Shofu Introduces Vintage MP Porcelain
Despite the current challenges in the economy, “as the population ages, the demand for esthetic, functional teeth will continue to increase,” says Brian Melonakos, President and CEO of Shofu Dental Corporation. “We are working to meet their needs, by continuing all types of innovations in both old and new technologies.”
As Melonakos explains, Shofu has begun to emphasize the concept of minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry (MICD). “We are ramping up efforts to really educate dentists on how to do everyday cosmetic procedures in a more minimally invasive way—whether it’s bleaching, veneers, crowns, or implants.
“Our ceramic materials work well with any minimally invasive technique. For example, our indirect restorative, Ceramage®, is great for fabricating ultra-thin veneers, because of its consistency and the particle size of the product.”
The company is also launching a new PFM porcelain called Vintage MP. “One of its characteristics is a very thin opaque layer—you can do a complete opaque layering at less than 0.1 millimeter. In terms of MICD, a thinner restoration means less tooth removal or less of a preparation is required—or maybe even no preparation is required—in order to perform a veneer case. So Vintage MP is beneficial in that area.”
Shofu’s direct restorative materials are plaque-resistant and fluoride-releasing, which also fits very well into the complete MICD concept, Melonakos says. “Overall, with our MICD program, our customers are going to see more involvement and educational programs from Shofu in the minimally invasive area.”
Regarding the new Vintage MP, Melonakos says, “Another characteristic of this PFM porcelain is a very wide CTE range, allowing for use of almost any nonprecious metal as a substructure. This means lower-cost materials, which certainly has some appeal. And because of the great improvement in the opaque, the technician is able to create an all-ceramic look with a PFM restoration.”
Melonakos adds that the color stability of Shofu’s materials is an extremely important factor. “Unlike many porcelains, every one of our individual pigments is the same shade. A number of porcelains from other companies are mixed. And in our products, each individual pigment is covered with a protective glass. We believe this protective glass covering—which is unique to Shofu—prevents fading. It keeps the colors stable both during multiple firings and once it’s placed as a restoration in the mouth.”
As Shofu strengthens its focus on restorative products and MICD, its efforts to engage dentists and laboratory technicians have expanded. “Like many companies, we closely cooperate with the various evaluation organizations and educational programs. Now we are going to be more active than we have been in the past with opinion leader education programs. Until a few years ago, Shofu was primarily known as an abrasives company, and the opportunities to do continuing education programs on abrasives were rather limited. We are now putting much greater emphasis on the chemical products or direct and indirect restorative products, which are much more education-intensive. So we’re beginning to develop educational programs and sponsor lectures on both sides of the business—the laboratory side and the clinician side. We are very supportive of joint programs that help people work together.”
Shofu Dental Corporation
1225 Stone Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078-4059
(800) 827-4638www.shofu.com
customer-service@shofu.com
