On April 17, Custom Automated Prosthetics will open a new office in Clearwater, Florida.
This state-of-the-art facility will serve as an outsource center and showroom for laboratories in the region as well as a training and education space. CAP will kick off with Izir Bridge and 3Shape trainings and a free opening party from 5pm - 8pm on Friday, April 17.
For more information and to RSVP for the opening party, visit cap-us.com/events.
Quebec City - Panthera Dental has introduced a new distributor, Dental Axess AG, based in Zurich, Switzerland. Laboratories and dentists that wish to get Panthera Dental solutions now can do so through Dental Axess AG services.
“We really think this partnership will open doors in a key area of the European market," says Bernard Robichaud, co-founder of Panthera. "Dental Axess AG is a well-established reseller of CAD/CAM solutions in Australia that has been delivering services and products up to the quality standards of Panthera Dental. Today, they have opened an office in Switzerland, and it is with great pleasure that we continue our collaboration with Dental Axess to deliver the best solutions in this new European market.”
During IDS 2015, EGS presented a wide range of innovations for laboratory owners who are looking for easy-to-use products that efficiently cover the entire workflow in digital dentistry.
The highlights included several key products: DScan, Vertys Furbo, DentalCad and Smile Digital System (DSS).
A next-generation dental scanner, the new DScan 3.2 uses structured blue light technology for faster and more accurate 3D scanning. Designed specifically to accommodate the Vertys Furbo, DScan 3.2 allows users to carry out the acquisition of the models in occlusion digitizing the entire verticulator in a certain and repeatable position.
In fact, Vertys Furbo is a tool that works around 3 axes and allows levels movement along a single vertical axis, separating antagonist models in a uniform and continuous way. Essential for wax-up matching, control of the spaces, construction of metal girders and implant bridge, or to reproduce the occlusal surface, the verticulator Furbo ensures greater adjustment and regulation precision.
Another product on display was DentalCad 4 - CAD software for dental modeling with full functional coverage in a single license. The new version features, in addition to the most common processing (plants, bridges, crowns, inlays, veneers, etc.), higher performance wax-up functions, angled implants support and analysis, and control tools that support the user in modeling. Download DentalCad free trial from here.
Finally, on display was the Digital Smile System (DSS), the user-friendly software that allows users to design the functional and esthetic rehabilitation of the smile in just a few steps. The new version 2.0 features direct and automatic integration with DentalCad software, allowing the possibility of exporting the project into the CAD environment to continue modeling in 3D. It also presents the new prosthetic module for edentulous patients with a complete set of commercial libraries. Thanks to the automatic face shape detection tool, DSS is able to advise the best commercial library to use for each patient. Download DSS free trial from here.
Novi, Mich.—EOS, a global technology and market leader for high-end Additive Manufacturing (AM) solutions, has announced that Glynn Fletcher has been named president of EOS of North America, Inc. The appointment reinforces the company’s already strong position in the growing market for AM technology.
“Throughout his career, Glynn Fletcher’s deep understanding of innovative production processes has proved invaluable to the manufacturers of high-value parts,” says Dr. Hans Langer, founder and CEO of EOS. “Our customers will benefit from not only his long manufacturing experience but also his international perspective formed in Europe and the Americas. This will strengthen our ability to help our customers find new ways to exploit the potential of our technology.”
Fletcher was previously the president of GF Machining Solutions (GFMS) Americas LLC, Lincolnshire, Ill. (formerly known as GF AgieCharmilles). Jointly, GFMS and EOS have previously showcased the power of Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, for example, demonstrating a nearly automatic process chain for creating injection and blow-mold tooling at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), America’s largest event of its kind. This process chain example reinforces the concept that Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing are complementary.
“In North America as elsewhere, customers want to apply our technologies not only to lead in innovation but to more fully integrate with traditional manufacturing processes,” Dr. Hans Langer adds. “Meeting this objective has been a long-term strategy of ours. The appointment of Glynn Fletcher underscores our commitment to the success of our customers and to EOS’ ongoing growth in this region.”
“As someone who has been around machining systems for many years, I recognize the tremendous potential of Additive Manufacturing as an industrial 3D-printing process,” Fletcher says. “Manufacturers throughout North America can use EOS systems to expand markets, shorten lead times, and optimize their supply chains. Most important, the technology not only helps them make existing products in a new, efficient process, it allows them to completely re-imagine designs in ways that weren’t possible before.”
Fletcher will also be managing two companies within the EOS family: Advanced Laser Materials (ALM), the leading provider of high-performance polymers, including customized blends, for the AM industry, and Integra Services, which offers high-quality service and support for rapid prototyping and AM technology.
Glastonbury, Conn. – MIST Inc. is the latest company to verify the content of its restorative products for laboratories and dentists through the IdentAlloy/IdentCeram program.
Dental laboratories ordering MIST materials now will receive free certificates verifying their composition and ADA classification. Laboratories can then keep copies for own records while submitting other copies to dentists for use in patient education, records filing and insurance claim back-up.
“MIST’s voluntary participation in the IdentAlloy/IdentCeram program further demonstrates the company’s deep commitment to customer satisfaction,” commented Chuck Yenkner, Executive Director of the Council. “Likewise, laboratories and dentists utilize the certificates as another way to highlight their own professionalism.”
Felix Chung, President of MIST, said, “We’re leveraging the certification program as another component of MIST’s comprehensive approach to quality and efficiency. Long after patients leave the chair, our customers will now have third-party certificates attesting to the authenticity of the materials used in their restorations.”
Wembley, United Kingdom - Meticulous Research announced the release of a new market research report titled, “Global Dental 3D Printing Market Outlook: 2014-2020.” According to the publication, the global dental 3D printing market is expected to reach $752.5 million by the year 2020 with a CAGR of 23.3% over the period of 2014 to 2020. The research report analyzes the major drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges that have a long and short-term impact on its growth across the globe.
The dental 3D printing market is segmented by application, technology, and material. The market is mainly divided by application into dental implants, dentures, surgical guides, and other range of orthodontic products. The dental implant market is further subdivided into the crowns and bridges, screws and abutments, and temporaries; while the dentures market is subdivided as partial dentures and full dentures. The dental 3D printing market is mainly driven by the growing acceptance to 3D printing among the dental laboratories, widening applications of 3D printing in dentistry, government initiatives to promote research activities in 3D printing, increased investments by key players to incorporate the 3D printing technology, and the continuous technological advancements in this field. However, high costs of 3D printers and printing materials that can be used for a longer duration is one of the major factors restricting the growth of this market to some extent.
The North American region accounted for the largest share in the global dental 3D printing market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The Asia-Pacific region provides significant opportunities for the growth of this market as a result of many technological and healthcare reforms in the region with improved economic conditions and positive approach of the government towards the healthcare sector. The report elucidates various important aspects of the global dental 3D printing market that facilitate the understanding of this market at a granular level.
The report provides the competitive landscape of the major players in this market, such as Stratasys Ltd, (Israel), 3D Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Concept Laser GmbH (Germany), DWS Systems (Italy), EnvisionTEC Inc. (Germany), EOS GmbH (Germany), Innovation MediTech GmbH (Germany), Renishaw plc. (U.K), Rapid Shape, Inc. (Germany), SLM Solutions GmbH (Germany), Solidscape Inc. (U.S.) and many others with detailed analysis of their product portfolio, financials, and recent developments.
See the full report at https://www.meticulousresearch.com/research/global-dental-3d-printing-market-outlook-2014-2020/
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Digital workflows and new systems are rapidly changing the way today's dentists and dental laboratories operate, but closed systems can limit choices - preventing doctors and laboratory technicians from working the way they want. In another transformative step toward broadening design options, 3M™ Margin Marking Software is now fully integrated with CAD/CAM design platform exocad® DentalCAD. The improved workflow provides dental laboratories a seamless integration with an industry-leading CAD/CAM system, and dentists now can work with more laboratories, ultimately increasing access to a broader range of treatment options.
Using the new Trusted Connections, 3M True Definition Scanner digital impression files are easily converted and imported into the exocad DentalCAD, which has been updated with the latest design information for Lava™ materials. Designed to work exclusively with the 3M True Definition Scanner, 3M Margin Marking Software provides an unparalleled view of the oral anatomy, allowing laboratory technicians to precisely mark the 3D mesh by simultaneously marking a stereoscopic 3D image. 3M Margin Marking Software eliminates guesswork by offering users a clear picture of the oral anatomy, contributing to a clinically proven 99.7% fit rate for dental restorations.
"The 3M Margin Marking Software plays a critical role in ensuring that the unparalleled accuracy of the 3M True Definition can be carried through our entire laboratory workflow," said Brett Pittman, owner of Pittman Dental Lab in Gainesville, Georgia. "Our doctors frequently report fewer remakes and little or no adjustment of occlusal surfaces and proximal contacts with restorations produced from digital impressions from the 3M True Definition Scanner, in large part due to the quality of the Margin Marking Software tools that 3M provides."
The software (for exclusive use with the 3M True Definition Scanner) is available to subscribers of the 3M Standard Lab Package and includes access to the 3M Connection Center, the secure data management platform for all 3M Digital Impressions. Access to the 3M Connection Center allows laboratories to quickly and seamlessly receive digital impressions created on 3M True Definition Scanners.
The new Trusted Connection will be available in Western Europe in Spring 2015. The US launch is expected to follow in late Spring 2015.
Valplast International Corporation announced at IDS 2015 in Germany the prototype of its 3D Printable Valplast® Resin. This major advancement in additive manufacturing represents the first Class IIA (European Union) and Class II (USA) Denture Base Resin that will yield a permanent restoration directly from 3D printing.
"Over the past 5 years, Valplast has made a considerable investment in developing digital design and 3-dimensional printing techniques for the fabrication of removable dental appliances. We are extremely excited about now being able to print our classic Valplast Flexible Dental Resin, combining the world's most popular flexible denture material with the most modern manufacturing techniques in the industry," said Justin S. Marks, CDT.
This new breakthrough represents a major upgrade over the current "Precise-Fit" technique, which uses digital design and 3D printing of prototype dentures that are used to replace the waxing, blockout, and duplication stages prior to the traditional Valplast injection molding process.
The production models of associated equipment are in design and testing and will be rolled out to the industry together with new techniques allowing flexible methods of fabrication and tooth placement.
This news came shortly after Valplast revealed its new solution to bring digital dentures to existing CAD/CAM users in Chicago. Platinum 3D from Valplast is a new product line featuring the new Platinum Series brand of denture tooth by Valplast, a multilayered, nano-filled PMMA denture tooth.
“As was the case with digital RPD’s several years ago, our ability to digitally design a full denture predated our ability to manufacture one. Most labs that have gone digital already have access to full denture CAD software such as 3Shape or Dental Wings, but there are currently no materials or products on the market that allow these labs to have complete control over an in-house manufacturing process," Marks said.
A digital library of 3D tooth models will be made available to all Platinum 3D denture tooth customers. Platinum 3D is the first digital denture solution available to labs in a completely open architecture format-compatible with any open scanner and CAD software for full dentures and no licensing fees. Expensive per-unit costs and licensing fees have prevented more laboratories from jumping on board with the digital denture systems that are currently on the market.
“From the discussions that I have had with other laboratory owners, laboratories are hungry for the opportunity to scan and design digital full dentures on their existing equipment and then utilize either a 3D printing or milling solution for the manufacturing output. Closed architecture formats are a thing of the past, and the introduction of Platinum 3D gives laboratories flexibility over their choice of scanner, design module and manufacturing method for digital full dentures," explained Marks.
Ultimately, Platinum 3D from Valplast enables laboratories to scan, design, and manufacture digital full dentures in-house without the need to outsource any or all components. These solutions will include manufacturing support and materials for both milled and printed denture processes.
Peter Nagy, Valplast’s CEO, comments, "The dental laboratory industry is undergoing significant transformation in markets all over the world. To stay viable, all members of the profession need to embrace technological advancement. Valplast was one of the first to push the limits of restorative convenience in the mid-Twentieth Century. And in the early 21st we have again assumed a pioneering role in bringing new technology to the arena of removable restoration."
Andover, MA – To demonstrate the performance and reliability of Straumann’s dental implant system, the company has launched a commercial in which the Group’s CEO, Marco Gadola, is suspended upside down from just 4 Straumann dental implants.
The CEO is carried entirely by 3 tiny screw threads on 4 standard Straumann connecting screws measuring 2mm in diameter, inside the implants. This is shown clearly in a supplementary video, which explains how the suspension was performed.
The commercial clip is the cornerstone of an awareness campaign to underline the importance of original Straumann prosthetic components for long-term implant treatment. The commercial and the supplementary "making-of" video are both available at www.straumann.us/original.
Compatible is not original
Third-party manufacturers have products they say are compatible with Straumann originals. However, other manufacturers do not have access to the exact manufacturing specifications, which are proprietary and strictly confidential to Straumann. Compatible is not original; if the connection between the implant and the abutment is imprecise, it can increase the risk of complications. Long-term scientific evidence1 underlines the clinical performance of Straumann original prosthetic components.
Non-original abutments are used to cut initial treatment costs - often without the patient being adequately informed of this and the possible consequences. In some cases, the treating dentist is not informed by the laboratory that non-original products have been supplied. Straumann’s campaign addresses this by drawing attention to the importance of original components.
More than a promise
Marco Gadola, CEO of Straumann, commented: “Our ultimate goal at Straumann is to instill complete confidence – in our products, our services, and our people. By taking part in this campaign personally, I wanted to share my complete confidence in the precision and reliability of our implant system with customers – in words and action. I also wanted to highlight my confidence in our specialists. I did not need test results or demonstrations; their word that this would work was enough. The commercial also reflects the innovative and creative power of our team. I wouldn’t have done this with any other product on the market.”
Reference
1. Wittneben JG, Buser D, Salvi GE, Bürgin W, Hicklins, Brägger U: Complication and failure rates with implant-supported fixed dental prostheses and single crowns: A 10 y retrospective study. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res 2013: April 2.
Nobilium has announced that it now represents EOS, a world leader in laser-sintering solutions, to bring additive manufacturing technology, also known as industrial 3D printing, to dental laboratories in North America.
Laser sintering "grows" near-net shapes, doing away with costly and time-consuming tasks such as waxing, investing, divesting, cutting, and grinding. This makes it economical for Direct Metal Laser-Sintering (DMLS™) to create mass-customized crowns, bridges and removeable partial dentures.
DMLS is a manufacturing technology that builds-up parts additively layer by layer by fusing metal powder into a solid part by melting it locally using a focused laser beam.
With the traditional casting production process, a dental technician can currently produce only approximately 20 dental units per day. With EOS laser-sintering solutions, however, approximately 450 units for crowns and bridges can be produced within 24 hours, at the same time ensuring constant product quality. This corresponds to approximately 3 minutes average build time per unit.
Thin cross sections of alloy powder are sequentially melted by a laser driven by this geometry, automatically building complete 3D restorations with structural fixtures attached.
Needless to say, laser sintering is revolutionary in the dental laboratory environment. The financial advantages are huge.
On the one hand, the DMLS system produces up to 450 dental units directly from CAD data (in one single process, without casting) within one day.
Removable partial dentures can also be made via DMLS and have a higher strength than a conventional lost-wax castings and the risk of a clasp breakage is lower. The high level of detail supports the reproduction of complex structures and the finished products comply with the relevant standards EN 1641 as well as EN ISO 22674.
EOS technology is very accurate and therefore makes laboratory work easier. The DMLS removable partial denture has an accuracy of +/- 20 μm and is of a consistently high quality. Around 48 units can be produced within 24 hours. This corresponds to an average construction time of around 30 minutes per unit.
