DENTSPLY Implants continues to expand its Digital Solutions offering, for ATLANTIS patient-specific abutments with a connection to exocad® DentalCAD.

This latest development will provide dental laboratories with an improved digital workflow. The added value includes cost-savings and expedited order completion.

“This development strengthens DENTSPLY Implants and the ATLANTIS patient-specific prosthetic solutions offer with a great number of exocad DentalCAD users. We are pleased to work with exocad in providing new digital workflows for the dental laboratory customers to choose from,” says Mikael Sander, Group Vice President, Operations & Digital Implant Solutions, DENTSPLY Implants.

The connectivity with exocad was made possible through an agreement with exocad GmbH in Germany, enabling an interface within exocad DentalCAD for ordering ATLANTIS patient-specific abutments. Orders are based on data from the many scanners supported by the exocad platform.

Additional development will bring integration of the ATLANTIS Abutment Core File, which is a digital file of the total case, including the outer surface of the ATLANTIS Abutment that allows the dental technician to design a temporary or final crown even before the final ATLANTIS Abutment is delivered. exocad DentalCAD users will have automated import of the ATLANTIS Abutment Core File into their exocad dental projects. The launch is planned for the second half of 2015.

"This capability has generated much interest from our reseller partners, who will be integrating the 'Send to ATLANTIS' capability into their version of exocad. We are very happy to work closely with DENTSPLY Implants, the recognized leader in patient-specific abutment design, to offer our resellers and end users freedom of choice", says Larry Bodony, President of exocad America, Inc.

MINNEAPOLIS - Dental Services Group (DSG), a leading full-service dental laboratory network, announced today that it has received a majority investment from Cressey & Company LP, a healthcare-focused private investment firm. DSG CEO Buddy Pickle and his management team will maintain ownership positions in the company and remain in their current positions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"All of DSG looks forward enthusiastically to partnering with Cressey & Co as we embark on the next stage of our company's journey," Pickle said. "Cressey brings to DSG their vast experience creating strategic and operational value in their wide array of portfolio companies. We are very pleased to be presented with this exciting situation to work with the experienced and successful Cressey principals to bring their acumen to the dental laboratory industry as we continue to build DSG into the world's largest and leading dental laboratory network company."

Founded in 1989, DSG is a leading full-service network of more than 40 dental laboratories in the United States, with offshore partnerships in Asia that offer customers a variety of options in fixed, removable, implant, orthodontics and sleep dentistry products and services. DSG provides high-quality products and industry leading technology to more than 9,000 customers, including dental practice management organizations, independent dentists, universities and hospitals.

"DSG is at the forefront of a dynamic market that is increasingly focused on high-quality, cost-effective products delivered in a timely fashion," said Bryan Cressey, Partner at Cressey & Company. "Buddy and his team have built DSG into a provider of choice and laid a strong foundation for continued growth. We share the company's vision for the future and will ensure it has the resources and skills it needs to fulfill its promise to customers."

"Our investment in DSG is consistent with our strategy of partnering with exceptional management teams to grow their companies over the long term," said Merrick Axel, Partner at Cressey & Company. "Having repositioned the company over the past five years, Buddy sees multiple growth opportunities for DSG, and we have already begun collaborating with Buddy and his team to capitalize on them."

KaVo Kerr Group, a global portfolio of leading dental brands, plans to present 35+ new products at the 36th International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne. KaVo Kerr Group delivers products and solutions to 99% of dental practices worldwide, making IDS — the world’s leading trade fair for the dental industry — the ideal stage to share the latest KaVo Kerr Group has to offer. The meeting, March 10‐14, expects more than 125,000 attendees from 149 different countries.

The 35+ launches include brand-new products, products released in North America but new to the global market, and updates designed to take legacy products to the next level. These releases will cover topics including digital imaging, toCAD/CAM, operatory units, handpieces, and a wide range of consumables. The breadth and depth of product development on display not only reinforces the role of KaVo Kerr Group as a leader in innovation, but also will highlight the organization’s unmatched role in delivering complete workflow solutions and introduce its own sophisticated approach to digital dentistry.

Among the 35+ products introduced at IDS, highlights include:

• The KaVo Lythos Intraoral Scanner is designed to replace traditional impressions, facilitating a fully integrated workflow. Dentists can capture highly detailed images quickly, without powder, in an intuitive and flexible scanning workflow that offers the clinician maximum flexibility: easily rescan anytime during the scanning process, review data at any point during or after processing the scan, or use the touch screen to rotate the model in an infinite number of ways for heightened visibility of captured data. Dentists can proceed to complete design in‐office or outsource complex design cases to KaVo’s unique Remote Design Service by wirelessly uploading scan data to the cloud.

• The KaVo MASTERmatic Series offers excellent visibility and access for speed increasing instruments, combined with maximum precision and durability. Its new design and product features — including a 20% reduction in head size — make it the ideal replacement to the 12‐year leader in the Premium series, GENTLEpower.

• Kerr SonicFill 2 is an improved version of SonicFill, the market‐leading bulk fill composite system. With enhanced esthetics and even easier use, the new system will help dentists to be more efficient and productive while improving the quality of the final outcome, reliably placing and curing restorations up to 5mm in depth in a single increment.

• The KaVo ESTETICA E70/E80 Vision is a delivery system designed to help dental professionals get in touch with their vision for optimized chairside treatment. Product features include sensitive touch screens with a completely new user interface; hygiene center with automated cleaning programs; a modern patient communication system with integrated intraoral camera and hi‐res KaVo HD screens; and unique system software CONEXIO for direct access to all relevant patient data. Its innovative suspended chair concept features new arm rests and the ability to accommodate patients up to 180 kg.

On the evening of March 10, KaVo Kerr Group will host the “Art of Innovation” event, inviting dental professionals, dealer partners, industry leaders, and global media to see many of the new products up close. This first‐class event takes place at the Flora Köln, a historic formal park and botanical garden located adjacent to the Cologne Zoological Garden.

“It was just over a year ago that KaVo Kerr Group formally brought together our world-class dental brands under one identity, with shared values and a lasting commitment to the dental profession,” said Henk van Duijnhoven, Senior Vice President of the KaVo Kerr Group. “We have started the work of taking more than 500 years of combined experience among these market leading brands and translating that expertise into leading product innovation that improves patient care and enhances clinical workflows for dental professionals. We can’t wait to showcase our unmatched global brand on this one-of-a-kind global stage.”

SAVANNAH, GA – Brasseler USA^®, a premier dental instrumentation company in North America, recently introduced a new branding initiative to be implemented throughout 2015 and beyond. The company unveiled some of the components of its recent efforts, such as a refreshed logo, at an exclusive reception held for members of the media at this year’s Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting. 

Though the updated brand identity will be gradually introduced, Brasseler USA had many noticeable changes at the Midwinter meeting that reflected the new approach, including a newly designed tradeshow booth as well as updated marketing materials, business cards, and stationery. Other components showcasing the new look will be progressively integrated over time. 

Brasseler USA’s tagline, “By Your Side”, embodies what the company says sets it apart. “Our tagline has been refined to broaden its meaning,” remarked Don Waters, President and CEO of Brasseler USA. “‘By Your Side’ reflects our passion to support dentists in delivering predictable and consistent clinical results. Through collaboration with key opinion leaders recognized for their expertise, Brasseler USA develops innovative products which provide solutions and thereby enhance clinical practice. Our consultative, direct-sales approach means that Brasseler USA is by the dentists’ side. We are committed to remain ‘By Your Side’ for many years to come.”

The company has had many noteworthy innovations since entering the dental marketplace almost 40 years ago, such as its direct-sales approach. Founder Peter Brasseler felt that the best way to assure that clinicians received the products and ongoing service they deserved was to have his products only sold direct.

“Peter Brasseler believed that the most meaningful path to success was to develop strong relationships with key opinion leaders recognized for their expertise who actually use the products in practice,” Waters said. “To bring these products to market, Peter established a direct-sales model where Brasseler USA sales consultants sell only Brasseler USA branded products. Each member of our sales team has in-depth knowledge of dental procedures and the products needed to provide predictable results. Remember, Brasseler USA products are only available through Brasseler USA sales representatives.”

Another aspect that sets the company apart is its focus on instrumentation. As a result, the company is able to anticipate market needs, especially around modern materials, and design and create precise instrumentation supporting minimally-invasive dental procedures. Brasseler USA prides itself on providing best-of-class instrumentation for use in dental laboratories, restorative dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery, and oral hygiene.

The company has formed extremely close working relationships through the years with the most respected clinicians and educators in the profession in order to develop products that truly elevate clinical practice. Collaboration with highly regarded thought leaders has led to product development supporting both efficient practice and consistent results.

“Our recent branding efforts were initiated to reinvigorate the classic Brasseler USA brand that dental professionals know and trust,” Waters said. “Our fundamental philosophy and practice of working to support and elevate clinical practice remains the same. Our customers value quality and precision in their instruments to deliver excellent oral healthcare to their patients. Brasseler USA is, and always has been, proud to be ‘By Your Side’ as a true partner in professional success.” 

Andover, Massachusetts – By the year 2020, it is estimated that some 38 million adults in the U.S. will be in need of 1 or 2 complete dentures.1 Traditionally, people suffering from severely damaged, "hopeless" dentition had little alternative than to have their remaining teeth removed and replace them with traditional dentures. The functional limitations and low self-esteem associated with unanchored dentures are well known and well documented.

The introduction of dental implants with anchored removable dentures made a tremendous difference in terms of oral health and quality of life, but for many patients these LOCATOR® retained restorations are not ideal replacements for their lost teeth.

The advent of full-arch restorations fixed to dental implants is a game-changer for many patients. Implant surfaces that accelerate healing times can offer tooth replacement solutions that are rapid, provide immediate function, and cause minimal disruption to the patient’s daily life.

Straumann® Pro Arch is a comprehensive solution that includes implants, abutments, CAD/CAM frameworks and sleek prosthetic components that enable clinicians and dental technicians to provide accelerated fixed full-arch treatments. Andy Molnar, Executive Vice President North America, remarks: “Our goal is to go beyond products and create smiles for patients. We want to restore their confidence and significantly improve the quality of their lives. Straumann Pro Arch is the most comprehensive solution we have produced to date and it provides clinicians and lab technicians with the flexibility, quality, and reliability to exceed their patient’s expectations for a new smile and improved quality of life.”

Straumann offers an excellent implant system with outstanding osseointegration and healing properties. Its new Bone Level Tapered implant is designed to provide excellent primary stability and flexibility in challenging clinical and anatomical situations. Straumann’s SLActive® implant surface offers fast osseointegration and reduced healing times from 6 to 8 weeks to 3 to 4 weeks.2 As a result, secondary stability is achieved faster and the patients overall treatment time is shorter.

In addition, Straumann’s Roxolid® material makes it possible to use narrower diameter implants, which are particularly useful when patients have lost significant bone.

This scientifically proven implant technology is complemented by a diverse prosthetic portfolio of abutments and customized bars. The Straumann Pro Arch prosthetic solution includes the addition of bone level, screw-retained abutments that offer a wide range of prosthetic options for screw-retained restorations. With their low profile and variety of angulations and gingiva heights, screw-retained abutments offer exceptional flexibility to provide individual solutions that include restoring tilted posterior implants.

Custom-milled bar options for final restorations can be designed on abutment level, implant level, or a combination of the two. Through Straumann’s open CAD/CAM system and CARES® Scan & Shape Service3, every dental laboratory can offer Straumann customized bars to complete the Pro Arch solution.

Dr. William F. Runyon, Jr. of Fort Worth, Texas, is an early adopter of the Straumann Pro Arch solution and commented on the positive impact the solution will have for patients: “I feel very confident that with my lab support, we can transition these patients from a very compromised dental situation to an implant-supported fixed hybrid that they will be able to function with for years to come, with great success and comfort.”

The concept of fixed full-arch replacement with immediate provisional restorations, even with limited bone availability, was inspired and introduced by Dr. Paulo Malo, in the early 1990’s. The MALO CLINIC® Protocol become a popular procedure in a large number of clinics worldwide and has influenced developments in shortening time to teeth.

Proper diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as an evidence-based implant/prosthetic design, will help to result in a successful treatment. Together, these factors can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.4 Straumann Pro Arch brings together the entire solution from root to crown so patients can smile again.

Straumann Pro Arch is available now through Straumann North America and will be launched in most European countries this spring, with roll-outs to the remaining European countries later in the year. The Bone Level Tapered Implant is in a limited market release and will be available this spring in most European countries.

For further information, visit Straumann at the IDS Congress in Cologne or contact a local Straumann representative.

References

1 Douglass CW, Shih A, Ostry L. Will there be a need for complete dentures in the United States in 2020? J Prosthet Dent. 2002 Jan;87(1):5-8

2 As compared to SLA

3 Not available in all markets

4 D. Wismeijer, P. Casentini, G. Gallucci, M. Chiapasco. Loading protocols in Implant Dentistry – Edentulous Patients. Patient Consideration. ITI Treatment Guide. 2010; 4:223

Attleboro, MA – Sterngold Dental, LLC, a world leader in dental products, has announced its 2015 3-day hands-on Attachment course schedule.

The Attachment course is designed for both dentist and technicians. This intensive, 3-day program will leave attendees confident in their ability to design, prescribe, and fabricate attachment-retained prostheses.  Through slide presentations, case design, and hands-on work, attendees will be given a broad view of attachment application in partial dentures, overdentures, implants, and segmented bridgework. Attachment courses will be held June 11-13 and September 24-26 in Attleboro, Massachusetts, at Sterngold’s headquarters. Twenty-one CE credits will be awarded upon completion. This course is approved for credit by the NBC as well as AGD PACE and ADA CERP, of which Sterngold is a Authorized provider. 

To maximize individual instruction, each course is limited to 15 participants. Because of this, courses fill quickly. Sterngold suggests that technicians and dentists make reservations several months in advance. To register, or for more information, call 1-800-243-9942 or visit https://www.sterngold.com/Sterngold/events/training.aspx?st=2 for a printable registration form.

3Shape unveiled at Midwinter Meeting 2015 new versions of its D-series desktop scanners and two new D-series models – D2000 and D1000. The D2000 and D1000 feature multi-line scanning technology - a new 3Shape proprietary scanning technology shown in trials to increase scanning speeds by 30%. 

The new versions of the D-series benchtop scanner are the D750 and D850, which are major upgrades of the former D700 and D800 scanner models. The two, along with the presently available D900L, now feature a new technology platform combined with a larger interior space and blue LED for reduced scan noise. 

3Shape also introduced 2 new laboratory scanners, the D2000 and D1000. Both scanners are equipped with 4 x 5.0 MP cameras and high-quality mechanics to improve scanning accuracy and the aforementioned new multi-line technology for increased scanning speeds. 

The D2000 benchtop scanner includes several other new features like, “All-in-One” scanning and a large interior with room for two models. 

All-in-One scanning and the D2000’s large interior enable dental technicians to capture both the upper and lower models, all inserted dies, and occlusion information in a single scan. Both the D2000 and D1000 scanners can ”see” around dies in the model so that there is no need, in most cases, to remove dies during scanning.* 

A process that can eliminate four out the five workflow steps used to scan e.g., a 3-unit bridge. And reduce workflow steps to result in a handling time-savings of up to 40% for dental labs. 

Additionally, 3Shape Auto-Occlusion Technology makes the taking of a separate bite scan unnecessay. Auto-Occlusion Technology merges the previously simultaneously-scanned models within the software to create a correct bite. 

“We are excited to bring our new and updated scanners to the dental lab market. The increased scanning speeds and accuracy provide a terrific time-saving solution for high production labs working with all types of indications, including advanced restorations,” says Flemming Thorup, president and CEO, 3Shape.

3Shape also released Dental System™ 2015 – the newest version of its CAD software for dental professionals. 

3Shape Dental System™ 2015 introduces several new dental sculpting tools including full digital workflows for creating dentures, a simplified order form, boosted scanning speeds, and more restorative component libraries and compatibility integrations with third party dental product-makers. 

“Dental System™ 2015 demonstrates our commitment to providing innovative digital solutions for dental labs that significantly increase productivity and the range of services they can offer,” Thorup says. “The 2015 release delivers more opportunities for labs to grow their product portfolios and serve more customers.”

3Shape also officially launched Implant Studio™ software in the United States. 

Dental laboratories and dental practices use Implant Studio for prosthetic driven digital implant planning and surgical guide design. Implant Studio merges, within the software, cone beam (CBCT) images with intraoral 3D digital impression files. As a result, dentists and dental laboratories are able to evaluate the clinical situation digitally, including the assessment of bone density and nerve positions prior to implant surgery. 

Dental laboratories are then able to design as well as manufacture restorations and implant components, such as temporaries, crowns and abutments based on Implant Studio’s™ planning information. Labs can also design and print surgical guides using Implant Studio. Surgical guides are then used by dentists to direct drilling during implant surgery. 

SAVANNAH, GA – Brasseler USA^®, a leading manufacturer of quality dental instrumentation, and Ivoclar Vivadent^®, a leading manufacturer of innovative material systems for high-quality dental applications, have recently partnered in order to provide new innovations in dental procedural solutions. 

Specifically, Brasseler USA’s Innovations team collaborated with the experts at Ivoclar Vivadent to develop a specialized Crown & Bridge/Veneer Preparation System as well as a Chairside Finishing and Polishing system specifically designed to work with Ivoclar Vivadent’s IPS e.max^® restorative material. Starting in March, the new systems will be available to dental professionals exclusively through Brasseler USA.  

Ivoclar Vivadent’s IPS e.max products have garnered leadership in the ceramic restorative material market through superior performance. Extremely versatile, IPS e.max can be pressed as thin as .3 mm and is very durable, with strength between 360 and 400 MPa. IPS e.max restorations are strong and highly esthetic, making them ideal for both anterior and posterior cases. Precise preparation and finishing are made seamless when Brasseler USA’s instrumentation is utilized.

“Brasseler USA and Ivoclar Vivadent have come together with one goal in mind - to provide dentists and laboratories with innovative, easy-to-use procedural solutions,” remarked Larry Rose, Directory of Innovation, Brasseler USA. “We’ve combined two of the most well-regarded brands and products on the market to provide the most complete, reliable, and aesthetically-pleasing restorative solutions.”

For more information on the new procedural systems, contact a Brasseler USA representative or visit brasselercadcam.com.

Renishaw plc, a global engineering technologies company, and DENTSPLY Implants, one of the world’s leading companies in implant dentistry, have announced an agreement that will see DENTSPLY Implants purchase Renishaw additive manufacturing technology for the manufacture of dental products and Renishaw cease development of its Laserbridge™ implant-supported frameworks. 

Mikael Sander, Group Vice President, DENTSPLY Implants, says, “This agreement enables DENTSPLY Implants to fully exploit the exciting opportunity that 3D metal printing offers in the field of custom made medical devices. By using Renishaw’s highly respected technology, we can enhance our ability to deliver innovative solutions in implant dentistry for improved patient care while advancing our already strong market position.”

Bryan Austin, Director and General Manager of Renishaw’s Dental Products Division adds, “The chance to work with DENTSPLY Implants and see Renishaw additive manufacturing technology used by one of the world’s leading dental implant companies represents a wonderful opportunity for the dental team at Renishaw.”