In an ambitious quest to transform pediatric dental care, TriAgenics, led by President and CEO Leigh Colby, is introducing Zero3 TBA, a pioneering treatment set to redefine how wisdom teeth are managed. This technology, developed after years of meticulous research and trials, promises a future where the pain, risks, and costs of wisdom teeth removal become things of the past. In this founder profile, we learn how Colby’s vision, coupled with his team’s expertise, heralds a new era in dentistry, aims to make this preventive care treatment the industry standard by 2030.
Funding Round Details
- Company: TriAgenics
- Security Type: Equity - Preferred
- Valuation: $33,867,972
- Min Investment: $300
- Platform: StartEngine
- Deadline: Nov 18, 2024
Can you briefly describe TriAgenics?
TriAgenics has developed Zero3 TBA, a 60-90-second preventive dental care treatment for children ages 6-12 that prevents wisdom teeth from ever forming. Once approved by the FDA, our patented 3rd molar tooth bud ablation (TBA) procedure is expected to eliminate ALL the pain, surgical risk, and hidden costs normally associated with having wisdom teeth removed. This preventive-care treatment makes surgical removal of wisdom teeth obsolete.
What inspired you to take the leap and start this company?
I am an experienced dentist with management-level involvement in three prior high-tech operations. When a patient of mine asked if there was any way to “zap” a toothbud to stop it from forming wisdom teeth, I responded by spending nearly six years working on my own to figure out how to safely prevent wisdom teeth from ever forming.
Who is on your team and how did you come together?
I am TriAgenics’ president and CEO. Dave Watson, our Chief of Operations, is key to our success. He is a top-flight engineer with medical device experience and manufacturing scale-up experience.
What kind of feedback have you received from dentists and parents on your innovative solution?
It’s amazing—100% of dentists I have met agree that TriAgenics’ Zero3 TBA technology will be a safer and more effective alternative to the conventional approach of having wisdom teeth removed later in life. Parents are equally vocal about demanding a safer and more effective alternative.
What are some potentially less obvious benefits of avoiding wisdom teeth surgery later on in life?
Aside from eliminating the three days of painful recovery normally associated with having wisdom teeth removed, the biggest benefit will be preventing the life-long complications that plague 5% of those who have them removed. Just ask your dental hygienist about this, and you will be able to learn about the life-long problems that occur after having wisdom teeth removed!
What is the most important lesson you have learned as an entrepreneur?
It may seem paradoxical, but we are shockingly conservative and take no risks. James Collins’ wonderful book Great by Choice does an excellent job of describing TriAgenics’ managed-risk march toward success. As a result, we have had no technical setbacks in our progress and experienced a 100% success rate in all our animal trials.
If we talk again in 12 months, what milestones will you have achieved?
In 12 months, we will obtain FDA approval, hire our go-to-market CEO, and be in the market with the goal of making Zero3 TBA the dental industry standard by 2030.
