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Corporate Profile: Zap Lasers

Zap Lasers made a big splash in the orthodontic market a couple years ago with OrthoLase — the first soft-tissue laser for orthodontic applications. Orthotown Magazine recently spoke with Zap Lasers Chief Operating Officer Robin Duysen and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Alex Di Sessa, about the OrthoLase and development of the industry's first microlaser — StylaOrtho.




Zap Lasers Chief Operating Officer Robin Duysen (left)
and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Alex Di Sessa.

Zap is the first laser manufacturer to design a soft-tissue laser specifically for orthodontists.
Why is that significant?
Di Sessa: In 2005, Zap recognized orthodontists perform many soft-tissue management applications and could benefit from laser technology. We also realized that, because many of their patients are children, there are special physical and emotional considerations orthodontists have to take when performing common procedures like cuspid exposure, frenectomies and gingivoplasties. Keeping these needs in mind we designed OrthoLase, a non-invasive tool that effortlessly performs specialized procedures with minimal discomfort to the patient. From the beginning, orthodontists have embraced OrthoLase as the market leader and recognized the laser's benefits to their patients and their practices.

Recently, Zap developed StylaOrtho — a new soft-tissue laser for orthodontists.
How is it different from OrthoLase?
Duysen: As the industry's first microlaser, StylaOrtho is truly a revolution in orthodontic lasers. It encompasses many of OrthoLase's most popular features with the added benefit of technological advances like a wireless foot pedal, gravity sensor, rechargeable batteries and pre-stripped and scored disposable tips. The result is a self-contained, wire-free laser the size of an electric hand piece. Its unmatched portability and value makes it a simple and affordable solution for orthodontists.

Although we have been extremely successful with the OrthoLase, Zap's goal is always to continue to push ahead as the market leader. The idea when developing the StylaOrtho Advanced MicroLaser System was to completely "step outside of the box" and create a revolutionary concept in lasers. Introducing StylaOrtho, we achieved this goal and established a new category of lasers in orthodontics — the microlaser. A true example of micro-engineering, StylaOrtho is only 6.9 inches long, and weighs only 1.9 ounces. Many of its components are so small, you can only see them under a microscope, and its laser energy comes from a micro diode powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The resulting mix of power, versatility and portability are unprecedented, separating StylaOrtho from all other lasers on the market and places it in a category of its own.

It took two years to develop StylaOrtho, tell us about the process.
What were the biggest challenges?
Di Sessa: Developing StylaOrtho was a long, challenging process. After realizing that many of our doctors used a single laser in several operatories across more than one office, we became determined to offer them the ultimate portable laser, which is how the idea for StylaOrtho was born. Ironically, the biggest challenge was also the smallest — how to miniaturize every component of our lasers and customize them to a very small tolerance. We also realized that StylaOrtho had to be ergonomic so handling it wouldn't be awkward or uncomfortable. If that wasn't enough, we also wanted to make StylaOrtho completely wireless, which meant battery power. To make it all happen our engineers spent countless hours custom-designing almost every part that makes up StylaOrtho, including the battery. The process was an amazing experience for our R&D team, and the end reward of the process is the creation of a product that is helping deliver better orthodontic care to people worldwide.
What are the primary indications and
applications for StylaOrtho?
Di Sessa: StylaOrtho has a comprehensive list of applications, but the most compelling reason for orthodontists to use our lasers is cuspid exposure. When performed with a laser, this safe procedure saves doctors and patients time by streamlining appointments and minimizing the overall length of treatment. Using an FDA-approved topical anesthetic, orthodontists can quickly perform a laser cuspid exposure with minimal patient discomfort and place a bracket the same day.

Other commonly performed laser procedures include frenectomies, gingivectomies, apthous ulcers and canker sore treatment. Like cuspid exposure, each is very effective and can be performed safely with minimal patient discomfort.
What remains the biggest misconception in the orthodontic industry about lasers?
Duysen: As a percentage, the market penetration of lasers in orthodontics is greater than that of general dentistry. We believe the reason for this is that orthodontists actively embrace new technology, and proactively consult with peers and thought leaders when exploring these new advances. This peer-to-peer interaction is particularly helpful to us as a manufacturer and product developer. These excellent communication channels within the ortho community allow us to provide solutions that most directly meet doctors' needs. Along those lines, we still find that the main misconception about lasers in orthodontics is that they remain stereotyped and lumped into a single category. In reality there are a variety of lasers, each with unique characteristics, features and applications used in orthodontics. Zap chose to specialize in diode lasers because of their simplicity and versatility. Their performance and value make them a great way to begin to introduce lasers into an orthodontic practice.
Why do orthodontists select your lasers?
Duysen: Orthodontists select our lasers because of Zap's established reputation as the premier quality laser company — we specialize only in lasers, we sell directly to our customers and we emphasize ongoing customer service. Developed with orthodontists in mind, our lasers deliver what they need in a compact, easy-to-use package. Our lasers are the most affordable on the market and their portability makes them easy to carry between operatories. Doctors also like our personalized customer programs like Zap Care, our 24-hours-a-day customer service center that offers doctors reassurance that they will always have help when they need it.
Why do you say less wattage power is better?
Di Sessa: Less power is definitely the trend. Historically, dental lasers were adapted from the medical field where very high power levels (10-15 watts) are necessary for medical applications. Zap is a dental laser company and we understood from day one that dentists and orthodontists did not need that much power to effectively treat patients. While other manufacturers were using the same products for medical and dental applications, we thought differently and developed a product designed specifically for orthodontists. Zap became the leader in promoting the idea that "less power is better," and dental professionals discovered they could lower their power settings, while maintaining the same laser cutting effectiveness. Using the OrthoLase and StylaOrtho, which operate at an optimal 808nm wavelength, all applicable laser procedures can be safely and effectively performed within the 2.0 watt power range. In fact, to make sure patients experience the least tissue trauma and fastest healing time possible, we encourage our client dentists and orthodontists to use the lowest level of power for the application possible and only increase it if necessary.

What are your training methods? How can you improve this process?
Duysen: Proper training plays such an important role in the effective use of lasers that Zap includes eight continuing education credits complimentary with every laser purchase. We have partnered with one of the most reputable laser training companies in the industry, Advanced Laser Training (ALT), to deliver this service to our doctors. ALT specializes in soft-tissue laser training, providing both basic and advanced laser courses. These trainings are available nationally, minimizing travel time and making training more convenient for our doctors. ALT and Zap both offer online training for those who are interested. Another great source of information is the Academy of Laser Dentistry, which provides standard and advanced proficiency laser training courses at the large dental meetings.

Tell us more about Zap's own laser training program, COLE. What does it offer orthodontists?
Di Sessa: COLE stands for Center for Online Laser Education. It is an interactive, Web-based laser education program for all dental specialties. We started it last October to give dentists and orthodontists the opportunity to participate in live, interactive Webcast training sessions. Since then we have had several doctors dedicated to using lasers in orthodontics. They cover everything from step-by-step procedure how-to's to more general discussions of how lasers might benefit an orthodontic practice. Most COLE seminars are free and all are led by industry-leading dentistry and orthodontic professionals. Orthotown readers can visit the COLE section of ZapLasers.com to view archived Webinars and see a schedule of what topics are coming up soon.

Will you continue to make OrthoLase? Why would an orthodontist select it vs. StylaOrtho?
Duysen: OrthoLase is Zap's flagship product for orthodontists; it remains popular and we will continue to develop and sell it. OrthoLase has a slightly lower price point than StylaOrtho and, because of its table-top design, a much bigger display. Although OrthoLase is also known for portability and quick setup, StylaOrtho's compact all-in-one design is truly revolutionary and cannot be beat for ease-of-use and portability. Completely wireless so doctors can move freely in and between operatories, StylaOrtho's pocket-sized design is perfectly balanced and has no fibers or cables. Both lasers have a place in the orthodontic market, so it is really up to individual doctors to decide which is best for their practice.
To what do you attribute Zap's success?
Duysen: Our success comes mainly from our ability to provide our customers with what they are looking for: an easy-to-use product that they can afford. We also attribute our success to our customers who believed in us from the beginning. They bought our product, used it, loved it and have told their friends and colleagues about it.


Why should a dentist invest in a laser?
Di Sessa: Because of their affordability and effectiveness, the diode laser is becoming a standard in dental care.
Yes, there is much technology available to today's dental professional, however, it still comes down to capital outlay, return on investment and time. With a relatively low price point and the high benefits to patients, Zap's family of diode lasers is among the best values in dentistry.

If you would like to learn more about Zap Lasers, please visit www.zaplasers.com,
or call 888-876-4546.
Orthotown Magazine
September 2025
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