#idscologne - New processing method for trusted alloys - clinical documentation for modern materials

Progress in the digital technology and the pricing structure of the raw material markets is currently having a noticeable influence on whether alloys are chosen for prosthetic restorations. Many players in the dental industry have adapted accordingly over the years and offer a variety of alloys, all of which have one thing in common: long-term clinical performance. The visitors of the International Dental Show (IDS) can experience the current status from 9 to 13 March 2021 in Cologne.

In the crown and bridge technology section the trend has been towards digitally-driven production processes for years. This development is similar to the model casting process albeit at a lower speed. For the materials this means: Millable materials, i.e. ceramic and non-precious alloys are gaining in significance. At the same time, metal powder (cobalt/chrome) is becoming increasingly more attractive for processing using the laser melting method.

On the other hand, precious metal is in general being implemented much less, not least due to the strong increase in the raw material prices. This year, we saw for the first time a price of over Dollar 2,000 for the fine ounce. Yet, precious metal still remains interesting for the future. The good clinical documentation over decades speaks in favour of alloys with a (high) gold content. In future, the possibility of processing the classics using the milling method could find a wider application and lead to an upswing in their implementation.

This is bringing about a lot of movement. Alloys that have been established for years are becoming even more interesting as a result of modern processing methods and additional clinical documentations are making other materials even safer.

In addition to milling and printing, metal casting still plays a role, especially in combination with semi-digital processes for model casting: In the course of the work preparation, the laboratory either receives digital data directly from a mouth scan or it digitalises a classically drawn up model or even the impression. Whichever method is applied - a digital design of the model casting ensues. This virtual construction can then alternatively be printed or milled out of wax or plastic. Then a metal cast that one has been familiar with for decades is produced.

The latter alternative is referred to as a Wax CAD or CAD/vest. In any case, the semi-digital processes have led to innovations in classic fields. Namely special embedding material for the speed process and also special 3D printing materials or milling waxes are contributing towards an optimisation in everyday laboratory life. IDS 2021 will give the visitor a clear orientation in these eventful times.

Beyond this, an outstanding theme at the International Dental Show will due to the Corona crisis also be hygiene in the practice and in the laboratory. In the above-mentioned processes for instance it plays an essential role when scanning mouths and also when disinfecting impressions. Since these are the most sensitive and extremely frequent points of contact between the practice and the laboratory, the possible spread of bacteria should be prevented using all suitable means.

"Alloys remain attractive in modern dentistry and are indeed becoming even more interesting due to modern processing methods," stressed Mark Stephen Pace, Chairman of the Association of the German Dental Manufacturers e.V. (VDDI). "It is worth visiting IDS 2021 for this reason alone. As the leading global trade fair of the dental industry, it offers the opportunity during these turbulent and complicated times to engage in an exchange, bundle one's forces, strengthen long-term partnerships and establish new ones. Hygiene will play a major role in all key themes of the trade fair this time. And a top level, professional safety concept will ensure a safe tour of the trade fair. Our partner Koelnmesse has in compliance with the provisions of the Corona protective regulation of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and in close coordination with the authorities in Cologne developed a host of measures under the name #B-SAFE4BUSINESS. These will interlock seamlessly and will govern the interaction among all people present at the trade fair. This is for me personally an important and in its stability reassuring basis for a successful International Dental Show in 2021."

IDS takes place in Cologne every two years and is organised by the GFDI Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Dental-Industrie mbH, the commercial enterprise of the Association of German Dental Manufacturers (VDDI). It is staged by the Koelnmesse GmbH, Cologne.

Note for editorial offices:
IDS photos are available in our image database on the Internet at  

www.english.ids-cologne.de/imagedatabase