Belgium-based chemical company Solvay has entered into the medical devices sector with the launch of a new dental care business line Solvay Dental 360.
The new dental line utilises the firm's high-performance polymers, that can be used instead of metal in removable partial denture (RPD) frames, which are used to replace missing teeth.
The new high-performance material under the Solvay Dental 360 provides biocompatible, metal-free, comfortable and natural-looking RPD frames that are 60% lighter compared to a metal frame.
Solvay chief executive officer Shawn Shorrock said: “Solvay’s entrepreneurial initiative to launch into medical devices is driven by our innovation power as a world leader in metal-replacing materials and their proven track record in healthcare."
The firm utilises the new Ultaire aryl ketone polymer (AKP) material to develop its Dentivera milling disc, from which the dental lab technicians use customised software to design and mill the RPD frame.
The process is claimed to improve speed and efficiency due to fewer manufacturing steps involved compared to the metal frame.
Solvay Dental 360 global director Shawn Shorrock said: “Solvay proudly starts off in dental care devices with a unique full-circle offering that increases the comfort of patients and efficiency for dentists and lab technicians."
The firm's high-performance polymers are used in healthcare sector for orthopedic, cardiovascular and renal markets.
With operations in 58 countries and approximately 27,000 employees, Solvay has reported pro forma net sales of €10.9bn last year.
Image: Polymer dentures. Photo: courtesy of Solvay.
