Q&A: Jim Collis on Shofu's OneShot Uni-layer and Veracia denture material [VIDEO]

1. You were one of the people who helped Shofu with their decision to bring Veracia denture material and OneShot Uni-layer porcelain to the U.S. What was it about Veracia SA that made you say “yes, this is great for the U.S. lab market”?

The Veracia SA has a simplified mould chart. I have yet to find a case where I couldn’t find a mould to fit. They’re glass reinforced, but it’s a homogenous mixture with shade layers. It’s a very esthetic tooth; very hard-wearing. The key factor that I really like about the posteriors is they have pre-milled/pre-worn wear facets. It allows patients to move into excursions a little easier. There’s less wear of the tooth during mastication because they’re pre-worn. Another thing I like is the space that is built into the occlusal surface. When the teeth are in complete occlusion there’s still room for food to come off the occlusal table. In most brands, the occlusion fits together so tightly that the food can actually become a dislodging force.

2. What makes Veracia SA different from other denture systems? 

The Q3 Pack is the thing that stands out-Q3 stands for “quick quality quadrant.” It’s not just a tooth holder-it’s a built-in occlusal template with individual teeth set into it. If you analyze your model correctly, and you align the occlusal templates evenly, you have a perfect curve of Spee and curve of Wilson. The opposing arch just drops right into place. You have a perfect set-up in less than half the time. There have been other companies that have teeth that are connected. The problem is they’re connected-you have to slice the teeth if you ever want to adjust them. The Q3 Pack is a time-saver. Even if the doctor is off on the bite, (which happens quite a bit), remount the case, reset the Q3 Pack and you’re done. It’s such a time saver. But more than time, it’s a quality enhancer. That sets them apart from almost every other tooth on the market. It’s so simple; it’s genius.

3. With both the Veracia SA and the OneShot, who is Shofu’s target customer? Why should someone switch to the Veracia SA from the system they’re currently using?

We’re in tough economic times. Veracia SA teeth are premium products but because Shofu is dealing direct, they’re able to offer these at an extremely fair price. You’ve got production in mind for a bigger laboratory with quality and consistency. It’s a learning tool, too, for technicians who don’t know much about setting teeth. You can make a beginning technician into an expert.

4. How has Shofu made strides in the U.S. denture market specifically with Veracia SA?

We’re trying to be on the podium a little more, to show people how easy it is. I’ve been at shows and I’ll be at the booth and I’ll do hands-on demonstrations. The sales team is willing to go into the laboratory and do a demonstration. I think by going out and educating people and showing it and explaining it, we’re getting more and more people to appreciate it. Dental technicians are smart-they get it right away. Denturists understand this as well-they see it one or two times and they’ve got it.

5. What about Veracia SA makes sense for a big lab? For a small lab?

For a big or small lab, it saves a great amount of time. You’re always in a hurry, you’re always working late. Maybe with a tooth like this you won’t have to work as late! It’s great for quality and production and it’s a time-saver. If this saves the average technician half the time, you’re going to set up three extra cases-in a small or a big lab, that’s a lot of extra cases. You’re not rushing the technique-you’re applying the technique.

6. What is it about the OneShot that you feel fills a need in the U.S. lab landscape?

For me, I’ve done ceramic work before, but I’m not a 9-layer build up guy; OneShot made it easier for me. In crown and bridge, I‘m not that experienced. Just one bottle, that’s it. The bigger the build up, the more transparent you get. It’s very simple to use. The first time I picked it up I did a 3-unit bridge and it looked beautiful.

7. What have you seen as the primary benefit with OneShot?

I think the primary benefit is ease of use and its consistency. Whenever you do an A2, it looks like A2. When you do an A3, it looks like an A3. It’s just the one bottle-you’re not having to mix-up shades. You can stain with Shofu’s Basic or Vintage Art Effects Set paste stains. It’s just such a simple production technique.

8. How have you seen OneShot change workflows for labs?

It’s such a simple method. You apply a masking paste; then apply a shade opaque; and you use one bottle of porcelain, that’s it. The workflow is just so much easier.

9. What is it about Shofu the company that you think helps them serve the dental lab community?

Shofu is a very close-knit company-everyone keeps in touch with each other. They’re up on everything. They all communicate. They’re steady and methodical-when they come out with something, you know they haven’t done anything halfway. I know everyone at the company, and I know they stand for quality. They have a lot of great products and it’s got a very good name.

10. What can we expect from Shofu in 2013 and beyond?

Shofu is a progressive company. They’re always looking to do things better. They’re looking at carrying more products, but Shofu will not just bring out more products for the sake of it. They’re going to bring out new products in the next year, and they are going to be quality. The company is careful and methodical and they plan things very well.