The Dental Technician Magazine October 2023

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VOL 76 No. 10 I OCTOBER 2023 I BY SUBSCRIPTION

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THE LAB VISION OF THE FUTURE

ELLIS WEST I HENRY SCHEIN DENTAL TEAM PAGE 18

A GLIMPSE AT ZIRKONZAHN’S NEW PREMOLARIS PRODUCTION SITE

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NEWS: PERFECT PAIRINGS I BLUEPRINT DENTAL AND PRESTIGE DENTAL P. 12

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INTERVIEW: BORIS JOVANOVIC P. 20-22

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CASE REPORT: DARIUS NORTHEY P. 30-33

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Anzeige UK | The Dental Technicians | Format: 216 x 303 mm | Sprache: EN | DU 19.01.2023

CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2023 WELCOME

6 8-9

From the Editor Editorial Board

DENTAL NEWS

10 12

Dentsply Sirona and 3Shape expand their workflow integrations Perfect pairings – Blueprint Dental and Prestige Dental announce partnership

INSIGHT

14 18 26 34-35

Driving sustainable growth – Ian Smith The lab vision of the future – Ellis West A glimpse at Zirkonzhan’s new Premolaris production site Let’s get social! – Hayley Irons

INTERVIEW

16 20-22

An interview with… Mark Welch The mucogingival art gallery of Boris Jovanovic

EVENTS

23 24

The Nightshift Online Symposium Vita Zahnfabrik highlights from the Dentistry Show London

ECPD

28-29

Free verifiable ECPD & ECPD questions

CASE STUDY

30-33

An efficient full denture team - Darius Northay

DENTAL TECHNOLOGY

36-37

Enhancing aesthetics using gingival composite – Bethany Brown

MARKETPLACE

Take care of your technicians Createch Medical Kemdent Carving Wax Zirkonzahn M6 Teleskoper blank changer milling unit Medentika implant system Kemdent PumiceSafe

38 40 40 41 42 42

CLASSIFIEDS

43

Editor: Heather Grimes E: editor@dentaltechnician.org.uk Advertising Manager: Chris Trowbridge E: sales@dentaltechnician.org.uk T: 07399 403602 Designer: Sharon (Bazzie) Larder E: inthedoghousedesign@gmail.com Editorial Advisory Board Sir Paul Beresford Deepa Bharakhda Chris Golze Andrea Johnson Sharaz Mir Sean Thompson Philip Wears

PUBLISHED BY THE DENTAL TECHNICIAN MAGAZINE, PO BOX 2279, PULBOROUGH, RH20 9BR. T: 01372 897463

Subscriptions: The Dental Technician, Select Publisher Services Ltd, PO Box 6337, Bournemouth BH1 9EH

The Dental Technician Magazine is an independent publication and is not associated with any professional body or commercial establishment other than the publishers.

Views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the editor, publisher or the editorial advisory board. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are welcome, though no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage, howsoever caused.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the editor or the publisher.

Extend your subscription by recommending a colleague There is a major change in CPD coming soon.

The Dental Technician Magazine is a must read.

Tell your colleagues to subscribe and if they do so we will extend your subscription for 3 months. The only condition is that they have not subscribed to the magazine for more than 12 months. Just ask them to call the Subscriptions Hotline. With four colleagues registered that means your subscription would be extended for a year free of charge. At only £49.95 per year, for UK residents, this must be the cheapest way of keeping up to date. Help your colleagues to keep up to date as well. Ask them to call the subscriptions Hotline on 01202 586 848 now.

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WELCOME

From the

Welcome to the October issue of The Dental Technician Magazine. We’re here to make your working world a little brighter, a tad more insightful, and definitely a lot more fun! In this issue, we aim to bring you new perspectives and invaluable knowledge that will empower you in your journey as dental technicians and lab owners.

Within these pages, you’ll find a treasure trove of innovations and expertise to serve as your trusted source of information and inspiration. We’re here to bring you the information you need to elevate your craft and stay at the forefront of the dental tech field through articles, features, and case studies that highlight the innovation and craftsmanship that define our profession.

From the latest advancements in digital dentistry to the artistry of handcrafted

Editor dental restorations, our team of industry professionals share their tips, and tricks to help you shine in your lab. I’m really excited that Ian Smith is working with us to share his business tips that are designed to help you elevate your lab business, so make sure you turn to page 14 to check out his 90-day plan. On page 34 Hayley Irons also shares her best advice on using social media to its maximum effect to help you connect with potential clients and build brand awareness. We also have a great piece on page 36 from Bethany Brown, otherwise known as @thepartyenamel, sharing why using gingival composite is important to her work, and how you can learn to offer this to your own clients.

Your feedback, questions, and contributions are the lifeblood of this magazine; we want to hear from you.

Tell us about your tech triumphs, your hilarious lab mishaps, or show us your lab bench – complete with your favourite snacks (we love snacks, don’t judge) – in an upcoming Tech’s Eye View feature.

The Dental Technician Magazine is your platform, and we’re all ears here! Feel free to reach out and let us know what topics you’d like to see covered, or share your own experiences and innovations with your fellow readers. Drop me an email at editor@dentaltechnician.org.uk with your ideas.

As dental technicians, your role in patient care is vital, and we are dedicated to being your companion on your journey to excellence. Thank you for choosing Dental Technician Magazine as your source of information, inspiration, and community.

Heather Grimes | Editor

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6 I www.dentaltechnician.org.uk

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EDITORIAL BOARD CHRIS GOLZE w I’m Chris Golze! Dental technician, lab owner and Olympic-class swearer! Born in Doncaster, raised in Doncaster and currently working in… you guessed it. You could say I’m a proud Yorkshireman too!

SIR PAUL BERESFORD w I am the MP for Mole Valley and a practising dentist.

I am New Zealand born and bred, married with four children; three sons and one daughter. I graduated in dentistry in New Zealand and took a year’s postgraduate course at the Eastman Dental Hospital. I first practised in the East End of London before moving to the West End. I joined the Putney Conservatives and was elected to Wandsworth Council in 1978 and was its Leader between 1983 and 1992. I was knighted in the 1990 New Year Honours for political and public service.

PHILIP WEARS w Dental technology has been in my family now for three generations and as such I’m incredibly passionate about our industry and feel suitably placed to help bring the content technicians want to read.

I’ve worked in all types of lab throughout the north of England from small one man and his dog labs, to huge corporates, and now I own my own lab.

I believe there’s never been a better time to be a dental technician than right now.

What makes this time so exciting is the technology, the new materials and techniques mixed in with a newer generation willing to share tips and tricks.

Dentists and patients are wanting, expecting bigger and better work than ever before and it’s our chance to shine.

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I can usually be found skulking around the various social media platforms, hopefully chipping in with the odd useful post but probably more likely taking a thread off on a tangent!

I’ve been in the lab industry since 1994.

Starting off in a local practice -owned, full -service lab, moving to being co-owner of that same lab, then progressing to my current position of sole owner of XSDental.

My favoured area, and what the business concentrates on, is thermoforming. I’ve been fortunate enough to speak with and learn from many people over the years. This has allowed me to develop my own techniques and (hopefully) point others in the right direction on occasion too. I think it’s an area which is often overlooked as it’s not quite got the glamour that ceramics, prosthetics and even the wire mastery that some ortho has. There’s a few thermo-wizards out there now so maybe it’ll start to share the glitz the other departments bask in!

I’ve got to say I was pretty surprised to be asked to join the Editorial Board.

Those who know me well will be aware this is new for me but something I am looking forward to. It does feel quite the honour to be amongst some very well-respected names from our profession. Hopefully as a group we’ll be able to bring an informative, educational, fun and (important to me) all-inclusive feel to The Dental Technician magazine.

If anybody wants to connect and discuss articles and the magazine I can be found on the various Facebook groups under my own name and on Instagram at @xslabtech (and I managed all that without swearing…)

DEEPA BHARAKHDA w My name is Deepa Bharakhda originally from Old Trafford, Manchester!

Currently living in Leicester UK. I am a trained and registered dental technician since 2010! I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University, currently working in a private laboratory in Leicester called Dencraft Leicester. I am prosthetic technician working with specialist dentists at a specialist practice on site as well as dentists outside the lab. I love working with dentists and building a good working relationship that helps me to fabricate beautiful work with a happy patient.

I have developed special interests in implants, over bar dentures and acrylic hybrids with an artistic flare for composite work! I love making dentures and hybrids look natural and beautiful. I am always wanting to learn new techniques, skills, meet new people and share knowledge. I am lucky to be part of a great dental community connecting with people around the world.

My passion in the dental field has led me to peruse dental photography and capture beautiful images of my work. I have had the opportunity to write for Dental Technicians Guild Magazine, Laboratory Dentistry and Dentistry.co.uk as well as been a speaker at dentistry shows.

I am a co-founder of Nightshift on Facebook, a group designed to elevate and celebrate female dental techs by giving them a space where they showcase their knowledge and skills.

I am very passionate about my profession creating beautiful smiles and making a difference is quite rewarding!

EDITORIAL BOARD ANDREA JOHNSON

went from strength to strength, now employing over 70 highly respected members of staff. Ashford became an early implementer of digital techniques within orthodontics and firmly established itself as the ‘go to’ lab for digital orthodontics at scale, servicing almost 30% of NHS contract holding practices.

w I am the chair and co-founder of dental charity Den-Tech, an orthodontic and maxillofacial laboratory manager/highly specialised dental technician, quality improvement coach, healthcare careers ambassador and clinical research intern at Doncaster & Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust.

I am an advisory board member, careers pathway reference group member and fellow of the College of General Dentistry.

I am a Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) Cohort Director & co-lead of the HLA Dental network. I have a PgCert in charity management and 1st class BSc hons in Dental Technology.

SEAN THOMPSON

I like to be very active within the dental profession and am regularly called upon to sit on advisory committees and working groups with bodies such as the General Dental Council, Health Education East Midlands and many more.

w I entered into dental technology in 1982 by means of a summer job whilst waiting to start university after studying A-levels in biology, chemistry and English literature. I started a four-year apprenticeship training programme in dental technology instead, qualifying with Distinctions in 1986 after completing City and Guilds at Newcastle College, gaining the ‘Top Student’ award in the process for both the intermediary and final examinations.

Some of my previous roles include chair of the Orthodontic Technicians Association (OTA), council member of the Dental Technologists Association (DTA), associate lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), visiting lecturer at the University of Chester, sessional teacher at Nottingham College, a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) ambassador and Chair of the Women in Healthcare Leadership Summit 2022.

I worked in various commercial laboratories for 18 years before gaining employment running the day-to-day operations of the orthodontic and maxillofacial laboratory at Sunderland Royal Hospital. Whilst there, I studied for a further two years gaining a postgrad professional studies diploma in maxillofacial technology from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2002.

Winner of a Star award, Pride of Derby award and the Aldridge Medal, I am a keen advocate of lifelong learning, I have written many CPD papers and lectured on a variety of subjects both nationally and internationally.

I decided to leave employment to form a specialised orthodontic laboratory, establishing Ashford Orthodontics in January 2001, which

Outside of work and professional activities I enjoy running, going to the gym, walking my dogs and adventure travel.

SHARAZ MIR

Twitter handle: @kittani5 LinkedIn profile: andreajohnson0705

I set up and grew other associated businesses such as Quick Straight Teeth and Retainerworld, as well as CSG Properties Ltd, all of which were successfully sold on. Was elected to the OTA council in 2012 with aims to enhance the Commercial Laboratory representation by giving Private Laboratories a ‘voice’ within the OTA, whilst forging links with our other professional bodies.

Ashford grew from a modest £50,000 per year turnover to an almost £7 million business before my retirement in June 2021, after successfully negotiating the formation of a new company called ALS into which Ashford’s shares were pooled along with significant inward investment from Ansor Ltd. I exited the business, allowing the pursuit of other interests including professional coaching via a directorship in a consultancy company called Ashmore Consulting Ltd, and CEO of Retainers4life.

Outside of work, my other passion is Sunderland the ‘City’ and thus Sunderland Football Club, following them through ‘thin and thin’ for the last 50 years, attending almost every game with my wife Allison and sons Matthew and Nicholas.

w I am the co-founder and sales and marketing director at Blueprint Dental.

I achieved a BTEC in dental technology at Kings College London in 1993 and attended the University of Sheffield to gain a BMedSci and an MPhil in dental technology.

I am an exceptionally approachable individual with a passion for dentistry and the patience of a rock. I have a unique eye for what I call ‘products and projects’, being able to spot the next best thing in dentistry and implementing it. This has been key to keeping Blueprint Dental ahead of the game.

I am very passionate about my profession creating beautiful smiles and making a difference is quite rewarding!

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NEWS

Dentsply Sirona and 3Shape expand their workflow integrations Dentsply Sirona and 3Shape are expanding their workflow integrations to enable dental professionals through DS Core and 3Shape Unite to use a scan-to-lab workflow or establish design and manufacturing protocols directly in their practice

D

entsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, and 3Shape, a leading innovator of digital solutions for dental patient care, open the next chapter in their workflow integrations.

The harmonisation of DS Core, Primemill and Primeprint, with the 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner powered by 3Shape Unite, creates more integrated workflows for digital dentistry. Dentists and dental technicians will benefit from simple, secure, and connected technology solutions for effective collaboration which enables them to provide excellent dental care and move forward with confidence.

SEAMLESS EXECUTION OF LAB ORDERS Dentsply Sirona intraoral scanners such as Primescan will now connect directly with the 3Shape Dental System Software via DS Core. Dentists will be able to easily transmit orders to their lab partners via DS Core.

In the lab, this data can then be directly processed in 3Shape Dental System, which can save valuable time.

INNOVATIVE IN-OFFICE SOLUTIONS Dentists will be able to seamlessly connect TRIOS scanners to Primemill and Primeprint for in-office milling and printing via 3Shape Unite, DS Core and the inLab CAD software. Thus, high-quality prosthetic restorations such as permanent esthetic crowns, as well as removable and temporary dental applications such as splints, temporary crowns or models can be manufactured directly in the dental practice same day.

For Dentsply Sirona and 3Shape, this is an important next step within their

workflow integrations to advance digital dentistry in practices and labs and help improve oral health worldwide.

Rune Fisker (left), 3Shape’s senior vice president of product strategy says: ‘3Shape and Dentsply Sirona are providing seamless workflows for our shared customer base.

Dentists and labs will now benefit from smooth in-office manufacturing and send-to-lab solutions thanks to an expanded and validated interconnection of our systems. By being faithful to 3Shape’s open system principles, we are excited to combine such powerful opportunities in the industry.’

Andreas Frank (left), executive vice president and chief business officer at Dentsply Sirona, commented: ‘The closer integration of leading offerings from Dentsply Sirona and 3Shape via DS Core opens new possibilities for dental practices and labs. Our customers expect to easily combine solutions from different companies in their practice to confidently deliver optimal performance. We are committed to expanding workflow integrations through our platform, DS Core, and thereby help dental professionals move forward with confidence. We are excited that 3Shape TRIOS users will now be able to expand their practices easily with in-office manufacturing solutions such as Primemill and Primeprint.’

More information about Dentsply Sirona is available on the Dentsply Sirona Website: www.dentsplysirona.com More information about 3Shape is available on the 3Shape website: www.3shape.com

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Powered by DS Core, you can integrate your Primeprint Solution with our expert design service, DS CoreTM Create, and other digital solutions for truly seamless workflows. Now you can stay connected like never before.

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NEWS

PERFECT PAIRINGS

Blueprint Dental and Prestige Dental are delighted to announce their strategic partnership, bringing together the very best in premium laboratory equipment with an extensive range of first-class consumables. From September this year, they will be out and about visiting laboratories with a wealth of information, demo kits and advice on all the latest products and how they work effectively together.

S

haraz Mir, sales & marketing director for Blueprint Dental commented: ‘We’re truly pleased to be partnering with our friends at Prestige Dental. Their range of products complements those of Blueprint really well and will enable us both to offer excellent solutions to our dental laboratory customers throughout the UK.’ The companies have a long history of association, and none more so than well known figures across the industry, Alan Wright and Paul Martin. In fact, between them they can boast over 95 years of experience across the dental laboratory arena - a staggering achievement! Sharing a passion for detail, problem solving and a wealth of technical experience, they are both regularly sought out for that very reason by technicians and on forums for their expertise and advice.

But with an eye very much on the future, Blueprint have recently welcomed Rick Esgate to their lab team. Rick brings a wealth of experience and expertise in dental laboratory digital CAD/CAM and scanning techniques and will work alongside Alan to ensure a seamless transition as laboratories look to adopt more digital technologies alongside traditional craftmanship skills.

Given that background, perhaps it is no surprise that the companies have so much in common. Both operate on a very similar ethos of quality products, backed by technical knowledge and underpinned by great customer service.

PICTURED ABOVE LEFT: Lucy Gabbitas and Paul Martin, directors, Prestige Dental RIGHT: Sharaz Mir, sales & marketing director and Rick Esgate business development manager, Blueprint Dental

Lucy Gabbitas and Paul Martin, directors of Prestige Dental, were keen to confirm the partnership which they describe as a ‘Perfect Pairing’. ‘We’ve known and worked alongside Blueprint Dental for many years, but cementing the relationship with a more structured approach was a great opportunity. The combination of Blueprint’s

equipment and Prestige’s consumables present unique scope to the laboratory marketplace and we can’t wait to get started.’

The initiative launching with Blueprint and Prestige in September, will be backed by a series of opening joint promotions, so be on the look out for these or get in touch.

For any further information contact Lizc@prestige-dental.co.uk

PRESTIGE DENTAL I PAUL MARTIN

07714 0458 214 I 01274 721567 I www.prestige-dental.co.uk

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BLUEPRINT DENTAL I ALAN WRIGHT

07904 413 211 I 0800 228 9828 I www.bluprintdental.co.uk

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INSIGHT

Driving sustainable growth Ian Smith provides a 90-day roadmap for customer valuecentric strategy implementation

I

n today’s fiercely competitive business landscape, customer-centricity isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a strategic imperative. To achieve sustainable growth, organisations must align their strategies, operations, and culture around delivering unmatched value to their customers. In this article, I’ll outline a 90-day roadmap for implementing a customer value-focused strategy, structured as ‘See, Enable, and Embed,’ to ensure that your company’s growth is not just a flash in the pan but a continuous journey.

Day 1-30: SEE Customer-centric awareness

The first 30 days are all about building a strong foundation by creating awareness and aligning leadership, management, and people teams around a customer-centric mindset.

• Leadership alignment: Start by gaining commitment from top leadership. Hold discussions and workshops to emphasise the importance of customer value in achieving sustainable growth. Encourage leaders to be champions of this change. Decision makers and sponsors will be key from the outset.

• Customer feedback: Obtain direct feedback from your customers. Conduct surveys, interviews, and customer journey mapping to understand their pain points, expectations, and the unique value they seek from your products or services.

• Value proposition review: Assess your current value proposition against customer feedback. Identify gaps and areas for improvement. Ensure that the value you offer aligns with what customers truly value and are willing to pay for.

• Feedback integration: Implement systems to gather and analyse customer feedback in real-time. Ensure that customer insights are accessible to every team member, allowing for immediate, but not reactive, action when needed.

Day 31-60: ENABLE Empowering teams for customer value

• Cultural transformation: Encourage a cultural shift where every team member Now that the leadership understands their role and management teams in delivering customer are on board and clear value. Recognise and on what the customer celebrate individuals The mantra of truly values most, the and teams that embody ‘See, Enable, Embed’ next 30 days are about this culture. embodies the enabling your teams to • Leadership essence of value execute the customercontinuity: Ensure centric strategy effectively. that leadership’s and growth. commitment to customer• Skills and training: Provide centricity is maintained. necessary training and resources to Leaders should consistently employees at all levels to equip them champion the cause and integrate with the skills, tools, process and support customer value into strategic planning. needed to understand, communicate, and • Customer-centric innovation: deliver the value that customers seek.

Encourage innovation with a customer• Eliminate non-value-added tasks: centric lens. Develop processes In this phase, identify and eliminate for continuously identifying and tasks and processes that do not directly implementing new ways to deliver more contribute to delivering value to customers. value to your customers.

Streamline operations to focus resources on • Feedback loop closure: Demonstrate high-impact activities. Better still, obtain to your customers that their feedback feedback from your wokforce as to what matters by closing the loop. Share tasks do not contribute the value your how their input led to improvements, customers seek - the value that they have showcasing your commitment to their told you they pay you for. needs. This will then open further • Cross-functional collaboration: doors for referrals from your clients, Foster collaboration between different opportunities to up-sell and/or justify price departments and teams. Break down silos increases to reflect the value added. and encourage open communication to CONCLUSION ensure that everyone is aligned with the Implementing a customer valuecustomer value mission. focused strategy over 90 days • Performance metrics: Define key requires a structured approach performance indicators (KPIs) that that encompasses awareness, reflect customer-centric goals. Be sure empowerment, and integration. to make these SMART goals for your customer value measures and also business By obtaining direct feedback from customers, aligning leadership and performance ensuring there is a direct teams, and eliminating non-valuelink between them both. Monitor progress added tasks, you set the stage for regularly and make data-driven decisions sustainable growth. Remember, to drive continuous improvement. customer-centricity is not a one-time Day 61-90: EMBED project but an ongoing commitment.

Institutionalising customer value It’s a journey that, when ingrained in The final phase focuses on embedding the your organisation’s DNA, can drive customer value-centric approach into your long-term success, sustainable growth organisation’s DNA, ensuring that it becomes and customer loyalty in the evera sustainable part of your culture. evolving business landscape.

ABOUT IAN SMITH

See, Enable, Embed

Ian Smith is a global operations leader and growth specialist. He has over 20 years’ experience creating evidenced based growth through global operations, transformation, change and M&A leadership.

With over 10 years at C-Suite level in organisations of 400,000+ people and £19bn+ in revenue.

Ian thrives building teams and networks of expertise and always delivers high value to customers with a track record of £$€M’s in efficiencies, top line and bottom line organic and inorganic growth in all industry sectors globally. He has worked in industries from Education to Finance & Insurance, Corporate real estate to Retail, FMCG, Pharma, TMT, Residential, Healthcare and Senior Living to Energy & Power, Oil, Gas & Mining market.

Contact Ian: 07931175369, ian@thestrategysmith.com, www.thestrategysmith.com

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INTERVIEW

An interview with…

Mark Welch Mark Welch talks to us about early lab memories and his experience working on the other side of the bench How many years have you been working in the dental industry?

I am a registered dental technician and have been working in the dental industry for 26+ years.

What’s your earliest dental lab memory?

The first time I ever worked in a plaster room and listening to War of the Worlds on tape cassette with the legend that is Magnus Underhay.

Best friend and most influential person for yourself in the industry?

I would have to say it is my wife Lola (@all-about-the-gums). We met whilst working in different labs 17 years ago and then progressed to working next to each other when our labs merged. There aren’t many couples that can make this work, but for us it did. Since then, I have watched her grow into an amazing and highly talented technician, her confidence knows no bounds.

I do miss working with her though!

At which point in your life did you decide you wanted to work with the suppliers and away from the traditional lab benchwork?

I never had a point in my life where I thought about leaving the lab. Lola had an excellent opportunity which meant we would have to move our family outside of London where we were living at the time.

I figured I would move for her career opportunity and would have no problem finding another job in a lab. At that time there were no jobs going in labs (unlike now!) and I ended up working for Bracon, a well-known and long-standing dental supplier in the UK and I helped launch Asiga to the UK dental market in 2016. I then became European customer success director for dental at a 3D printer manufacturer called Nexa3D who are based in California. I have recently moved to DMG Dental where I am digital sales and support manager and I am looking forward to my new challenge and working with a great team.

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What has been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?

I think the biggest challenge was changing from working at the bench to facing customers in a sales capacity. However, I like to think I have always been able to communicate well with people and I think I have to put this down to everything I learnt working in my family’s business whilst I was growing up. I also like to think I am an honest person and people appreciate that.

Whose job in the industry would you like to swap with?

I can quite honestly say I’ve got to the point where I do not want to swap with anybody.

I’m very happy where I am at the moment and I think I have found my niche, which is supporting my customers and making sure they are successful with our technology.

If you could change one thing about the dental lab industry, what would it be?

I think one of the things that I wanted to change in the past is something that is actually happening now, which is that is labs are able to command respect and are also recognised as an essential part of the dental team.

What is your proudest dental accomplishment to date?

I think it is having gotten involved with the dental industry in the first place. I had an opportunity to take over the family business when I was younger but I recognised this was not the way I wanted to go. I applied for a local job in a laboratory plaster room that was advertised in a local newspaper, which later led me to working in London.

I often wonder where I would be now if I had never taken the job in the plaster room.

I now have a foundation degree in dental technology and a fantastic career.

There’s a mockumentary being made about a dental lab. What would you call it, and which actor would play you?

I love Paul Dano as an actor so I would have him play me. The name of the show would be Ivories.

What piece of advice would you give technicians who may want to move into working for suppliers/distributors?

It can be a really rewarding career, and being a technician will provide you with a lot of experience for the role. But do remember you will potentially be selling to technicians and dentists!

INSIGHT

THE LAB VISION OF THE FUTURE Ellis West, laboratory telesales supervisor at Henry Schein Dental team, looks at what’s on offer to labs and technicians this autumn and winter.

T

he rapid advances in digital dentistry have already changed the way treatment is delivered to patients, enabling greater accuracy, consistency, and standardisation of procedures. Digital dentistry is increasingly being adopted by dental labs and there has never been a better time to explore how to take advantage of this new technology.

With such an array of options on the market, it can be difficult for lab owners and technicians to ensure they are investing in the right equipment and materials for their specific needs. The Henry Schein Dental Laboratory team is here to help customers make the most of digital opportunities, offering the ideal choices, combined with expertise, service, training, and support to help them get ahead.

LAB VISION

To aid further in choosing the right equipment and materials to fit the lab’s workflow, the new autumn/winter 2023 edition of Henry Schein Dental Laboratory’s Lab Vision brochure is now available, packed full of the latest technology and special offers to help speed up production and reduce costs.

Here is a preview of some of the latest featured products:

VERSATILE 3D PRINTING

Thanks to the increasing affordability and ease of use of the latest generation of printers, 3D printing has become an integral part of dentistry across all specialities while also providing a cost-effective alternative to centralised outsourcing for labs.

The SprintRay Pro 95 S makes learning and delegating 3D printing easy for high-volume dental labs as well as those just starting out.

User-friendly software and self-monitoring hardware combine to give high print speeds and a large print area, with upgraded optics that improve uniformity across the build platform.

The SprintRay Pro Wash/Dry is the first fully automated, two stage wash and dry system in the SprintRay portfolio. It is designed for use with the SprintRay Pro for cleaner parts, less waste and faster workflows.

The SprintRay ProCure 2 is SprintRay’s most advanced post-curing system. Thanks to its special post-curing mechanism, the ProCure 2 can fully post-cure printed parts in just a few minutes, using both light and heat for optimal mechanical properties.

THE MOVE TO LAB SCANNERS

Lab scanners can bring efficiency and versatility into lab workflows, accommodating scans for all indications with design software that offers outstanding accuracy and intuitive design capabilities.

The all-new F8 lab scanner is 3Shape’s most versatile and intuitive scanner to date.

The F8’s sophisticated open design with no lid sits easily on any benchtop for faster, easier loading and removal of models, plus two scanning plates means two models can be scanned simultaneously for even faster production. The F8 can also handle die-in models, an upright articulator and vertical impressions, offering new ways for labs to bring analogue cases into a digital workflow.

COMPACT SINTERING FURNACE

The Ivoclar Programat S2 is a compact furnace designed for sintering copings, frameworks and full-contour restorations made of IPS e.max ZirCAD or other zirconium oxide materials. The unit can sinter at temperatures up to 1600°C, offering the ability to process crowns fabricated with IPS e.max ZirCAD in as little as 75 minutes.

Featuring a large colour touchscreen, enhanced user interface, and large cooling tray, the Programat S2 is equipped with the latest software to control the sintering process and provide highly accurate results. Progress can also be monitored via mobile devices using the Programat app.

OUTSTANDING AESTHETICS

The Zirlux zirconia portfolio stands out for the versatility it brings to a digital workflow. Zirlux digital materials provide predictable aesthetic results, without the need for extensive postproduction work, and gives technicians the ability to digitally design and mill an expanded range of zirconia restorations.

The Zirlux portfolio includes: • Zirlux Complete: high strength, highly aesthetic multi-layered, perfect for both anterior and posterior restorations • Zirlux Esthetic TR: Strong and highly aesthetic with transitional strength and translucency throughout the entire Zirconia disc.

PRESSABLE CERAMICS

Initial LiSi™ Press is the revolutionary pressable ceramic from GC that combines high strength, long-lasting aesthetics and ease of use. Initial LiSi Press is the first lithium disilicate ceramic with High Density Micronisation (HDM), GC’s proprietary technology that provides outstanding physical properties and natural, lifelike aesthetics.

GC Initial LiSi™ Block fully crystallised lithium disilicate block features HDM technology for CAD/CAM dentistry for easy milling, smooth margins, high wearresistance and aesthetic outcomes without firing. The ultrafine crystal makes it easy to grind and mill, and high gloss and natural opalescence can be obtained in minutes, just by polishing with the restoration then ready for luting.

To individualise milled restorations and dental frameworks made of zirconium dioxide or lithium disilicate, the paintable colour-and-form ceramic system GC Initial IQ ONE SQIN can be used to complete the final contour of restorations with vitality, texture and natural gloss.

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

The range of digital technologies Henry Schein Dental brings to both lab and practice can make scanning, milling and 3D printing a streamlined and efficient process, powered by digital workflows connecting laboratory and clinician.

With finance options, service and maintenance contracts, and an emergency call-out service also available, Henry Schein can provide an all-round package, allowing technicians to get the job done.

Scan the QR code to view the new autumn/winter 2023 Lab Vision brochure online now or visit: https://hsdental.co/LabVision3 To see the full range of Henry Schein digital solutions or to book a free one-to-one consultation, visit: hsdequipment.co.uk/lab-equipment, call 0800 028 4870 or email info@henryschein.co.uk.

Twitter: @HenryScheinUK Facebook: HenryScheinUK Instagram: @henryscheinuk LinkedIn: Henry Schein Dental UK

18 I www.dentaltechnician.org.uk

The Lab Vision of the future Now’s the perfect time to harness the power of digital dentistry in your lab with Henry Schein’s NEW Lab Vision flyer.

Our comprehensive resource is brimming with cutting-edge technology and exclusive offers on everything a traditional or digital lab needs.

Browse our Autumn/Winter issue of Lab Vision

Taking care of everything dental

0800 032 8018

henryschein.co.uk

HSD1096-09-23

SCAN ME

INTERVIEW

LIFELIKE ENVIRONMENT FOR VITA MFT:

THE MUCOGINGIVAL ART GALLERY OF BORIS JOVANOVIC Boris Jovanovic (Belgrade, Serbia) was satisfied with the lifelike nature of VITA MFT prefabricated teeth, but he did not like the way the denture base looked. For this reason, he was interested in learning everything about the different types of mucogingival anatomy, so he could reproduce it naturally in his partial and full denture work. He analysed countless intraoral photographs to internalise the anatomical features and also studied a large amount of professional literature to explore the anatomical structure from the inside out. He then experimented for years in order to transform his findings into wax. Today he has developed his own procedure for quickly and accurately creating the red aesthetic in wax. To do this, he works with instruments he has modified to meet his needs. In the following interview, he gives rare insights into his art and explains why the VITA MFT fits his mucogingival reproductions so well.

What are the characteristics of the natural mucogingival anatomy, and why is it so important to reproduce them individually for each patient?

The mucogingival anatomy consists of the interdental papillae, the gingival margins, the attached gingiva, the interdental furrows, the mucogingival border area, the cheek and labial frenulum, and it ends in the gingivobuccal fold. One question I have been asked countless times by dentists and dental technicians regarding mucogingival reproduction is: Why should they make dentures with all this detail if no one sees it when the patient speaks or smiles? The answer is simple. The patient is the one who sees it. Patients notice all of these details and the effort someone has put into it.

How do patients react to your work?

Are there noticeable positive effects after insertion?

They appreciate that something has been reconstructed that they once had, but unfortunately lost. This has a positive psychological effect on the patient and helps ensure that removable dentures are no longer a taboo subject. The moment patients take the prosthesis out of their mouth to clean it, they do not just see a piece of plastic that symbolises aging. They see something that does more than just help them perform basic functions. They see something personal that they can accept much more easily, that helps them regain their confidence. Patients start smiling again, and this improves their quality of life.

You normally only reveal the secret of your quick and natural-looking wax modeling during your courses.

Can you give us any hints as to what is important?

If we want to imitate something, we have to understand it. In this case, nature is our greatest teacher! It is actually quite simple; we learn most of it in our professional schooling.

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Even the modeling is a work of art that reproduces the natural anatomy.

INTERVIEW The shape of the healthy alveolar ridge anatomy must be reproduced. When wax modeling, I start with a little more wax so that I have enough material for carving.

That’s really what I do to live up to my own expectations (laughs). First, I reduce the wax at the tooth neck to define the height of the clinical crown and the shape of the gingival margin.

The palatal anatomy is also reproduced in detail in wax.

Can you give us more basic details about your wax modeling? For example, how do you proceed with the attached gingiva?

I highlight the attached gingiva by reducing the wax in the free gingiva area and working out the mucogingival transition area. During this work step, I also bring out the alveolar processes. It is important to note that these never run in a straight line and that we have to orient ourselves to the tooth axis and the root length. In the front, the canines have After the implementation in resin, the palatal anatomy appears true to life.

the strongest root, which is therefore also more dominant than that of the incisors, especially in comparison to the more delicate roots of the lateral incisors. The concave shape of the movable alveolar mucosa is not only important for aesthetic reasons, but it also supports the stability of the denture.

How do you finish your biomimetic wax model? Which aspects have to be considered with regard to the colouring before the implementation in resin?

Stippled gums are only present on the attached gingiva. Finally, I model the marginal gingiva and the ligaments with an electronic wax knife. When implementing in resin, it is important to individualise based on ethnicity. I have noticed that the attached gingiva of Caucasian patients is always lighter - that is, light pink - than the mobile mucosa, which is reddish-pink. In addition, there is also a significant percentage of patients with gingival pigmentation and variable melanin distribution. Here too, the colour must be determined in order to imitate the colour effect in a manner appropriate to the patient.

How do you proceed with the implementation in resin in order to obtain the desired surface texture and different color nuances on the denture base?

The whole ‘magic’ begins - as previously described - in the wax. I transfer the wax to u

www.dentaltechnician.org.uk I 21

INTERVIEW acrylic in the conventional manner, embedding the dentures in Class III plaster flasks. Before I pour out the upper part of the flask, I carefully spread the plaster over the entire surface of the denture with a brush. This way I can be sure that the plaster penetrates even the finest details. After rinsing the flasks and insulating the entire plaster surface, I proceed to the internal characterisation of the resin using the salt and pepper technique.

That sounds interesting! What exactly do you mean by the salt and pepper technique? How do you do that?

In the first step, I apply light pink up to the visible mucogingival border. The negative spaces of the frenula are then filled with light pink. Details like deep red, violet, blue, orange or yellow can be added in small portions with a little brush. After inking, the base material is carefully inserted, being careful not to damage the characterisations. Pressing and finishing are done in the standard way. Since the vestibular surface of the dentures is made in layers, I do not recommended grinding it. I just seal it with light-curing glaze.

Why does the VITA MFT fit so well into the mucogingival environment you have created? Why can the gingiva around the prefabricated tooth be optimally designed?

I have been working as a dental technician for 23 years and have been able to test numerous brands and sets during this time. When we talk about denture teeth, I would like to highlight the VITA MFT teeth. They are multifunctional teeth that support every lingualised and balanced setup concept. Working with VITA MFT is easy and fun. I especially like the aesthetics. The dentin and enamel portions provide a nice balance. The incisal third has a natural composition of translucency and underlying mamelons. The VITA MFT offer a good selection of beautiful shapes in different sizes, and the texture is accentuated just right.

The width and shape of the tooth necks make it easy to create natural-looking gingiva.

FROM TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: A full denture restoration with biomimetic wax modeling in the articulator; The upper denture after implementation in resin in the articulator; In a close up, the reproduction cannot be differentiated from the original; The biomimetic aesthetic zone of a denture in the macroscopic view; An additional piece for the gallery after implementation in resin, characterisation and glazing; The VITA MFT embedded in a completely natural environment; Labial frenulum and attached gingiva made of light pink resin; The VITA MFT denture tooth in an absolutely lifelike environment; The attention to detail is worth it the restorations designed by Boris Jovanovic look completely natural in the mouth; With regard to colour the individualised denture base fits completely harmoniously in the oral cavity; Natural-looking papilla region and marginal gingiva around the VITA MFT denture tooth.

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EVENTS

THE NIGHTSHIFT ONLINE SYMPOSIUM IS ON! Four highly talented techs will share their top tips and secrets to help you level up your skills

G

et ready for some awesome webinars made just for dental technology enthusiasts like you who want to boost their professional game and snag some CPD along the way.

We’re talking about diving deep into the latest and greatest in dental technology, materials, and techniques, led by top-notch experts. Imagine… lively discussions, handson workshops, and live demos – all from the cosy confines of your own workspace.

It’s your chance to level up your skills, connect with fellow techies from around the globe, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of dentistry.

Don’t let this golden opportunity slip through your fingers. Secure your spot

now, and let’s embark on a boundary-free learning journey together!

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? The Nightshift Online Symposium is scheduled over two evenings, on 21 and 22 November 2023, starting at 18.30 via Zoom.

The first night will spotlight prosthetics, while the second will be focused on crown and bridge.

On 21 November, Jenelle Tabakovic and Emily Pittard will take the stage.

Jenelle will be discussing the world of lingualised occlusion setup; focusing on efficiency and patient mobility. She will share her waxing artistry secrets step by step, and we’ll explore the world of coloured waxes.

Emily will be delving into 3D implant planning and guided placement in her cutting-edge session. She will discuss smart surgical guide applications, ensuring smooth treatments and great outcomes by mastering precision in implant planning and custom guide creation.

On 22 November, Nightshift is thrilled to host Dora Rodrigues and Lisa Johnson.

Dora will be looking at A0X conversions – how you can shift from analogue to digital seamlessly and have a blast while you’re at it!

She’ll be exploring awesome design software to find your favourite and will go through the basics of denture design to bridge that analogue-to-digital gap! If that’s not enough, you’ll also uncover photogrammetry and how to practically use it and sort you out with the essential equipment for digital conversions.

Lisa will be giving out her composite injection secrets - how to turn a tryin into a stunning full-arch all-on-4 restoration! Discover her amazing glazing tricks with the Optiglaze colour kit for a natural shine and learn to apply pink composite to full arches using Gradia Plus for that perfect touch.

Scan the QR code and join the Nightshift Online Symposium!

Alternatively find the events on Eventbrite.

www.dentaltechnician.org.uk I 23

EVENTS

VITA ZAHNFABRIK PRESENTS DIGITAL HIGHLIGHTS AT THE LONDON DENTISTRY SHOW The London Dentistry Show took place on 6-7 October 2023 in London.

During this trade fair, visitors were invited to the VITA stand to witness live demonstrations and innovations from the fields of tooth shade determination, digital prosthetics and zirconia.

VITA EASYSHADE LITE FOR DIGITAL TOOTH SHADE DETERMINATION With the NEW VITA Easyshade LITE, VITA Zahnfabrik introduced a brand-new variant of its digital shade measuring device at the London Dentistry Show.

Visitors were able to test for themselves how easily and accurately the tooth shade can be measured. Thanks to high-precision spectrophotometer technology, the device presents the right tooth shade on the display within two seconds. This is shown in both VITA classical A1-D4 and VITA SYSTEM 3D-MASTER shade standards. The device is operated with just a push of a button and can be carried out safely by all users.

ZIRCONIA VITA YZ ST Faster sintering, reliable strength and an even greater choice of shades, robust

materials that can be produced efficiently and precisely in the required shades are an everyday necessity in digital laboratories.

The light effects of a natural tooth should be reflected in a blank with excellent shade accuracy, in order to finalise restorations quickly and easily. Due to that, VITA presents several news about the super translucent and polychromatic zirconia VITA YZ STMulticolor with an yttrium content of 4 mol%.

The zirconia blanks are suitable for the production of monolithic, as well as partially veneered crown and bridge restorations in the anterior and posterior regions. VITA YZ STMulticolor not only offers a lifelike play of light, but also a natural shade gradient from the neck to the incisal edge. The portfolio is available in five VITA SYSTEM 3D-Master shades (incl. bleached shades for even more

brightness in cosmetic restorations in the aesthetic zone) and in 16 VITA classical A1-D4 shades to ensure that a blank with the right shade is available for every patient.

With the VITA YZ ST speed sintering range, you can now sinter up to three bridge units in less than 60 minutes. The high bending strength (1,200 MPA) offers functional safety. VITA YZ ST is the indication-based key to precise results, consistent strength and exceptional aesthetics.

Fast and simple digital measurement of tooth shades with VITA Easyshade LITE

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3614

VITAPAN EXCELL®

Natural functionality, lifelike beauty. brilliant play of shade and light • variety of natural tooth shapes • excellent abrasion durability •

Find out more!

For more information, call us!

Michelle Afonso | +44 (0) 730 586 75 28 Diana Hillen | +44 (0) 784 556 98 83

3614E_GB_VITAPAN_EXCELL_A4_Kontakt.indd 1

09/08/2023 21:42:59

INSIGHT

THE ASSEMBLY, TESTING AND CUSTOMISATION OF THE NEW M6 TELESKOPER BLANK CHANGER A glimpse at Zirkonzahn’s new Premolaris production site

T

he in-house principle has always guided Zirkonzahn since its first steps in the dental market. This principle is applied to almost the whole range of the company’s products, which includes dental materials (such as zirconia, metals and resins), CAD/CAM systems, furnaces, implant prosthetic components, digital diagnostic technologies and all that is needed to finalise individual dental restorations. Products are studied, developed and produced in-house in close collaboration with the company’s Research & Development team, which constantly works to improve and fine-tune solutions to create a reliable planning and working environment, where hardware, software, tools and materials form an optimum match in the complete workflow.

The full control over the entire production process allows Zirkonzahn to have a complete understanding of their products and to react very quickly to customers’ needs. The newest milling unit, the M6 Teleskoper Blank Changer, is the company’s answer to the increasing need of more automation as well as greater speed and performances.

The machine is provided with full-automatic blank changer function for 16 or 64 blanks (upgradable), the Teleskoper Orbit M6 with Ø125 mm and the newly developed Performance Spindle M6 with Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), permitting a maximum torque of 200 Ncm at speeds of 6.000 to 50.000 rpm with a peak power of 2.5 kW.

orbit, are assembled into the machine with all hardware and software components. All parts such as ball screws, linear rails, motors and milling spindles are tested for precision before they are installed and the obtained data is recorded and registered. Then, the machine is calibrated and fine-tuned at individual stations according to standardised production processes.

Most of the machine parts are produced in-house in the Molaris I & II production centers and then assembled in the Premolaris production site. Built in 2021, Premolaris is just one of the five production sites owned by the company, all located within the vicinity of the firm’s headquarters in South Tyrol (Italy). Premolaris is the place dedicated to the assembly, testing and customisation of all the company’s milling units, furnaces and scanners as well as to the surface treatment of their ownproduced implant prosthetics components.

In Premolaris, also the company’s chemistry labs are located, where, for instance, colours and resins are developed and where burs are diamond-coated. In this location, the different parts of the M6 milling unit, e.g. splindle and

Machine assembly is a very complex procedure and employees have to comply with strict checklists, which serve to coordinate the different working steps and ensure safety. The new milling unit must pass through numerous quality stations before it reaches the final inspection and each employee is responsible for a specific assembly step, becoming an expert in what he or she does. The first milling process is also performed in this location: only after the execution of the final checks and tests is the equipment ready to leave the production site, moving on to the on-site logistic department.

A selection of glass cases, which the clients can choose from to personalise their equipment, is also available in Premolaris.

TOP: Premolaris, Zirkonzahn’s fifth production site in South Tyrol, in the vicinity of the company’s headquarters. ABOVE: M6 Teleskoper Orbit RIGHT: M6 Teleskoper Blank Changer, Zirkonzahn’s latest milling unit, provided with automatic blank changer function (x16, x64; upgradable), Performance Spindle M6 and the extra-large Teleskoper Orbit M6 with Ø125 mm.

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COMPONENTS FOR MORE THAN 140 IMPLANT SYSTEMS. SCAN THE CODE TO KNOW MORE!

IMPLANT PROSTHETICS COMPONENTS EVERYTHING FROM A SINGLE SOURCE: ALL COMPONENTS ARE DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN OUR HOMELAND, SOUTH TYROL, AT OUR MOLARIS I AND MOLARIS II PRODUCTION SITES, AND THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR MORE THAN 140 IMPLANT SYSTEMS.

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UP TO A 3 WARRA0-YEAR NTY

Zirkonzahn Worldwide – South Tyrol (Italy) – T +39 0474 066 680 – info@zirkonzahn.com – www.zirkonzahn.com

www.dentaltechnician.org.uk I 27

ECPD

FREE VERIFIABLE ECPD

As before if you wish to submit your ECPD online it will be free of charge. Once our web designers give it the all clear there will be a small charge.

This will be less than the CPD submitted by post. This offer is open to our subscribers only.

To go directly to the ECPD page please go to https://dentaltechnician.org.uk/dental-technician-cpd.

You will normally have one month from the date you receive your magazine before being able to submit your ECPD either online or by post.

If you have any issues with the ECPD please email us cpd@dentaltechnician.org.uk

0.5HRS VERIFIABLE ECPD

LEARNING AIM The questions are designed to help dental professionals keep up to date with best practice by reading articles in the present journal covering clinical, technical, business, personal development and related topics, and checking that this information has been retained and understood.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: The overall objective of this quiz is to assess the knowledge and understanding of two articles related to denture teeth, mucogingival reproduction, and copy denture techniques.

CORRECT ANSWERS FROM THE SEPTEMBER 2023 DT EDITION:

VERIFIABLE ECPD - OCTOBER 2023 1. Your details First Name: .........................................Last Name: ...................................................Title:..............

Address:............................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................... Postcode:..........................................

Telephone: ..................................... Email: .......................................................GDC No:................

2. Your answers. Tick the boxes you consider correct. It may be more than one.

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

B

B

B

B

B

B

B

B

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

D

D

D

D

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Question 9

Question 10 Question 11

Question 12

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A

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C

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3. Evaluation: Tell us how we are doing with your ECPD Service. All comments welcome.

Q1.

B

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Q2.

D

Q3.

B

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Q4.

C

Q5.

C

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D

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B

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A

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D

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B

Q.11

C

Q.12

B

As of April 2016 issue ECPD will carry a charge of £10.00 per month.

Or an annual fee of £99.00 if paid in advance.

You can submit your answers in the following ways: 1. Via email: cpd@dentaltechnician.org.uk 2. By post to: The Dental Technician Magazine, PO Box 2279, Pulborough, RH20 9BR Payment by cheque to: The Dental Technician Magazine Limited. Natwest Sort Code 516135 A/C No 79790852 You are required to answer at least 50% correctly for a pass. If you score below 50% you will need to re-submit your answers.

Answers will be published in the next issue of The Dental Technician. Certificates will be issued within 60 days of receipt of correct submission.

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ECPD

VERIFIABLE ECPD As you need it via the Dental Technician

THIS MONTH’S CPD QUESTIONS ARE ARE FOCUSED ON LIFELIKE ENVIRONMENT FOR VITA MFT: THE MUCOGINGIVAL ART GALLERY OF BORIS JOVANOVIC & AN EFFICIENT FULL DENTURE TEAM Q1. What are the components of mucogingival anatomy mentioned in the article, and why is it important to replicate them accurately?

A) The patient’s preference, for improved aesthetics B) The patient’s family, for increased confidence C) The patient’s age, for a more youthful appearance.

D) The patient’s perspective, for improved confidence and quality of life Q2. According to Boris Jovanovic, why is it essential to create detailed dentures even if they are not prominently visible to others when the patient smiles or speaks?

A) To impress other dental professionals B) To maintain the denture’s structural integrity C) To improve the patient’s psychological well-being D) To reduce production time and cost Q3. What is the first step in the process of wax modeling for dentures?

A) Shaping the wax into the form of the final tooth B) Reducing wax at the tooth neck to define the clinical crown height and gingival shape C) Applying a layer of light-curing glaze to the wax model D) Applying the ‘salt and pepper’ technique to the wax Q4. How does the author determine the appropriate colouring for the denture base before implementing it in resin?

A) Using a standard, uniform colour for all patients B) Matching the colour to the patient’s clothing preferences C) Individualising the colour based on the patient’s ethnicity D) Selecting the colour randomly Q5. In the article, what is the role of the ‘salt and pepper technique’ in the denture creation process?

A) Seasoning the dentures for improved taste B) Applying colours and textures to create lifelike effects C) Creating a unique texture on the outer surface of the dentures D) Polishing the dentures for a glossy finish Q6. What does the author find particularly appealing about VITA MFT teeth for denture work?

A) Their ease of use B) Their cost-effectiveness C) Their ability to improve speech D) Their ability to replace natural teeth ARTICLE 2: Q7. Why was the copy denture technique chosen for the 89-year-old female patient?

A) The patient preferred this technique B) The patient had severe tooth decay C) The patient had difficulty attending multiple appointments D) The patient had allergies to other techniques

Q8. What is the first step in the copy denture technique described in the article?

A) Soft relining and border molding B) Applying heavy impression material C) Stabilising the old dentures D) Rough modeling of wax setups Q9. How were the VITA MFT denture teeth used in the copy denture technique?

A) They were applied to the patient’s existing dentures B) They were used to create the initial lab putty base C) They were used to obtain a centric bite D) They were employed for mucodynamic impression Q10. What is the purpose of the mucodynamic impression?

A) To create a colourful design for the dentures B) To take impressions of the patient’s tongue C) To ensure functional and natural appearance with VITA MFT D) To check for pressure areas in the dentures Q11. In the final outcome, what were the key benefits of the copy denture technique?

A) Reduced aesthetic quality and patient satisfaction B) Increased number of appointments and higher costs C) A simple workflow and reduced processing time D) Highly aesthetic results, natural morphology, and functional stability Q12. What was used to simulate gingival anatomy in the copy denture technique discussed?

A) VITACOLL B) Hot-cursing resin C) VITA MFT Anterior Teeth D) Lab Putty

YOU CAN SUBMIT YOUR ANSWERS IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: Via email: cpd@dentaltechnician.org.uk or by post to: The Dental Technician Magazine, PO Box 2279, Pulborough, RH20 9BR. You are required to answer at least 50% correctly for a pass. If you score below 50% you will need to re-submit your answers. Answers will be published in the next issue of The Dental Technician magazine. Certificates will be issued within 60 days of receipt of correct submission.

PAYMENT BY CHEQUE TO: The Dental Technician Magazine Limited. NatWest Sort Code 516135 A/C No 79790852

www.dentaltechnician.org.uk I 29

CASE REPORT

AN EFFICIENT FULL DENTURE TEAM COMBINING THE AESTHETIC AND FUNCTIONAL VITA MFT DENTURE TEETH WITH THE COPY DENTURE TECHNIQUE

By denturist Darius Northey (Buderim, Australia)

O

ffering patients a functional and aesthetic solution at an economical price is crucial.

VITA Multi Functional Teeth (MFT) meet the basic requirements of both, fulfilling the technical ideal and taking the economical aspects into account.

The following user report shows how the denture teeth are combined with the copy denture technique to establish an efficient and economic workflow. A 89-year-old female patient presented with very loose dentures, making it difficult to masticate well. Since the dentures were severely worn, the vertical dimension was diminished and a malocclusion established. Simple relining was not sufficient, so it was decided to plan for new dentures. The patient was not driving anymore and had to rely on family and friends for transportation. This meant it was very difficult for her to attend appointments, so minimising the number of visits was important. As a result, we agreed to use the efficient copy denture technique.

To accomplish an aesthetic and functional outcome despite limited finances, we decided to use VITA MFT for the setup.

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TOP ROW: The old worn dentures were very loose and the patient could not masticate well. BOTTOM ROW LEFT: Soft relining material was applied on the denture base. BOTTOM RIGHT TOP: The upper denture was placed intraorally for soft relining and border molding. BOTTOM RIGHT BELOW: The upper denture with the soft relining material after intraoral setting.

CASE STUDY

FROM TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: A new centric relation was determined, which opened the bite for two to three millimeters; Initial lab putty base with a land area for the duplication of the soft relined dentures; The completed silicone matrix after isolating the land area with petroleum jelly; The natural morphology and the aesthetic play of light and colours of VITA MFT Anterior; The duplicated dentures were articulated according to the centric jaw relation; The teeth of the copy denture were reduced in the second quadrant…; …and replaced with VITA MFT Anterior step-by-step; The setup in the aesthetic zone after the front teeth in the first quadrant had been replaced; The front teeth setup in the lower jaw was also realised after controlled reduction of the copy; The easy centric of VITA MFT Posterior provided an efficient setup in the molar region; The completed setup was ready for the clinical try-in; The patient felt instantly very comfortable with her new teeth; Base and functional borders were conditioned for the silicone impression material; In a first step, the borders were molded with medium body impression material in the upper jaw; The setup with the u impression material was carefully inserted.

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CASE REPORT COPY DENTURE TECHNIQUE

During the first visit, the dentures were soft relined and border molded to condition the tissue and increase the stability. Next, the centric was obtained with the stabilised old dentures using a soft bite boxing wax to register the jaw relation. During the procedure, the centric was opened for two to three millimeters.

Then the current dentures were copied using lab putty with a decent land area.

After the setting of the initial lab putty base, the land area was isolated with petroleum jelly and more lab putty was applied over the occlusal area and down onto the land area. Meticulous adaption of the lab putty on the fitting surface and the teeth was necessary to make sure the dentures were copied accurately. With the silicone matrix, the copy dentures could be manufactured easily and quickly with VITA VM CC cold-curing resin, and were mounted in the articulator using the new centric jaw relation. The copy denture teeth were removed in sequence and the new MFT Anterior teeth were set according to the clinician’s aesthetic requests. Due to the integrated aesthetic rules in the morphology of the denture front teeth, the setup could be easily accomplished. The MFT Posterior teeth were then set in lingualised occlusion to generate a quick result, and to give the patient freedom in eccentric movements.

The wax setups were modelled roughly in case of any changes were required during the clinical try-in.

MUCODYNAMIC IMPRESSION TECHNIQUE

The patient was very happy with the function and the natural appearance of VITA MFT, so that the mucodynamic impression could be taken with the new setup. The impression procedure that was selected is also used for full dentures relining. The lower denture was placed in situ and a medium body impression was applied on the borders of the upper one.

The upper denture was inserted carefully and the patient asked to occlude. Then the first partial impression was muscle trimmed and removed. Light body impression material was applied to the complete upper denture base, including functional borders before the denture was reinserted. Excess impression material was trimmed away and the upper denture placed in situ. Heavy and medium body was applied to the mandibular denture and the patient was asked to occlude. The impression was again muscle trimmed, taking the movements of the tongue into consideration. After setting, the lower denture was removed, eased and checked for pressure areas before light body was applied to finish the impression procedure. Both impressions were poured in vacuum-mixed stone gypsum and then rearticulated.

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FROM TOP ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: In a second step, light body impression material was applied all over the upper denture; The impression procedure in the lower jaw started with heavy body on the base …; … and medium body for border molding. Then the first mucodynamic impression was taken; After setting, base and borders were eased and checked for pressure areas; Finally, light body was applied to complete the impression procedure for the lower jaw; Both mucodynamic impressions were ready to be poured with vacuum-mixed stone gypsum; The rearticulated setups could now be transferred into polymer; The set-ups had been waxed for the final processing and simulated the mucogingival anatomy; After roughening, the basal part of the teeth was also conditioned chemically with VITACOLL; For an individual result, a simple but very effective color tint was used to simulate the gingival anatomy.

CASE REPORT

THIS PHOTO: After processing, the dentures were returned to the articulator to check the occlusion. BELOW LEFT: The result of the finishing before high-gloss polishing. BELOW RIGHT: The new dentures presented a highly aesthetic and naturallylooking outcome. BOTTOM: The patient was very pleased with the functional and aesthetic outcome.

POLYMER TRANSFER

The try-in dentures were waxed for the final processing with flasks and hot-curing resin.

To refresh the polymer chemistry in the basal and circular tooth areas, VITACOLL was applied for a superior bond after mechanical roughening. For an individual result, a simple but very effective colour tint was used to simulate the gingival anatomy. The dentures were processed and returned to the articulator to check the occlusion. Finally, the dentures were finished and high-gloss polished.

FINAL OUTCOME

The full dentures were finally incorporated and the patient was very happy with the highly aesthetic play of light and colours the natural morphology and the functional stability. With the help of the copy denture technique, the patient only needed three appointments. The efficient workflow, combined with the selection of economic denture teeth, enabled new full denture rehabilitations according to the patient’s wishes.

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INSIGHT

LET’S GET

SOCIAL!

In the third of a series of articles, Hayley Irons shares her guide to building a strong online presence

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n today’s digital age, social media is an essential tool for any business, including dental labs. By using social media effectively, you can connect with potential clients, build brand awareness, and showcase your expertise.

However, as with all marketing, you need a strategy and it’s not enough to just fire out a myriad of content and hope that some of it resonates.

Potential clients will use your platforms to social proof who you are and what you’re about. Therefore, you need to view it as your ‘store front’ and spend time curating content that reflects your business.

Here are some of my tips for social media marketing for dental labs:

Choose the right platforms

There are lots of social media platforms out there but even looking at the main channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, TikTok etc., you’ll see that they aren’t all created equal.

That’s why the first step in planning out your social media strategy is to create a client persona. This is an activity where you map out exactly who your ‘dream’ client would be. What are they like, how old are they, when are they active online, what kind of content do they like to consume; static images, long form videos or reels, etc.

Once you understand their persona, you can then decide on the best platforms for you. Don’t choose the ones you are most comfortable with, remember to put your target demographic first and go where they are.

For example, if you are targeting dentists, you may want to focus on LinkedIn. However, there could be some benefit to TikTok if you find many are promoting

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their own businesses there. You might also consider Facebook Groups and Instagram as you’ll find many dentists advertising for private clients and with private accounts.

One post per month won’t do, not even one post per week will do - you need to be aiming for a minimum of four posts per week - per platform.

Create high-quality content

Thankfully there are plenty of social media scheduling platforms out there that you can use to plan your content with but be wary of scheduling too far ahead and forgetting about it.

When it comes to curating the best, scrollstopping content then you need to consider what is important to your potential clients.

Your posts need to be informative, engaging, and visually appealing but steer clear of too many ‘sales’ led posts. Yes, you’re doing this to build your business but remember this is social media… if your goal is purely to drive sales then you should be considering some form of paid ads or boosted posts.

Sharing content like hints and tips and advice are value driven and are more likely to encourage engagement as users will feel they’re getting something useful from you.

Testimonials are always great, and if you can get video testimonials even better - video isn’t going anywhere so make sure you include some form of motion in your planning.

We’re also living in the age of authenticity social media users can smell ‘fake’ from a mile off, so don’t use too many professionally shot images. Behind the scenes, user generated, and off-the-cuff content can usually outperform a post that’s taken a day to shoot.

Resharing industry articles, voicing your opinion on trending topics and new regulations also give you the opportunity to be seen as a thought leader… something that will automatically draw people to you.

Be consistent

The only way to achieve good brand awareness through organic social media is engagement - and the only way to achieve good engagement is through quality content posted consistently.

Remembering what you have scheduled is important though - if something big breaks in the news, you don’t want to be the one posting something that your followers might deem disrespectful.

Similarly, keep in mind poignant memorials and don’t have content scheduled that would go out during moments of national silence.

Engage with your audience

Social media is just that - social. It’s important that you respond to comments and questions on your own posts and also participate in conversations from other people in your space.

On many platforms, especially Linkedin, replying to comments will help ‘bump’ your post back into followers’ feeds and keep your brand visible for longer.

This is another reason why you can’t just schedule content and forget about it. Working partnerships are forged when you build relationships - and a good relationship is a two-way street so provide them with value and show that you value what they have to say.

Optimise your content for the platform you choose One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to social media. What works on TikTok won’t necessarily resonate on Linkedin.

INSIGHT If we all consumed content the same way, we wouldn’t need all these different platforms. People who prefer TikTok are fans of short form video content that entertains or teaches them something.

While people on Linkedin are comfortable with longer form written content.

You also need to consider the aspect ratio of your graphic to make sure they display correctly... even on Instagram you would use different dimensions for a grid post than you would for a story.

Make sure you take advantage of hashtags - again these work differently on different platforms. You can use up to 30 on a single Instagram post while Linkedin works better with just 3. If you’re using X, then don’t drop hashtags in the middle of a sentence, it looks messy and isn’t needed, save for the end of the post.

Use social media analytics to track your progress and measure your results

While organic social media is seen as free promotion, realistically it isn’t. It takes a lot of time to curate and schedule then reply and engage on these platforms - whichever ones you choose.

Time is money - and that’s without paying for software, photography or even a social media manager.

If you’re going to invest in an organic strategy, then you need to make sure it’s working. That’s why you need to make sure you’re constantly tracking the performance of your content and measuring it against your goals to make sure it’s working for you.

Most platforms will offer their own analytics tools and there are plenty more third-party sites that can help you decipher how you’re doing.

Take the time to look at these insights on a regular basis as it will help you curate even better content that gets better reach and engagement in the future.

Essentially, social media marketing is a powerful tool that can help your dental lab reach your target audience and achieve your business goals... when it’s done right!

By following the tips above, you can use social media to build a strong online presence and grow your business.

Hashtags serve a purpose - they help people find your content easier. So, while it may be tempting to use a hashtag you’ve just created, if the aim of your post is to draw bigger engagement, this could fail as no one will be searching for it.

On the other hand, using a hashtag on Instagram that has 10 billion searches won’t be effective either as there is too much content out there, making it harder to be found.

A sweet spot is around the 100-500k mark - and there are plenty of sites out there that can help you with your hashtag research.

Hayley Irons is director of HI Marketing. For more information contact 07805 506 477, hayley@hayleyironsmarketing.co.uk, or visit www.hayleyironsmarketing.co.uk

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DENTAL TECHNOLOGY

ENHANCING AESTHETICS

USING GINGIVAL COMPOSITE Bethany Brown discusses the importance of using creative license to increase profits and boost work satisfaction

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n recent years, private dentistry has risen in popularity with patients and professionals compared to NHS options1 with that percentage only expected to rise in the future. Through personal experiences, I can see the psychological mindset shift from NHS to private, with an abundance of possible reasons as to why the population’s opinions and actions may be changing. Some prefer the increased care and attention to treatment and outcomes; some prefer having less restrictions to increase profits, and some simply feel they have no choice but to join the movement in fear of being left behind. Although it’s not my area of expertise; whatever the reasons, I believe dental technicians must find a way to benefit and evolve with this drastic revolution.

Many of us know the strain COVID-19 had on dental laboratories. Whether you are a lab owner or employee, we were all affected by the government’s decision to exclude us from funding, which in my opinion had a detrimental effect on NHS dentistry as a whole. Now the UK economy is pushing for more private dentistry, it is up to us to make sure we are part of the change. Clinicians are looking for new ways to add premium options for patients who willingly want to receive the best and we must be able to accommodate this.

Patients are convinced to pay higher fees but expect, and rightly so, that the service, treatment, and restorations match the price they are paying. Sure, clinicians can take courses to advance their skills and improve their practice’s aesthetic and patient journey, but without a talented dental technician to create that same level of standard in their restorations, they are missing a crucial piece

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TOP ROW LEFT: Acrylic denture RIGHT: Acrylic denture with pink composite BOTTOM ROW LEFT: Acrylic denture RIGHT: Acrylic denture with pink composite

to the puzzle. Let’s be honest, why shouldn’t we be able to increase our profit margins alongside our clinical partners?

Stand-out aesthetics

When it comes to dental restorations and appliances, function should never be compromised, no matter the price.

Aesthetics, however, is the first thing everyone notices, right? It can allow you to stand out from the crowd and catch the eye of patients and talented clinicians. Gingival

composite is something I introduced into my work two years ago and would never look back when it comes to natural-looking dentures. Don’t get me wrong, there are some instances where it wouldn’t be the most favourable solution. Immediate dentures or patients with bad oral hygiene are cases where I usually would advise against gingival composite, as dentures may need to be remade or altered in the near future, making it more difficult to execute when an extra material has been added. Similarly, patients

DENTAL TECHNOLOGY with medical problems such as dementia may not benefit from a change in material due to their cognitive decline, so it’s important to recognise that although this is a great aesthetic modification, it’s not right for every case.

Benefits of gingival composite 1. The result is more reliable than other options such as adding coloured acrylic at the flasking stage. Composite is applied in the order you want the colours to be seen and does not change during curing, meaning you can be more accurate with how you want the final dentures to look.

2. There are varied shades available to help match individual patients’ natural soft tissue in a way that blends seamlessly. Clinicians can also use pink shade guides and photographs to help relay this information to the lab.

3. The results achievable with pink composite give restorations depth that acrylic cannot. You can recreate tooth root pressure on soft tissue, blood supply in the vestibule using stains and the illusion of free and attached gingiva.

4. Because of these possibilities, it means less bulk on the dentures through the means of contouring. Natural gingiva is not often as bulbous and exaggerated as technicians contour them. With acrylic, the ways in which to characterise is limited and in turn creates unrealistic outcomes.

5. I hear many technicians and clinicians say that because you cannot see pink most of the time in the mouth, it’s pointless, but I don’t believe that’s true. There are many instances where patients have high lip or smile lines, partial cases where it needs to be less noticeable or simply those who want the full experience of luxury. Apparently, ‘88% of people say they remember people with beautiful smiles and 75% believe your smile can help or hurt your career’3, so why are we still limiting the enhancement of aesthetics when it comes to dentures and full arch restorations?

6. It’s a cost-effective aesthetic solution for full arch hybrids and temporaries. Patients who pay for full arch treatment spend a lot of money and therefore should receive the best functional and aesthetic outcome everyone can provide. Gingival composite compares more closely to ceramic shades and finishes, meaning if the patient is upgrading post-healing, there is not as big of a leap in appearance.

LEARN HOW For those who want to offer this option to clients, Fully Comp: The Complete Composite Course is coming to The Hive Laboratory in January 2024.

This full day hands-on course will include: l Gingival composite workflow lPractical experience with experienced tutors l Presentations on anatomy, colour theory, tooth modifications and adding pink to 3d printed and milled restorations l Material and equipment checklists l Take away cheat sheets and flash cards l Lunch buffet and evening meal voucher included l Over £100 of extra goodies to take home l 7 hours CPD with certificate Make sure you are following @thepartyenamel @cdtemily and @hive_dental_laboratory on Instagram for regular updates and information.

Limited spaces are available and will fill up fast, so visit www.thepartyenamel.com and select hands-on courses to sign up to the waitlist for access to pre-sale tickets.

7. Gingival composite is not just for patients.

Sure, they get the final appliance, but clinicians appreciate the results and skills needed to produce such high-end work too. Adding this ability to your list builds professional relationships, a respect for your craft and positions you as a knowledgeable artist in your field.

8. Many competitors are diving into this new material, gaining new skills, and paying clients are heading their way, so why not get ahead of the curve before it becomes standard practice?

9. It gives us more creative license to individualise our work and be proud of the things we produce. I know from experience that if I feel monotonous in my everyday work, I lose that passion and fire I have for the career I fell in love with.

It’s no secret that clinics and laboratories are swaying more to towards digital and I’m

all for it. Since working in a digital full arch laboratory in Australia, I have seen just how much we can do to make everyone’s lives easier and more predictable. This is just another area where gingival composite is under-utilised. We are now able to design, mill or print dentures and full arch cases and although the accuracy and precision is there, I don’t believe the aesthetics has developed enough to replace traditional finishing methods just yet.

The hybrid solution that we incorporate in at The Hive Dental Laboratory means we can use the pros of digital alongside the handmade final touch using gingival composite, to provide the best of both worlds.

REFERENCES 1. Dentistry (2022) A brief history of private dentistry.

2. David Westgarth (BDJ 2020) Dental labs and technicians: The last ones to fall?

3. Charles. E. Scholler (2023) Will a more attractive smile make a difference in your life?

ABOUT BETHANY BROWN

Bethany Brown MSc RDT is founder of TPE and Tech Talk; Dental Technology continued education and community platforms.

Prosthetic and digital dental technician at The Hive Dental Laboratory.

www.dentaltechnician.org.uk I 37

MARKETPLACE

TAKE CARE OF YOUR TECHNICIANS!

HOW TO GIVE YOUR TECHS EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO DELIVER ON QUALITY

w Demand for the services of a dental laboratory that provides high-quality, precision-made products, created beautifully, economically and delivered on time, has never been higher.

This can be difficult to maintain, though, as anyone who is running or working in a UK lab right now will know. Many in the industry have reported the increased challenges they are facing, like rising material costs, energy bills and staff shortages. They have had to look for creative, practical solutions to these ongoing problems, in order that they can continue providing top-class work to all their clients.

RETAIN YOUR STAFF Dental laboratories come in all shapes and sizes and finding ways to thrive is always essential. Every great business needs a happy team. Whether your lab is big or boutique, keeping your technicians happy means you’ll be productive and standards will remain high.

Retaining a talented, trained and creative workforce is even more important given the recruitment struggles in the industry today.

This is essential to encourage client loyalty and a stable income.

We’re in a competitive economy and it is a fact of life that, now and again, even a long-term customer will send a job elsewhere, perhaps tempted by another laboratory’s lower prices or promises of faster turnaround times.

Once-satisfied customers often return to you when they find a new service lacking in any way, but it is far more efficient to keep them in first place by delivering a service they value.

Where a workplace is a positive place to be for staff, clients will notice. Communication is more likely to be excellent and standards maintained. A low staff turnover will further ensure efficiency and consistency of services, and many clients will appreciate liaising with the same technician over time for an enhanced working relationship. For example, a dentist may collaborate well with a particular technician who shares their ethos; clinician and technician have a mutual understanding and holding on to the latter will be key to retaining the business of the former.

Take care of your dental technicians and they will take care of you. Pay them well and, if you have an enhanced package of company benefits, make sure they’re relevant

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to the wants and needs of the team. Staying stress-free in any work environment relies a lot on a good work-life balance, so no one feels overwhelmed and has enough time to complete every project to a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Ensure schedules are fair, flexible and realistic. Set rules about breaks and when people can be contacted, if they’re not in the lab. Don’t be afraid to be honest with customers when requests are unreasonable or unobtainable, manage their expectations. When your reputation is exceptional, you may find more people than you think are happy to wait a few days longer for their solutions.

PROVIDE THE BEST PRODUCTS Make sure you give your dental technicians a modern, safe and ergonomic environment to operate in and equipment that works. Keep a keen eye on what’s new in the industry by reading the trade press and attending shows so you know if you should be investing, or if you need to budget for more essential spending in the future. Digital solutions are heavily promoted but do your homework before bringing in any new resource. Don’t overlook the ‘everyday’ technology in your pursuit for the latest, most cutting-edge products on the market either. Consider your computers and phone system, ensuring everything is fit for purpose.

Don’t waste money on products that don’t tick multiple boxes for optimal flexibility in lots of different cases. Seek out brands that are interested in building relationships with dental laboratories, as you know that they’ll be committed

to listening to what technicians really want. Choose high-quality and look for an impressive price-performance ratio.

For example, for precision-engineered abutments and components for all your implant work, Medentika® supplies a comprehensive range at an affordable price. Its multi-platform (MPS) portfolio is compatible with all major systems on the market, thanks to ongoing innovation and creative development. The abutments are manufactured to the best possible standard and come with a clear design, for the same prosthetic interface whatever implant system is being used. This gives technicians even more options, whether it’s a complex or straightforward case being worked on.

There is so much written about teamwork, but its importance cannot be underestimated for a thriving and successful dental laboratory that can meet demand and keep standards high. Without talented dental technicians, you will struggle to deliver exceptional work, on time, and to secure repeat business from happy dentists.

Without great technicians, you won’t develop a reputation for excellence. Give them everything they need to deliver on quality. Consider schedules, environment and equipment and only work with suppliers that have an impressive range of high-performance products. This way, they’ll get to use the very best to deliver an unrivalled service.

For more information, please visit https://www.straumann.com/ medentika/gb/en/professionals.html

Turnkey Solutions for Digital Dentistry Unlock your Digital Lab

Tecno-Gaz G5 Milling Machine

Specifically developed for • digital dental labs • Wide range of prosthetic products • Free standing

Nexa3D XiP Desktop Resin 3D Printer

• Ultra fast • Wide range of validated materials • Affordable desktop price

End-to-end expertise for your digital workflow Design Build Project Management Installation & Commissioning Training

Head Office & Showroom

Trident Court, 1 Oakcroft Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1BD T: 0800 228 9828

E: info@blueprintdental.co.uk W: blueprintdental.co.uk

MARKETPLACE

OUTSOURCING WITH CONFIDENCE w Createch Medical, part of the Straumann Group, is a direct-to-lab milling service which uses aeronautical technology to provide consistently high-quality prostheses, including personalised titanium and cobalt chrome CAD/CAM structures.

With an extensive range of implant prosthetics for multiple brands, the company boasts high-precision measuring equipment and continuous five-axis milling centres.

Its manufacturing process is regulated by the strictest quality regulations ensuring dental laboratories across the country can outsource with confidence.

Createch Medical also offers the flexibility of a ‘pick and choose’ approach whereby a lab can outsource when needs and requests fluctuate.

For more information on the Createch Medical direct-to-lab milling service from the Straumann Group, visit https://www.straumann.com/ gb/en/dental-professionals/products-and-solutions/implant-borne-prosthetics/products/createch-medical.html

MAKE THE FINEST DETAILS MATTER w Designing restorations for a client and their patient relies on the finest of details.

Technicians can turn to the exceptional Carving Blocks from Kemdent, for accurate and intricate results.

The small wax carving blocks are specially developed to be ideal for tooth modelling and carving other small designs.

At just 13.5mm x 13.5mm x 33mm, there are an optimal size for creating real-to-life models, whether for the practice and development of finer skills and techniques, or use within a professional laboratory environment.

Kemdent also offers stainless steel wax knives, available with a flat end and a spoon end, for a variety of needs. The handles are black polypropylene for extra strength, and tempered blades provide flexibility for safe and comfortable use.

To learn more about the wax carving blocks and stainless steel knives, contact the Kemdent team today.

For more information about the leading solutions available from Kemdent, please visit www.kemdent.co.uk or call 01793 770 256.

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MARKETPLACE

M6 TELESKOPER BLANK CHANGER MILLING UNIT WITH EXTRA-LARGE TELESKOPER ORBIT AND AUTOMATIC BLANK CHANGER (X16 OR X64, UPGRADABLE) w With the new M6 Teleskoper Blank Changer milling unit, Zirkonzahn automates processes, accelerates procedures and increases the productivity of the dental workflow.

The 5+1 axis simultaneous milling unit is equipped with a magazine for 16 or 64 blanks (upgradable up to 150-200) as well as a Blank Changer that allows material blanks to be transferred autonomously from the magazine to the orbit.

Zirkonzahn equips the M6 milling unit with the new Performance Spindle M6 by default. Thanks to a specially developed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) which is optimally adapted to the milling unit, this spindle can reach a maximum torque of 200 Ncm at speeds of 6.000 to 50.000 rpm with a peak power of 2.5 kW.

In addition, the milling unit is equipped with a contamination-protected tool chamber which is separate from the milling chamber and features an automatic tool changer function. The two magazines with 30 slots each ensure a safe and tidy storage of up to 60 milling burs. The tools are automatically checked for type or damage before and after each milling process.

Once the structure is milled, the blanks are reinserted again in their correct place in the magazine. This means that restorations made of different dental materials, colours and heights can now be designed fully automatically without any manual intermediate steps. The wet and dry processing function permits the milling of all common soft and hard dental materials.

The built-in Teleskoper Orbit M6 allows the processing of material blanks with a diameter of 95mm, 98mm, 106mm and 125mm. Thanks to special holders, also glass-ceramic blanks, Raw-Abutment® blanks and zirconia blanks (size 1) can be milled. In addition, the already known, innovative Teleskoper functions (adjustment of the friction, Double Milling, Stop & Go) can be used with the M6 milling unit.

For more information: www.zirkonzahn.com, +39 0474 066 660, info@zirkonzahn.com

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MARKETPLACE

YOUR LAB CAN PRIORITISE AFFORDABILITY AND QUALITY w If you are looking for precision engineered, multi-platform abutments and components for your implant work, discover Medentika®.

Medentika® supplies forward-thinking dental laboratories with products that are durable and compatible with all major implant systems, at an affordable price.

You won’t need to compromise quality or value! The comprehensive multi-platform (MPS) portfolio has options for everything from routine to complex cases, so you can produce quality work even when faced with challenging requests.

Give your technicians flexibility with the Medentika® MPS series. With a clear design, your customers get the same prosthetic interface, supporting your exacting standards and efficient service.

With up to a lifetime guarantee for enhanced reliability and safety, choose Medentika®, a Straumann Group company.

For more information, please visit https://www.straumann.com/medentika/gb/en/professionals.html

PUMICESAFE – THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR YOUR DENTAL LAB w Before polishing a denture, it’s important to have the appropriate cleanser to ensure that the lathe brushes are clean and ready to use. PumiceSafe Universal Cleaner from Kemdent is ideal.

The alcohol-free solution has multiple applications when used as part of the polishing process in the dental lab. It is able to be used in the pumice tray as a substitute for water – producing a microorganismfree slurry. PumiceSafe is fungicidal and algaecidal, making it ideal for cleaning lathe brushes prior to polishing.

It is also an excellent choice of surface cleaner, with a pleasant minty scent, reducing the presence of dust in the dental lab while being kind to skin.

Please get in touch with the team at Kemdent to find out more.

For more information about the leading solutions available from Kemdent, please visit www.kemdent.co.uk or call 01793 770 256.

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CLASSIFIEDS

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS CLASSIFEDS PAGE

CONTACT:

T: 01372 897462 I E: sales@dentaltechnician.org.uk

www.dentaltechnician.org.uk I 43

Labs and dentists have never collaborated so efficiently before

Want to know more?

Email sales@dmg-dental.co.uk or call 01656 789 401

Getting started with 3D printing has never been easier with DentaMile from DMG. Our solutions connect partners in the dental clinic and in the lab. What’s more, customisable workflows open up all kinds of collaboration options – for greater patient performance.

DentaMile: 3D the way I want it!

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