Innovator Profile: Straumann

Innovation drives our profession and DLP wants to recognize the companies at the forefront.  In this Innovator Profile, DLP spoke with Straumann about connectivity, workflows and lab support.

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Q: In 2014, Straumann has been all about connectivity. How has that helped labs?

A: Our connectivity with 3Shape and now Dental Wings, and our online Scan & Shape Service means that with no additional investment almost any laboratory can access Straumann’s customized portfolio. This can create a collaboration with Straumann’s dental and laboratory teams and surgeons that are looking for OEM parts. This collaboration has been proven to be a business builder for laboratories.

Q: Straumann talks a lot about “original on original.” What does that mean, and why does that matter?

A: Original connection is a patented connection that cannot be replicated by third-party parts. Many surgeons insist on original parts regardless of the manufacturer of the implant. The warranty and piece of mind offered by using OEM parts is important to them in regards to patient satisfaction and reputation. Straumann implants, abutments and crowns are manufactured to precise specifications to provide the best possible fit. This can lessen the chance of abutment or screw failure that is sometimes the consequence of using non-original components.   

Q: What products has Straumann recently introduced into the market that you feel can really help labs?

A: Our Straumann Variobase (Ti base), SRA (screw-retained abutments) and new screw-retained bar options allow laboratories to offer popular restorative options with original Straumann connections. Straumann’s edentulous solutions will continue to be improved in the coming months with additions to both the lab and dentist portfolio. These solutions will help labs meet the demands of Straumann surgeons that need a complete solution to meet the growing number of edentulous patients seeking implant therapy as a treatment solution versus conventional dentures.   

Q: How does the Straumann CARES® workflow make it easier than ever for labs to ensure quality in their implant cases?

A: With the integration of intraoral scanning, coDiagnostiX treatment planning software from Dental Wings and Straumann CARES® CAD/CAM software, laboratories are able to offer pre-operative provisionals prior to surgery. This workflow assists with tissue management and a temporary provisional from the time of surgery. This means the patient has a smile from the day of surgery to the delivery of the final prosthesis.

Q: What opportunities and challenges do labs need to know about implant technology as they look at the rest of 2014 and into 2015?

A: To stay current, laboratories must continuously monitor new introductions in both implant types and their new restorative options. New implant types may lead to an increase in the patient pool for implant treatment. Labs that follow the trends and educate themselves on the new options will position themselves to be ready to restore cases on these new implants. Other trends, including the growth of intraoral scanning technology, impression scanning, 3D printing and the availability of outsourcing services, need to be followed closely.

Staying current with those technologies and services combined with the new offerings from the implant manufactures will ensure the lab remains relevant and competitive in the marketplace. Labs should partner with their local implant reps to stay on top of the new technology in order to make the connection to surgeons that are early adopters of the new technology.

Q: What is Straumann doing to ensure that labs meet those opportunities?

A: Straumann encourages partnerships between dentists, labs and surgeons. Labs are being encouraged to participate in SPEAR and ITI study clubs that give them access to surgeons that place implants and are looking for restorative partnerships with local labs. Straumann dental and laboratory representatives are ready to help make these connections and provide business growth opportunities to our laboratory partners.
 

Click here to keep reading about how Straumann offers cost-effective workflow solutions.

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Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: With the introduction of Straumann’s screw-retained abutments and our new CARES® milled bar and CARES® fixed bar solutions, laboratories are now able to provide a Straumann fixed edentulous solution. SRA abutments offer angle corrections of 17 and 30 degrees. Straumann CARES® and Dental Wings laboratories can offer these new bar solutions, which have the benefit of our original Straumann connection. These solutions can also be offered through our Scan & Shape Service so almost any laboratory is a potential partner for a Straumann surgeon.

More than digital technology: Integrated workflows

From intraoral scanning with Align’s iTero® and 3M™’s True Definition Scanners, to 3D implant planning with coDiagnostiX treatment planning software by Dental Wings, Straumann® CARES® laboratories have an opportunity to offer digital workflow solutions across multiple platforms. From digital impressions to CAD design and the delivery of pre-operative provisionals and final restorations, Straumann CARES® laboratories are positioned to lead the entire dental team to the desired outcome.

More than efficiency: Cost-effective workflow solutions

Straumann® CARES® CAD/CAM is an integrated prosthetic design system, including a state-of-the-art scanner, CAD software and a leading materials portfolio.

- New edentulous solutions with the screw-retained abutment and CARES® milled and fixed bars

- Applications for a multitude of patient situations, from customized abutments to screw-retained bar and bridge solutions

- The new CARES® 8.8 Software features milled and fixed bar applications, as well as additional CARES® X-Stream™ options for design flexibility.

- Through alliances with industry leaders such as Ivoclar Vivadent®, 3M™ ESPE™ and Vident™, a VITA Company, Straumann offers high-performance ceramic materials for first-class esthetic restorations

More than systems: Workflow choices

Straumann® CARES® is an open system that allows dental laboratories to create original Straumann Customized Prosthetics for their referring clinicians.

- Plug and play into your current Dental Wings, 3M™ Lava™, and 3Shape Software without additional investment in hardware or software.

- Non-digital laboratories can use the Straumann® CARES® Scan & Shape Online Service for customized abutments.

- Eligible customers* of Dental Wings, 3M™ and 3Shape® now have access to the Straumann CARES® prosthetic portfolio and Straumann’s centralized milling center.

Learn more and get connected today: straumann.us/connectivity

*Eligible Dental Wings and 3M™ Lava™ customers are those who have the Dental Wings software version 3.5.3 or higher installed, including all full updates. Not all Straumann CARES® materials are available for 3Shape customers.Simply Doing More

Straumann is not only a commercial partner for premium products. We strive to help you grow your laboratory. From a wide range of supporting materials to business growth plans and marketing tools that are developed based on your needs, we will work with you every day to differentiate your laboratory. Our technical support and educational training teams are staffed by CDTs, providing customers with a valuable resource to increase their knowledge and system expertise. We are committed to “simply doing more” for you-as a technician, and a business owner.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2014 issue of Dental Lab Products. For articles on other great techniques and upcoming lab products, click here to subscribe to DLP's newsletter bit.ly/dentallabenews.