SeLECT Defense™, The Revolution of Oral Hygiene in orthodontics, is the culmination of over 19 years of research conducted at Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center studying the inherent antimicrobial properties of elemental Selenium.
In 2005, a meeting between TTU and TTUHSC researchers and Element 34 Technology, Inc., resulted in an interesting conversation regarding the possibility of utilizing this remarkable technology to provide a solution to an industry wide problem faced in the field of orthodontics: poor oral hygiene, increased plaque build-up, and resulting tooth decalcification that often occurs. These negative effects are the result of fixed appliances, such as braces, increasing the difficulty for patients to maintain good oral hygiene which in turn leads to an increase of bacterial growth and plaque on the teeth.
An informal survey of orthodontic offices proved what many already knew. Out of 400 offices questioned, 91% responded that poor oral hygiene, plaque, and decalcification are major problems and concerns in their practice. Seeking to provide a solution to this major problem, discussions with researchers were initiated to determine if this technology could in fact be applied to orthodontic products that are placed in the mouth during treatment such as brackets, ligature ties, adhesives, and primers.
During 2007 to 2008, proof of concept research and development concluded this technology could be successfully applied to orthodontic products as envisioned. Also during this time, an advisory board of 25 practicing orthodontists was formed to obtain further insight into this project and the prevalence and severity of the problem plaque and bacteria can cause during orthodontic treatment. In February 2008, independent laboratories completed the required sensitivity and toxicity tests resulting in obtaining FDA Clearance in July to market and sell these enhanced orthodontic products.
Numerous product performance tests by independent labs and a simulated mouth study conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio verified the effectiveness of SeLECT Defense™ products to prevent tooth decalcification and white spot lesions by 86%!
SeLECT Defense™ exclusively from Element 34 Technology, Inc., provides the latest in advanced protection and will forever change the landscape of the orthodontic industry as the new standard of patient care.
SeLECT Defense™ Revolutionary Smile Protection™.
Our Founder – Dr. James Reynolds
Dr. James M. Reynolds has been a worldwide leader and noted lecturer of orthodontic techniques and practices for many years, as well as a past president of the 10,000-member American Association of Orthodontics. He was one of the pioneers in the area of aesthetic brackets, registering three patents relating to ceramic brackets. As a result of his passion for research, testing, and development of new products, Dr. Reynolds has steered Element 34 to a position of recognized leadership as an innovative provider of quality orthodontic supplies.