SnapLink L6R (Ormco) - Buccal Tube Door Malfunction (2020)
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Product
SnapLink, Ref Part No. 438-2190, L6R SnapLink, Slot .022, TQ--28, Ang +2, Rot +2, Qty 10, Made in Mexico, CE 0086, Rx Only
Brand
Ormco/Sybronendo
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
All Lots UDI #s: 00889989002652 & 00889989002669
Products Sold
All Lots UDI #s: 00889989002652 & 00889989002669
Ormco/Sybronendo is recalling SnapLink, Ref Part No. 438-2190, L6R SnapLink, Slot .022, TQ--28, Ang +2, Rot +2, Qty 10, Made in Me due to The action is being taken due to an increase in complaints relating to the lower buccal tube slide doors not staying close. In the event of functional. Based on FDA medical device recall database.
Summary derived from FDA notice
Reason for Recall
As stated by FDA
The action is being taken due to an increase in complaints relating to the lower buccal tube slide doors not staying close. In the event of functional failure, broken/damage buccal tubes it may cause the tooth to rotate, possibly delay treatment and inconvenience the patient and clinician. If not noticed it may extend treatment by approximately 1 -3 months.
Recommended Action
Per FDA guidance
ISSUE: Ormco received an increase in complaints relating to lower Snaplink buccal tube slide doors not staying closed. We received 140 complaints from 2015 to Sep 2019, with no reported patient injuries. The incidence of this issue appears to be low. Approximately <0.1% of the Snaplink Buccal Tubes experience this issue due to an interaction between the Snaplink slide and the pin that enables the door to stay open or closed. RISK: In the event of functional failure, broken/damaged Snaplink may cause the tooth to rotate, possibly delay treatment and inconvenience the patient and clinician. If a patient or clinician does not notice this issue, it may extend treatment by approximately 1-3 months, depending on the patients visit schedule. If you experience this failure, please follow the recommendations below. RECOMMENDATION: Ormco is not requesting removal of Snaplink, from your facility. You can continue to use the product in your inventory. If you experience Snaplink buccal tube slide doors not staying closed, Ormco requests you to: (1) Call Ormco customer service at 1-800-854-1741 or email ormcocustcare@kavokerr.com to log any complaints related to this issue. (2) For patients who had Snaplink lowers placed, check the patient records and determine if you need an additional patient visit to check the integrity of the door to ensure it remains closed. (3) Instruct patients to check bracket after each brush to ensure bracket door remains closed. If door appears open, instruct patients to contact your office to schedule an appointment. (4) If the bracket door does not stay closed, use a double over tie, per typical orthodontic practices (Refer to pictures below) or remove the Snaplink and replace it with a new device. If the Snaplink is removed, please contact customer care (1-800-854-1741) for the product to be returned. (5) Complete the enclosed acknowledgement form and email the form to ormcocustcare@kavokerr.com within 10 business days. If
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly.
View official FDA recall noticeDistribution
As reported by FDA
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC
Page updated: Jan 10, 2026