• Automatic Design Procedure is Fast, Reliable, and Compatible with all Restorative Indications

Charlotte, NC (February 25, 2010) – Sirona Dental Systems, LLC (Nasdaq: SIRO), the company that pioneered digital impressions and dental CAD/CAM 25 years ago and the world’s leading producer of dental CAD/CAM and digital impression systems, is pleased to introduce user-friendly software developed for its CEREC^® chairside system.  The new software is based on Sirona’s patented Biogeneric technology.

Like fingerprints, no two human teeth are identical and each tooth has its own unique characteristics.  A group of researchers led by Professor Dr. Albert Mehl (Zurich University) and Professor Dr. Volker Blanz (Siegen University) have unraveled the rules that shape natural teeth, and these rules are based on a patient’s genetic makeup.  Sirona has harnessed this understanding into the new Biogeneric CEREC 3D software.

Version 3.8 of the CEREC software enables dentists to create lifelike reconstructions – even while working with completely damaged occlusal surfaces.  On the basis of a single intact tooth, the program extrapolates the natural morphology of that tooth to the patient’s damaged tooth structure.  CEREC 3.8 software can be used for all single-tooth restorations and for three-unit bridges.

“Biogenerics is based exclusively on the patient’s individual dentition status,” remarked Professor Mehl.  “This is a major advantage in terms of clinical reliability.  The more individual the occlusion, the better the resulting functionality.”

Currently, all occlusal design approaches are based on limited dental libraries and databases containing data records of various standard teeth.  Conventional CAD/CAM programs retrieve a matching tooth from the archive, and then generate a design proposal for the given clinical situation.  The user then manually edits and adapts this proposal.  No objective principles exist to justify this selection, and using matching databases can be subjective and time-consuming.

Explains Professor Mehl, “These standardized teeth are comparable to off-the-rack garments manufactured in standard sizes.  Frequently, such garments do not fit properly in all places and require subsequent alteration.  By contrast, a biogenerically designed tooth is a made-to-measure product; ‘tooth couture,’ if you will.”

“Biogenerics will revolutionize occlusal surface design,” remarked Bart Doedens, Vice President, Dental CAD/CAM Systems at Sirona.  “With a single mouse click, the user will obtain a natural and individually designed restoration that requires hardly any manual adjustment.  Such made-to-measure restorations are simpler, quicker, and, above all, more precise than their ‘off-the-rack’ equivalents.”

The Biogeneric design feature will replace the “dental database” feature in previous CEREC software versions.  With Version 3.8, it will be possible to easily create crowns, veneers, and anatomically sized bridges.  The user will simply require an intact reference tooth of the similar type – i.e., anterior or posterior.

The time-consuming process of selecting tooth morphology from dental databases has been virtually eliminated.  Moreover, due to the standardized and largely automated routines, the software is easy to learn and use.

For more information about any of Sirona’s CAD/CAM and digital impression solutions or to schedule a free demonstration, call your local Patterson branch, 800-873-7683, or visit www.cereconline.com.

About Sirona Dental Systems, LLC

Sirona, the dental technology leader, has served dealers and dentists worldwide for more than 130 years. Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a complete line of dental products, including CAD/CAM restoration systems (CEREC); digital intraoral, panoramic, and 3D imaging systems; dental treatment centers; and handpieces. Visit http://www.sirona.com for more information about Sirona and its products.

Thanks to Dr. Tom Hedge for providing video coverage of select vendor booths at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Conference!

E4D CAD/CAM Materials & eMax

Visit E4D online here.

Thanks to Dr. Tom Hedge for providing video coverage of select vendor booths at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Conference!

Visit DentalEZ Lite online here.

Thanks to Dr. Tom Hedge for providing video coverage of select vendor booths at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Conference!

If you’ve shied away from hard tissue lasers and you hate the mess with air abrasion, but you know that your rotary drill is antiquated, check this out: acid. Yep – now you can prepare teeth for fillings with the same stuff that burned off the face of the Joker…kind of.

Acid erosion is blamed for significant oral health concerns these days, but like many things in science, measured and monitored doses of acid can be used for good. The Icon acid syringe can perform 15-minute fillings with “no pain and no unnecessary loss of healthy hard tissue.”

Here’s how it works…

• First, a rubber barrier is placed around the tooth to be prepared.
• A small amount of acid gel is injected onto decayed tooth enamel.
• Over two minutes, the acid etches the tooth’s surface.
• After heat drying the area, ethanol is used to clean the tooth.
• The dentist places the composite or glass ionomer filling and cures it.
• Badabing. All done.
• See the video here.

The German “Icon” by DMG is on sale in some parts of Europe, but not yet in Brittan. While this innovative system is impressive, many techniques are under development to replace the traditional dental drill. A plasma jet, for one. So stay tuned – dental science is about to really take off!

Source:

Icon®
DMG Chemisch-Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH
Elbgaustraße 248
D-22547 Hamburg
Tel.: +49 (0) 40 84006 0
Fax: +49 (0) 40 84006 222
info@dmg-dental.com

Daily Mail

Roselle, Ill.—November 16, 2009–Planmeca’s new dental chair and ambidextrous left/right dental unit offers dentists unprecedented control of instruments while providing a custom fit with exceptional comfort for patients in the new PM 272 dental chair.

“Our new PM 270 Dental Unit and Chair has a unique feature that allows dentists to operate several dynamic instruments, the dental chair trim functions and programming, all from a single dual function  foot control. The PM 270’s dual mode foot control allows dentists to control chair position, turn the water on and off and activate several instruments with the touch of the foot.  Additionally, all chair movement locks in place while instruments are actively in use”, states Bill Kochelek, equipment sales manager for Planmeca.

Dentists will also enjoy the many unique features the custom-molded upholstery provides.  The chair upholstery is constructed of heat sensitive foam which molds to the patient’s body, creating a quick and comfortable experience that enhances the patient’s comfort.

Kochelek said “Planmeca designed the chair with an adjustable arm rest that can be retracted down to the seat upholstery to accommodate virtually any patient, including those with disabilities. Planmeca is committed to providing equipment for dentists who treat those with disabilities too so we made the PM 272 Chair with a retractable armrest system that allows for easy entry and exit of patients who require a wheelchair.”

Other PM 270 features include:

• Integrated doctor’s control TFT video monitor to view digital images and active video from a computer. Displays live intra-oral camera feedback.

• A 270-Degree Design for true right hand and left hand instrument position for both dentist and assistant
• Integrated fiber optic light control for up to four hand pieces
• Fully assembled and ready to install
• Microprocessor controlled unit

For more information, contact your authorized Planmeca dealer or call 1 630-523-2300.  Or visit www.planmecausa.com for more information.

About Planmeca USA

Planmeca USA is the North American Subsidiary of Planmeca OY, Helsinki, Finland. Planmeca OY is one of the largest privately held companies in the dental equipment industry. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Planmeca designs, manufactures, and markets high-tech dental equipment suitable for private clinics and teaching environments. Planmeca’s product lines include dental care units, Triangle Dental Cabinets, dental X-rays, digital imaging and software applications.

The company has been a forerunner in digital imaging and advanced, computer integrated dental care concepts for more than 38 years. Planmeca’s strong commitment to R&D and innovative solutions is evidenced by creating complete dental solutions with integrated high tech devices and software options. Planmeca products are designed and manufactured in Helsinki, Finland, and distributed worldwide via a comprehensive network of dealers operating around the world. More than 98% of Planmeca production is exported to over 100 countries.

The company is well established on high-tech dental markets worldwide. Planmeca has considerable market shares e.g. in the U.S., Japan, and several European countries.

Planmeca, established in 1971, is the parent company of Planmeca Group, a group of companies in the field of health care, with approximately 2,300 employees.