3M announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lingualcare Inc., a Dallas-based orthodontic technology and services company offering the iBraces system, a customized, lingual orthodontic solution. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The demand for effective and aesthetic orthodontic solutions is increasing steadily. Because lingual braces are bonded on the tongue side of the teeth, they are truly invisible, making them the most aesthetic orthodontic solution available. In addition, lingual braces are more effective at moving teeth than other invisible solutions such as clear aligners, which can be removed by the patient and therefore rely on patient compliance.
“Lingualcare brings the newest generation of lingual braces, along with sophisticated digital tools to make treatment easier for doctors and patients. Lingualcare nicely complements 3M’s full line of orthodontic solutions and further broadens both our aesthetic and digital orthodontic platforms,” said Paul Keel, president, 3M Unitek.
Lingualcare’s iBraces are customized to the patient’s tooth anatomy through a proprietary process to create braces that are lower profile and more comfortable than traditional lingual braces. “We are excited by the opportunity to strengthen and enhance the iBraces customer experience with the support of 3M’s sales, service and technologies," said Lea Nesbit, CEO, Lingualcare.
For nearly 60 years, Unitek has been a global leader providing the orthodontic profession with novel innovations such as Clarity Ceramic Braces, APC Adhesive Pre-Coated Brackets, and most recently, SmartClip Self-Ligating Braces, and Clarity SL Ceramic Self-Ligating Braces. Today, 3M Unitek delivers more than 14,000 orthodontic products and solutions worldwide. Complementary acquisitions such as this support 3M’s core business and strategy to expand its digital orthodontic solutions.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.
About Lingualcare Inc.
Founded in 2002, Lingualcare Inc. is an orthodontic technology and services company with a new approach to straightening teeth that leverages proprietary technology to offer state of the art orthodontic treatment. Lingualcare offers iBraces, the only 100 percent customized invisible fixed appliance system on the market today. Supporting the highest standard of care, iBraces are designed to ensure optimal patient comfort and deliver individualized clinical results.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company’s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.
Clarity, APC, SmartClip, Clarity SL, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
iBraces is a trademark of Lingualcare Inc.
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