Technician, Know Thy Manufacturer

Know who makes the materials upon which your laboratory depends

Chuck Maragos

Having been in the dental laboratory business for many years, I want to share something that I feel strongly about but rarely see discussed: how important it is to know—really know—who manufactures the products that support your business. Over the years, I've incorporated so many innovative materials from well-known companies into my business. As a dental laboratory owner, there are numerous choices when it comes to material selection. Every once in a while, you must evaluate and explore new technologies that hold the potential to improve your bottom line.

I recently attended an amazing lecture by Gerard Chiche, DDS. Afterward, a Kuraray Noritake representative sent us some samples of their new KATANA YML zirconia discs. We have always stocked both monolithic and high translucency discs, and although we only switched to YML a short time ago, we've already noticed the difference. With all its strength, this single disc system also provides gorgeous esthetics. Just last week, we fabricated a 6-unit anterior case out of KATANA YML and only had to apply color and glaze. The result was as esthetically pleasing as prior cases done with the traditional cutback technique.

These advanced materials don't develop in a vacuum, and they aren't developed by just any company. If you're ever fortunate enough to see the manufacturing facilities firsthand as I have, you can easily tell the true innovators from the resellers. I toured Kuraray Noritake's manufacturing sites some years ago. I met with their PhDs, chatted with their research and development teams, and saw their deep commitment to advancing our materials.

Companies like this drive innovation, not only with incremental improvements to the products we know and love, but through highly sophisticated manufacturing and chemical refinement procedures that raise the bar for our standard of care. As an industry, we need to do more to recognize and support these innovators within our businesses. The next time you find yourself seeking materials, explore the quality research and development of Kuraray KATANA YML.

Key Takeaways

• KATANA YML single disc system provides both strength and gorgeous esthetics.

• Unique raw material combination integrated by advanced manufacturing technology.

• All-in-one solution offers exceptional design flexibility.

About the Author

Chuck Maragos
CEO and Oral Design Technician
Valley Dental Arts
Stillwater, MN