April 28, 2010
I found out today (I’m always the last to know) that 3Shape and Atlantis have been trying to work out a deal that would be beneficial to both companies centered around using 3Shape scanners to scan implant cases and remit to Atlantis for design and fabrication. I can’t tell you exactly what the issues are that are keeping the two parties from reaching an agreement – I was asked not to discuss the specifics in the blog. However, I do think there is a compromise position that would work for both companies, and benefit the industry.
I think its plausible that Atlantis sell their abutment design module as an add-on to 3Shape’s existing software. 3Shape could “lock” the output files, so that anything scanned and designed using the Atlantis module would have to be fabricated by Atlantis. Both companies could receive revenue from the sale of the software module; Atlantis would derive a revenue stream from labs that choose to offer their abutments, and they could in turn give 3Shape a percentage of every abutment designed using the module.
Such a scenario would be a win/win for both companies. It might also lead to a tiered pricing strategy allowing labs that invest in the system to get Atlantis abutments at a reduced cost – after all, the labs themselves would be doing the designing. (It was stated that this idea might not be viable due to the complexity of the Atlantis software – I know I shouldn’t take it like this, but it felt like I was being told I was too stupid to being given the keys to Daddy’s car).
It was also revealed in my conversation that we should be seeing an upgrade to Atlantis’ current 3D Viewer which will allow users to “tweak” a design prior to fabrication.
I guess if you can’t have the whole cake, a slice will do…
April 27, 2010
So, 3M introduces their long anticipated entry into the low-cost zirconia market with something they are calling Essential. From everything I’ve heard, the only thing its essential to is the health of Lava Milling Centers’ bottom lines. I’ve talked to several 3M ALMC’s who have experienced a brutal downturn in their business as more and more competition drives zirconia copings to the brink of commodification.
In my opinion, 3M had two options – 1) Lower the cost of the original Lava material, or 2) come to the market with lower cost product differentiated by lesser attributes. They chose Door #2, and I’m not sure its a good idea.
What are they telling the market? Is 900 MPa flexural strength “good enough”? If so, why would a dentist choose Lava for the single crown or 3-unit bridge applications Essential is supposedly geared toward. Why not use a product like our SDL OriginAL Z which has a significantly higher flexural strength (1400 MPa), not to mention its availability in 16 Vita Classic FrameShades and 5 3D Vita FrameShades (versus 8 for Lava)?
Did I mention that I heard Essential takes up to 10 minutes longer to mill vs. Lava? And, only comes in 40mm blocks?That should make those ALMC’s really happy…
April 23, 2010
We do our fair share of indirect composite restorations, so I’ve been looking at Shofu’s Ceramage material for a few years. Specifically, I was looking for a material that could be used as a stand-alone material for inlays, onlays, and veneers; and one that could be reliably bonded to a variety of substructure materials, notably zirconia and titanium. For whatever reason, I was slow to jump on the bandwagon.
Today, I’m kicking myself for waiting.
First of all – its not a composite. Rather, Ceramage is really in a category all unto itself. Combining a PFS (Progressive Fine Structure) with a zirconium silicate, this material provides excellent esthetics and superior flexural strength (140 MPa). Using a proprietary bonder, Ceramage can be used as a veneering material on zirconia or titanium. Available in Vita Classic shades, as well as four bleach shades and variety of tissue colors, Ceramage gives me everything I need to produce exceptional restorations.
As part of our training, I wanted to play with the Gum Color Set, so we took a sample model and cut back the pontic area and replaced the cutback area with a combination of Ceramage Light Gum and red and brown flowables. Here are the results -
Not bad for a first try…
Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to play around a little bit more and post some more photos…
April 16, 2010
Sitting in the airport at Salt Lake with my head spinning with possibilities. Spent the last two days with the great folks from B&D Dental reviewing just about everything possible connected to our Pro 5000 mill. Very excited about possibilities with Titanium, e.Max, Vitablocs, Zirconia, etc…
Can’t wait to get home and make some of those possibilities into realities.
I will be posting about our experiences in the near future. In the meantime, just wanted to say “Thanks” to Benjamin, Daniel, Steve, Ryan, Jesse and everyone else who helped make our trip so informative and pleasant. If you’re reading this blog and you haven’t done business with B&D, you really should give them a shot. You won’t find a better combination of great products and knowledgeable, friendly people…
April 14, 2010
We’re leaving this afternoon for a two-day visit with the folks from B&D Dental in Utah. I always look forward to such trips mainly because it gives me a chance to look at how other laboratories/businesses are operated. I held two jobs right after college – one in marketing and one in management consulting. Can’t say that I spent enough time in either position to qualify as even remotely proficient.
After those little diversions, I came to work for the family business and I’ve been here 26 years. In the beginning, I was given every opportunity to attend continuing education events, and visit with other laboratory owners. However, I’ve never really earned my keep anywhere else, but Ol’ SDL – sometimes I wish had left for a couple years to expand my horizons.
Too late for such a move now, so I take every chance I get to glimpse into others’ ”nuts and bolts”. Will hopefully have time to update you on anything interesting on which Daniel and his crew are working. I have high expectations as they just returned from a 10-day trip to the mill manufacturing facility in Istanbul…
