Solventum Launches First 3D Printed Aligner Attachments to Revolutionize Aligner Treatment

Rhea-AI Summary

Solventum (NYSE: SOLV) has launched 3M™ Clarity™ Precision Grip Attachments, a revolutionary 3D-printed innovation for aligner treatment. These attachments are designed to solve major challenges in aligner treatment by providing durable, accurately shaped, and stain-resistant components. The product eliminates technique-sensitive processes and variability risks in treatment, offering precise positioning and customization to each patient's tooth anatomy. The attachments are manufactured using 3D printing technology, combining inorganic filler and organic resin with post-processing techniques for enhanced durability and stain resistance. The product is currently available in the United States and Canada, with pending global regulatory approvals.

Positive

• Introduction of innovative 3D-printed aligner attachments addressing key market challenges
• Product eliminates technical variability risks in treatment procedures
• Enhanced product features including better durability and stain resistance
• Already launched in major markets (US and Canada)

Negative

• Pending regulatory approvals in other global markets limiting immediate international expansion

Insights

Medical Device Expert

The launch of Clarity Precision Grip Attachments represents a significant technological advancement in the dental aligner market. The 3D-printed attachments address key pain points in traditional aligner treatment by offering superior precision, durability and stain resistance. This innovation could potentially increase treatment efficiency and reduce chair time, directly impacting practice profitability.

The technology's competitive advantages include customized fit, elimination of composite flash issues and improved material properties. For Solventum, this product launch strengthens their position in the $5+ billion clear aligner market, competing against established players like Align Technology. The initial US and Canada rollout, with pending global approvals, suggests a phased market penetration strategy that could drive incremental revenue growth.

Market Research Analyst

This product launch positions Solventum strategically in the high-growth clear aligner segment. The addressable market is expanding at a 15-20% CAGR, driven by increasing aesthetic dentistry demand and technological advancements. By solving critical clinical challenges, Solventum could capture market share from competitors and potentially command premium pricing.

Early clinician feedback indicates strong product-market fit, suggesting potential rapid adoption. The exclusive availability with Clarity Aligners creates a compelling ecosystem that could drive both attachment and aligner sales. The pending global regulatory approvals represent significant future growth opportunities in international markets.

Clarity Precision Grip Attachments are fully cured, pre-loaded and precisely resemble the digital treatment plan after bonding

ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, Solventum (NYSE: SOLV), formerly 3M Health Care, officially launched an anticipated innovation in aligner treatment, 3M™ Clarity™ Precision Grip Attachments. Available exclusively with 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners, Clarity Precision Grip Attachments are designed to solve one of the biggest challenges with aligner treatment – creating durable, accurately shaped, stain resistant attachments.

"With the launch of Clarity Precision Grip Attachments, Solventum aims to solve what matters to our customers and change the course of aligner treatment for good," said Karim Mansour, president, Dental Solutions, Solventum. "We are driven to deliver leading innovations to the dental market and support our customers in creating the beautiful, healthy smiles patients want."

Clinicians have confirmed the value of Clarity Precision Grip Attachments to their practice. "This is a huge step forward for aligner treatment. For the first time in aligner history, attachments on the teeth will actually reflect what we have on the screen - which I believe will allow us to be far more efficient with those tough movements that clear aligners struggle with. My team loves these," said Christian Groth, DDS MS, Orthodontic Specialist.

Clarity Precision Grip Attachments are poised to change aligner treatment, because they eliminate the technique sensitive, time-consuming attachment creation process that can introduce variability into treatment. Misplaced and malformed attachments resulting from the conventional approach can produce different forces than predicted in a treatment plan. In contrast, Clarity Precision Grip Attachments are accurately positioned, precisely shaped and designed to reduce this risk.

Further, the procedure for Clarity Precision Grip Attachments eliminates the risk that an overfilled template results in residual cured composite flash on the tooth. Composite flash may attract stains, harbor plaque and inhibit engagement between the aligner and attachment. Because the procedure relies on alternative bonding agents, Clarity Precision Grip Attachments eliminate the risk of composite flash creation.

The 3D printing manufacturing approach for Clarity Precision Grip Attachments lends other benefits to the product offering. The resulting attachments are customized to the fit each patient's unique tooth anatomy, and the combination of inorganic filler and organic resin, paired with post-processing techniques ensure that the 3D printed attachments are durable and more stain resistant than leading composites used with current attachment procedures.

Clarity Precision Grip Attachments can be added to Clarity Aligners cases on Oral Care Portal. Learn more today.

Previewed in 2024 at the AAO, 3M™ Clarity™ Precision Grip Attachments are available now in the United States and Canada. Additional global regulatory submissions and approvals are pending.

About Solventum

At Solventum, we enable better, smarter, safer healthcare to improve lives. As a new company with a long legacy of creating breakthrough solutions for our customers' toughest challenges, we pioneer game-changing innovations at the intersection of health, material and data science that change patients' lives for the better — while empowering healthcare professionals to perform at their best. See how at Solventum.com.   

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SOURCE Solventum

FAQ

What are the main benefits of Solventum's (SOLV) new Clarity Precision Grip Attachments?

The attachments offer precise positioning, durability, stain resistance, and eliminate technique-sensitive processes. They are customized to each patient's tooth anatomy and reduce treatment variability risks.

Where are Solventum's (SOLV) Clarity Precision Grip Attachments currently available?

The product is currently available in the United States and Canada, with additional global regulatory approvals pending.

How does Solventum's (SOLV) 3D printing technology improve aligner attachments?

The 3D printing manufacturing approach creates customized attachments using inorganic filler and organic resin, resulting in more durable and stain-resistant products compared to conventional composite materials.