Oliver Gelles is the director of global marketing for Ormco Corp. He has been with the company for 4 years. He graduated from Georgetown University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service International Business/Foreign Affairs, Marketing.
OP: What is your most popular product that is sold to orthodontists?
Gelles: Our most popular product is the Damon® passive self-ligation system. More than 2 million patients have been treated with the Damon system since its launch 10 years ago. The Damon system is not just a bracket—it’s an entire system that combines passive, self-ligating brackets with high-tech archwires and a minimally invasive treatment philosophy. All three work together as one low-friction system that is clinically proven to reduce treatment times, improve patient comfort, and provide results with fewer extractions—without RPEs. A growing number of adults are turning to the Damon system as their new antiaging weapon. The Damon system provides a fuller smile, strengthened midface support, reduced smile lines, and a youthful profile. Many orthodontists are now calling it the Damon System Bracelift™.
OP: What are some of the features of the STb™ Light Lingual System?
Gelles: The STb™ Light Lingual System is a simplified approach to lingual treatment, providing faster treatment and greater patient comfort for all levels of cases. STb uses a passive, self-ligating design that provides reduced friction and accelerated treatment. Its 1.5-mm bracket profile and rounded contours are clinically proven to reduce lingual interference and minimize speech issues. The STb system is also easy to learn and use: Cases can be prepared with a standard indirect setup in-office or by an AOA Lab. In most cases, STb does not require a full TARG or CLASS setup. The STb Light Lingual System is applicable to all levels of cases. The new STb Social 6 is ideal for minor-to-moderate anterior crowding or spacing. Without the compliance issues of clear aligners, STb social 6 cases finish in 6 to 16 weeks with a two-wire sequence and indirect bonding protocol.
OP: Does your company offer seminars? What types of topics are usually covered?
Gelles: Ormco offers an extensive educational and practice-development program for doctors and staff around the world. Some of the topics covered include passive self-ligation (the Damon system), computer-assisted custom orthodontics (Insignia™), and miniscrew anchorage (VectorTAS). One of our most popular events is the annual Damon Forum. The next event will be held January 23 to 26, 2008, in Phoenix, where more than 20 dynamic workshops will be held. Some of the topics that will be covered include temporary anchorage, digital treatment planning, and soft- and hard-tissue contouring, in addition to practice enhancement and marketing strategies.
OP: What does the VectorTAS do?
Gelles: VectorTAS is a temporary anchorage system, which was created by orthodontists for orthodontists. Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) provide better control, less reliance on compliances, greater comfort, shorter treatment time, and less surgery. The system includes a full line of orthodontic-specific miniscrews, TAD-specific attachments, and auxiliary appliances that provide controlled movement and better force management. To register for a VectorTAS course, visit www.ormco.com.
