 to 27.

Photo: Ormco