INNOVATION is Everything
Paul Humphrey is president of US operations at Forestadent USA and has been in the orthodontic industry for nearly 27 years. Forestadent is a German company that has manufactured and designed orthodontic products since the early 1970s.
Orthodontic Products: What is the Quick 2.0, and how does it differ from other brackets available?
Paul Humphrey: The Quick 2.0 is a passive and active self-ligating bracket, which allows the individual orthodontist to determine his or her own treatment mechanics or philosophy. The new Quick 2.0 has many unique advantages, such as a new reinforced clip design, low-profile lower anterior brackets, and an auxiliary slot for sectional wires. The new Quick 2.0 also has a patented hook-style design for the bonding base, which provides increased bond retention over traditional mesh-based brackets. The Quick has two opening points that allow the practitioner easier access to severely rotated teeth or for patients who have poor hygiene.
Quick 2.0 bracket |
OP: How does the Snap Lock work? What makes it unique?
Humphrey: In our new products or innovations we try to incorporate customer feedback on ways to establish new products as well as to improve existing products. In the last few months we have made advancements to our rapid palatal expander and developed the new Snap Lock Expander. The new Snap Lock Expander does not turn back unless the orthodontist or patient turns it back. The hole in the spindle is always in the right position for activation. When the screw is properly turned or activated by ¼ turn (0.9 mm), the patient and/or the orthodontist will be able to feel the screw lock. If the screw is overactivated, the Snap Lock Expander can be turned back. When the user activates the screw, the spring is under tension. The spring then pushes the eccentric spindle, which pushes the spindle into the ideal position for reactivation, and it locks in place.
Snap Lock Expander |
OP: Considering the down economy, is your business offering any discount or incentive plans to customers?
Humphrey: We will continue to offer our new and existing customers flexible payment options, greater discounts on large-volume purchases, and some unique incentives in the very near future. We will also be offering a free trial on some product lines as a way to introduce Forestadent to those who are not familiar with our brand or product mix.
OP: What do you see as the next big thing in orthodontics?
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Humphrey: Although miniscrews, as well as computer and digital applications in orthodontics, have produced some changes or have made some procedures simpler in the industry, we see changes in cosmetic orthodontics becoming the next big thing in the future.