Swiss dental implant maker Straumann Holding AG (STMN.EB) said Monday it has signed a pact with Liechtenstein-based peer Ivoclar Vivadent for the production of dental implants.

In preparation for Europe's leading dental trade fair, the International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany, which starts Tuesday, Straumann and Ivoclar Vivadent are announcing a partnership agreement that will enable them to offer highly esthetic solutions for tooth replacement and restoration.

Under the agreement, Ivoclar Vivadent will supply its proprietary high-performance IPS e.max ceramic technology to Straumann for use in the latter's dental prosthetic solutions, both implant and tooth borne. The first combined product, the Straumann Anatomic IPS e.max Abutment is being launched at the IDS and will be available in Europe next month and in North America from June onwards. A range of Straumann CADCAM prosthetics in IPS e.max lithium disilicate ceramics will also be launched in the coming months in initial European countries and Europe-wide by year end.

IPS e.max ceramics

The strength and machining characteristics of Ivoclar's IPS e.max zirconium dioxide ceramic make it ideal for the fabrication of durable, high-precision implant prosthetics (abutments). Being ceramic, it provides an excellent foundation for a highly esthetic final restoration.

The IPS e.max lithium disilicate ceramics are used for final restorations on implant abutments or on natural teeth. Strength, quality and durability combined with translucence and natural vitality are the distinguishing properties that make it a material of choice for highly esthetic results that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Anatomic abutments

Straumann offers a broad range of standard and custom implant abutments in a range of materials, including anatomic abutments in titanium. Anatomic abutments are pre-shaped, standardized implant prosthetics that can be modified both in the dental laboratory and the practice. The new Straumann Anatomic IPS e.max abutment offers a flexible, 'off-the-shelf' solution. It comes in two gingival heights, two shades and two configurations (straight and angled).

In its sintered state, IPS e.max can be easily shaped by grinding. Like the customized CADCAM ceramic abutment, it takes ceramic down into the bone and provides a natural-looking tooth base for an all-ceramic restoration. Straumann is the only company to offer an all-ceramic abutment made from the IPS e.max (zirconium dioxide) material.

Designed for use with Straumann's new-generation Bone Level Implant range, the new abutment features the innovative CrossFit connection for convenient handling, optimal pressure distribution and precise tight fit. It also makes use of the Bone Control Design concept and the existing Straumann planning and instrument set.

Flexible and efficient abutments made from enhanced materials offer multiple advantages to dental professionals and patients including enhanced esthetics, greater efficiency and added predictability in the final restoration.

Super esthetic restorations

Straumann supplies CADCAM copings, crowns and bridges in a range of modern materials including zerion (ceramic), ticon (titanium), coron (cobalt chrome), and polycon (polymer). The addition of IPS e.max lithium disilicate ceramics enables the company to offer super esthetic crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers in various shades and translucencies along with all the advantages of the Straumann CADCAM solution. The first lithium disilicate ceramic products (copings and crowns) will become available in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland in June, followed by the full range throughout Europe by year end.

Company Web Site: http://www.straumann.com

-Zurich Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; +41 43 443 8040; zurichdjnews@dowjones.com