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Why China is a lucrative market for dental implant manufacturers

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The Chinese dental implant industry has shown strong growth in recent years, and the trend is expected to continue. As the Chinese population is experiencing increased upward mobility, more people can afford dental care, and the demand for restorative dental services is increasing. As a result, China has become a lucrative market for dental implant manufacturers.

A glance at the dental implant market in China

The Chinese dental implant market size is expected to grow and reach a valuation of nearly $680 million in 2027. The expected market increase is setting the stage for lucrative opportunities for dental implant manufacturers.

The proportion of dental implant procedures performed in private dental clinics is much greater than that of government-owned public hospitals in some regions. However, this split differs between Northern/Southern and Eastern/Western regions. On average, across China, the total number of dental implant procedures performed in private clinics versus public hospitals is almost fifty-fifty.

With an almost equal distribution of procedures taking place in clinics compared to hospitals, it would seem logical to deduce that clinics and hospitals are equally desirable for implant manufacturers to focus on. However, this is actually not the case. 

Private dental clinics versus public hospitals

Public hospitals are a much more lucrative segment for implant manufacturers to target to substantially grow their business in China. Public hospitals are considered the most reliable and qualified treatment centers among patients and the prime segment for premium foreign brands today. Consumers have greater confidence in public hospitals, and the best dentists want to work for public hospitals – not private clinics.

More than 50% of dental implant sales today already target hospitals as their prime segment. This market is estimated to win an even greater market share from private clinics in the future. Furthermore, most dental implant companies are persistent enough to put in the effort to succeed in public hospitals due to their strong influence, academic status, and better gross profit margin.

Foreign versus domestic dental implant brands 

It is also key to know that Chinese patients prefer foreign brands over Chinese brands. In fact, more than 90% of dental implants in China are provided by foreign brands today. Furthermore, Chinese consumers prefer American and European brands over all others as they are known to be market leaders in the dental industry with safe, high-quality performance.

The high trust in foreign brands means excellent opportunities for dental implant manufacturers in the Chinese market. However, as a foreign brand in China, you need to understand the regulatory challenges and new policies to compete.

Regulations for dental implants in China

The NMPA (National Medical Products Administration) has launched new medical device regulations that pose threats to foreign dental implant manufacturers.

In early 2021, a proposal was submitted to the National People’s Congress mentioning the high cost of dental implants for the first time at the national level. Later that year, a notification was issued by the Pharmaceutical Equipment & Procurement Service Center of Sichuan Province. It stated that information collection of high-value medical consumables in the dental category would take place. This included dental implants, repair abutments, prosthetic products, and other medical consumables that constitute dental implant systems.

In 2022, an executive meeting of the State Council was held to deploy and accelerate the major projects identified in the outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan, covering the years 2021-2025. At that time, it was announced that dental implant systems would be included in the program of volume-based procurement on a national level.

State order 739 is the approval for the new Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices, which is now publicized and took effect as of June 1, 2021, with an enforcement date of January 1, 2022.

Classification is key to the Chinese dental market

Although the official reasoning behind the new policy is a reduction in the cost of the medical burden on patients, Elos Medtech assesses that the policy will be much more detrimental to foreign dental implant brands sold in China than meets the eye. The new policy incentivizes the protection of domestic brands in China, the localization of dental products, and the development of China’s technical knowledge in the dental implant industry.

Our assessment of the new policy’s regulations is that it is becoming imperative to become classified as a domestic brand in China, acting as a Legal Manufacturer to be able to sell dental implant products in public hospitals in the future.

And in the most recent move, on August 18, 2022, the Chinese National Health Care Insurance Association solicited public comments on the Notice on Carrying Out Special Governance of Oral Implant Medical Service Charges and Consumables Prices. This notice regards the pre-stages of the procurement of implantology. It shows that the government is working swiftly to accelerate the implementation of its implantology plan. Notably, this notification relates to both public and private clinics.

Opportunities for dental implant manufacturers

It is vital to act quickly to avoid being left out of such an important market, and Elos Medtech can help. For more in-depth information and strategies to help ensure your brand’s success in China, visit Elos Dental, where you can also download our eBook.

Yes, I want to enter the lucrative dental implant market in China!

Elos Medtech Memphis, USA

How we are creating a strong, global cross-site platform within orthopedics

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It has been three years since we acquired U.S.-based Onyx Medical as a way to intensify our commitment to the global orthopedic market. A lot has happened since 2015 and we are now merged into one; Elos Medtech Onyx. The orthopedic publication Bonezone recently interviewed Elos Medtech’s Orthopedic Business Director Jodie Gilmore about our ongoing efforts to meet the high demands of the industry.

A supplier to the orthopedic market that meets global demands while providing local service

Orthopedic companies want a supplier with technical expertise, high capacity and a global presence. Because our customers serve the global market, it is essential that we meet global market demands while providing local services. The acquisition of Onyx Medical has been an important part of our efforts to create a strong global cross-site platform within orthopedics. Today, we have orthopedic manufacturing sites in Asia, Europe and the United States. Each site has its specific competencies and capabilities, but they all have a common focus on working strategically with continuous improvements and innovation. In the Bonezone article, Jodie states that the global focus that Elos Medtech has had during recent years has provided us with a lot of new opportunities to meet customers’ needs. Also, we see an increased demand for drills, pins, wires and screws in both traditional trauma and robotically enabled surgery. As a result, Elos Medtech is in the process of a significant expansion of the U.S. facility. By nearly doubling our current manufacturing space and investing in new equipment and employees we will increase our capacity to support customers in the global orthopedic market. Read the full interview with Jodie Gilmore to learn more about Elos Medtech’s efforts and investments in the medical device market!  
Robert Nedelcu o io scanmbodies

Scientific research drives the development of digital dentistry

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More and more dentists transition to a digital workflow. The technologies are developing fast, enabling easier procedures and higher quality results. Scientific research plays an important part in this progress. It provides dental professionals with valuable know-how and it shows the dental industry areas for improvement. I spoke to clinician and researcher Robert Nedelcu about his view and research on digital dentistry in general, and intraoral scanning in particular.

Hi, Robert! Can you start off by describing your background and current role?

Sure! I received my DDS (Degree in Dental Surgery) from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden in 1999 and in 2012 I completed a specialization in Oral Prosthetics at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Dental Implant Center. At present, I divide my time between clinical work as a senior clinical consultant and undertaking doctoral research at the Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery at Uppsala University. The latter includes lecturing internationally for the dental industry and various educational bodies in prosthetics. Altogether, it is a rewarding mix of commitments!

I can imagine! Tell me a bit more about your research?

The area of focus for our research is digital dentistry, in which we evaluate intraoral scanners (IOS) and associated CAD/CAM processes. So far, we have completed two studies. The first study is evaluating finish line distinctness (FLD) and accuracy (FLA) in vitro in seven intraoral scanners compared to that of using a conventional impression. Our second study is evaluating accuracy and precision in vivo of 3 intraoral scanners and accuracy in conventional impressions. As there are several studies in vitro comparing scans on models, we believe it is important to also test intraoral scanners under clinical conditions in the patient’s mouth, where the scanner is actually used by dentists. In the study, we used Elos Medtech’s scanbody to connect to the implants.

Interesting! So, how well did the intraoral scanners do in terms of accuracy and in recreating finish line?

Briefly put, their performance varied. The results from our first study show us that some intraoral scanners outperform conventional impressions with regards to finish line distinctness and accuracy. Still, the opposite was also true for a couple of the tested scanners. Regarding these, their inherent scanning technology or proprietary handling of scan-data made them fall short.

The results from our second study show that there are differences among intraoral scanners regarding accuracy and that intraoral scanners can perform just as well as conventional impressions when restoring up to ten units without extended edentulous spans.

Why is this information important to dentists who are entering a digital workflow?

More and more dental professionals are in the process of implementing a digital workflow to their daily practices. For the dentist, intraoral scanning and associated digital dentistry solutions make up a big part of this. There are many advantages of taking a digital impression of the patient’s teeth. However, even though the actual scanning is done in an instant, preparation and above all, knowledge and initial practice in the different steps of the process are essential to get a good result.

Clinicians need to be aware of both the possibilities and the potential technical limitations of intraoral scanners and associated digital dentistry solutions. This enables the dentist to critically evaluate the digital impression, perfect it and ultimately provide the patient with a high-quality prosthetic solution. In other words, additional knowledge within the area is needed and scientifically based information creates a safe ground for dentists to make the best possible decision regarding choice of technology and how to work with it. Accuracy, precision, how easy it is to identify finish lines, as well as the accuracy of the finish lines and the immediate proximity, are just a few of the relevant aspects to evaluate further. My research team and I are now in the middle of a new research effort where we are looking at intraoral scanning in a much wider context!

Exciting things ahead then! What is your view of future developments of digital dentistry?

The digital development of the dental industry has come a long way already. The increased demand for digital dentistry solutions combined with scientific research is facilitating the process of making technologies more refined, reliable and easy to use. For example, it is already possible to perform intraoral scanning beneath the patient’s gingiva, and although there is no science to back this, it could, in theory, achieve a more precise recreation of the finish line in difficult cases. However, until proven, the requirements are the same as for conventional impressions; what you see, is what the scanner sees. To sum it up, the possibilities are increasing by the day and I am very excited about upcoming improvements and innovations within the field!

Thank you for an interesting chat, Robert. I’m looking forward to learning more about your current study further on!


Are you thinking about joining the development of the dental industry and go digital? Don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions! Elos Medtech offers a wide range of dental components and instruments that allow for a smooth and effective digital workflow.

Automated Production Line_Elos MedTech Pinol

Modular and automated packaging line for medical device products

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Automation has led the entire medical device market on an exciting journey. Elos Medtech in Denmark works hard to become an automated factory and continuously initiates and completes projects in automation. One of our efforts has been to build a modular and automated packaging line to secure highest product quality and increase production efficiency. After two years of intense development, the line is now up and running.

Initiatives to meet the demands of tomorrow’s medical device market

Customers on the global medical device market are demanding higher production efficiency, better precision, highest product quality and traceability down to the smallest part. One way to achieve this is by adding automation to the processes of medical device manufacturing. Through Elos Medtech’s concept The Automated Factory, we have intensely focused on optimization, automation and robotics since 2012. One of our ongoing projects during this time has been to create an automated and modular production line. Our proof of concept resulted in a packaging line for prosthetic products for implants that are packed in blister packages.

Creating a better working environment with automation and robotics

Up until recently, we packed our prosthetic products for implants one by one with tweezers, in clean rooms, wearing masks and gloves. This process required unnecessarily long production time and monotonous work tasks. To increase production efficiency and create a better working environment for our employees we started looking at alternative solutions.

Having 300 different kinds of packages, it was not possible to buy one machine that could pack all variants. So, instead of having to invest in several different machines, we started developing our own modular system. By making the system modular we can use it for packing many types of products, but also for entirely different purposes such as assembly or validation of products. The operator should be able to easily change settings and tools of the system and thereby switch to another area of application.

A modular system to pack, assemble and validate medical devices

Our technical team started working with the concept five years ago, back in 2016, and the machine has now been up and running for a few weeks. As for now, the machine is calibrated to pack prosthetic products for two types of implants.

The process starts with the operator preparing the packaging line with papers, blister packs and products to be packaged before scanning the work order. The system will automatically make sure that the corresponding production program is set up correctly. It also controls that the right components and substances are available in the standardized fixtures and that the production cell holds the right temperature. After that, the machine will pack the products while collecting information about the process, which is then available to the operator whenever needed. This information includes, for example, production time, how many products that have been packed and if any product is damaged or disapproved for some reason.

A system built from scratch by Elos Medtech’s technical team

Because the whole system is built to be dynamically interchangeable, we are continually working to expand its capabilities beyond packing. Elos Medtech’s technical team has developed and programmed the entire system from its first line of code. This is highly valuable since we can do all changes and improvements by ourselves and it makes the process of adding functionality much smoother.

Moving towards a fully automated production process

By using automation to assemble, pack and validate our products we can offer our customers a more reliable and efficient production process. Also, our monitoring and control of the system improve the traceability and quality of our products. When we remove the process of packing products by hand, our production quality becomes more consistent and we improve the working conditions for our employees.

The development of this particular machine is just one part of everything that is being made through our concept The Automated Factory. We are moving towards a production line where few parts are touched by humans. Machines will do the repeatable and heavy labor tasks while our employees use their competencies for supporting innovation and progress. The technical team cooperates with machine operators and factory workers to recognize areas for improvement and implement these. This way, we will continue to develop our services and meet the ever higher demands of tomorrow’s global medical device market.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog article! Would you like to know more about our projects in automation at Elos Medtech? Feel free to contact us. Also, don’t forget to visit our Knowledge blog for other interesting articles.

510k-focc88r-pre-milled-blank-700x350

Safe and effective digital dentistry products on the US market

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Premarket Notification, also known as the 510(k) process, is one of several controls to ensure that all medical devices that enter the American market are safe and effective. In this blog article, I will introduce you to two of the most common regulations as well as describe Elos Medtech’s journey towards bringing our full range of digital dentistry products to the US.  

Regulations to ensure safety and effectiveness of medical devices

There is an extensive system to regulate which products enter the US medical device market. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for promoting and protecting the public health by ensuring effectiveness and safety of medical devices. The agency is also responsible for promoting innovations that improve medical devices as well as helping the public access scientifically based information about the products.

FDA divides medical devices into three different classes, based on the level of control needed to assure safety and effectiveness. This is dependent on the device’s design complexity, characteristics of use and the risk of harm if it is misused. Medical devices that belong to Class I, such as elastic bandages and examination gloves, are subject to the least regulatory control. Class II and Class III medical devices include products that are subject to more controls and approvals to ensure safety for the user and patient.

Premarket Approval vs. Premarket Notification

There are two major processes by which medical devices enter the US market after review by the FDA. The first one is the Premarket Approval (PMA). This process evaluates Class III medical devices that support or sustain human life, that are of great importance in preventing impairment of human health or present a potential, unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Examples of Class III medical devices are implantable pacemakers and pulse generators. Because of the risks associated with Class III medical devices, the PMA is the most stringent pathway of the two and it generally takes clinical trials to ensure the devices’ safety and effectiveness.

The other and most common way of bringing a new medical device to the American market is the “Premarket Notification” process which applies when a PMA is not needed. Premarket Notification, also called the 510(k) process, requires that a new medical device is compared to another already lawfully marketed model. The parameters that are compared are for example indication for use, material, chemical composition and design. The new device will get a 510(k) clearance by going through general controls, tests or literature search that show FDA that the device is at least as safe and effective as the predicate device it was compared to. This, in turn, means that the medical device manufacturer or their contract manufacturer can legally market and sell the device in the US.

A 510(k) clearance as a first step towards the complete digital workflow

Elos Medtech has been offering scanning abutments and model analogs on the US market for many years. Since they are categorized as Class I medical devices they do not require 510(k) clearances. The products are included in digital dentistry but they do not alone enable a complete digital workflow. For our customers to experience all the possibilities and benefits that digital dentistry has to offer we have been working on bringing more of our Elos Accurate products to the US market.

Just recently, we got a 510(k) clearance on our first Abutment Blank after a process of clinical testing and literature search. This does not only mean that the product itself is proven safe and effective, it also has a bigger meaning. Even though this is merely one step on the journey towards offering our full range of products for a digital workflow, it is a step that will pave the way for the next ones. Since we can now use the Abutment Blank as our predicate device in the Premarket Notification process it will accelerate the process of bringing our other products to the market. Next, we will focus on making our titanium bases available in the dental libraries for our American customers.

Meet up with Elos Medtech at LAB DAY Chicago

For the seventh time, Elos Medtech will exhibit at LMT LAB DAY Chicago, the largest international gathering of the dental laboratory community in the US. Between February 23-24 you can meet us at the event to get to know more about our upcoming product launches and developments. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog article about our ongoing work to provide dental professionals in the US with more of our digital dentistry products! For more information and news from the dental industry and Elos Medtech, visit our Dental blog!  

Orthopaedic Device Mark

3 Top Trends in the Orthopaedic Device Market

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The medical device market is large, complex, competitive, and growing. As a global development and production partner for the European, Asian and US markets, we strive to remain aligned with the latest market developments. In this blog article, I will take a closer look at the orthopaedic device market and describe three of the top trends as well as speculate about what the future might hold.

1. Cost control: Commoditization of the orthopaedic device market

The first big trend I see is that the orthopaedic device market – in many ways – is becoming more commoditized and there is a larger focus on cost-reduced implants, instrumentation and delivery systems.  This is the result of the combined effect of ongoing pricing pressure and growing demand for procedures in the market – medical device companies must find ways to reduce the cost of getting their products into the hands of the people who need them around the globe.  Cost controls are becoming even more important because expanding regulatory requirements are generating increased expense which erodes margins even further.  As a result, medical device companies have to work really hard to eliminate non-value added cost drivers and mitigate supply chain and regulatory expense.

We focus on building effective and sustainable quality and regulatory processes

At Elos Medtech, we recognize that by investing time and resources early in the project, there is a greater opportunity to develop a compliant and cost effective design and supply chain from the very beginning.  Furthermore, we are continuously working to increase internal efficiency, improve production techniques and utilize technology advances to support our customers’ ongoing cost containment activities. Aside from the design, manufacturing and logistics processes, we understand that one of the greatest cost drivers of any project or product is the ever escalating regulatory compliance aspect. At Elos Medtech, we are highly knowledgeable of the requirements and capable of full compliance in a cost effective, value added manner. We truly believe that companies who are able to comply in a simple and efficient way will have a serious competitive advantage.  This is why building effective and sustainable Quality and Regulatory processes is a large focus for our group.

2. Product innovation: Improved patient outcomes, reduced surgical time

Improving patient outcomes and reducing procedure time is also becoming increasingly important in healthcare.  And within the orthopedics market, we have an ageing population that is going to need more procedures. It is actually expected that there will not be enough orthopaedic surgeons to meet the growing demand.  Device companies are going to have to produce medical devices and tools that allow orthopedists to perform more surgeries, which in turn also reduces cost. Medical devices need to be simpler and more user friendly with less likelihood of error.  But they cannot cost more, and this is also a challenge. Most products on the market today are generally sufficient. So unless a new product can reduce the surgical time or improve patient outcomes or differentiate itself in some meaningful way, hospitals are typically unwilling to pay more. A large challenge lies ahead for the medical device companies to effectively compete and meet the demands of the market.

We collaborate closely with customers to improve performance, cost and quality

In close collaboration with our customers and their development teams – and within our niche areas of expertise – we use our deep knowledge to help design and deliver products that will perform better and which will meet the surgeon and patients’ needs. Understanding the specific surgical application and the associated challenges along with the market requirements of the customer is essential to our process. The earlier our team can be brought into the commercial, design and R&D process, the more opportunity we will have to provide suggestions for improved performance, optimal cost control and advance consideration of quality compliance requirements.

3. Technology advances: Robotics, computer-aided surgery, 3D printing

Today, we are seeing a number of technology advances in the orthopaedic device market.   We definitely see more emphasis on minimally invasive, computer aided and robotically assisted surgery with the goal of improving accuracy, precision and patient outcomes. Over time, this may help create a higher and more replicable standard of care and perhaps one day help to achieve the broad goal of reducing surgical time and the total cost of care.   As the technology moves forward, the orthopaedic supply chain needs to keep pace.  In the end, one thing remains constant. When it comes to orthopaedic procedures, there will always be the need for medical devices and tools that can cut, shave, and make holes in bone.

Another technology that is a subject on everyone’s lips right now is 3D printing. Even though not widespread, we are starting to see 3D printing in orthopaedic procedures and manufacturing for prototype, custom and low volume solutions. One of the greatest advantages of 3D printing is that implants can be completely adapted to the patient, and delivered with a very short time frame. But because the implants are patient-specific, and quite expensive to produce, this technology targets a smaller niche market.

We develop our knowledge with 3D manufacturing techniques continuously

We are already helping to develop and deliver many products in support of robot assisted and computer assisted surgery (such as for fixation and bone cutting,) and working with customer design teams to develop products to support their growing needs within this surgical area. It is a natural fit for our specialized expertise.  We are also working to apply 3D manufacturing within our groups. Currently, our efforts are focused on supporting production innovation and process improvement activities but we are continuously developing our knowledge and experience with 3D manufacturing techniques to evaluate applications that could be directly applied to the products we deliver in the future.

The US orthopaedic device market and the future

So what does the future hold for the US orthopaedic device market? This is always a difficult question to answer, but I definitely think that the market will only continue to experience steady development as the population continues to grow and to age and the demand for orthopaedic devices increases. One of the biggest challenges ahead will probably be for the companies to differentiate themselves. As to the technology advances, they are not likely to slow down. On the contrary, new innovations will go hand in hand with the need for improving patient outcomes, reducing surgical time and hopefully also the total cost of care. And while the US has heavily dominated the global market for some time now, companies that are able to compete in a cost effective way and deliver innovative and regionally tailored solutions will have a competitive advantage.  Ultimately, technology is and will continue to be one of the key drivers for overall growth within the orthopedic market.

What do you think of the US orthopaedic market and the future? Which trends do you see? Please, let me know in the comments! For more info about how Elos Medtech can help and support you to develop and manufacture trauma, extremities and spine products, visit Elos Medtech’s website. Also, visit our Knowledge Blog to read Onyx Medical – A leading Supplier to the Orthopaedic Market as well as OEM’s Choice of the Right Contact Manufacturer.

3D-printing and digital models in the dental industry

Great benefits of using 3D-printing and digital models in the dental industry

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3D-printing and digital models are gaining momentum in the dental industry. As a part of the digital workflow, 3D-printed models enable a more efficient workflow for dentists as well as dental technicians. Also, the method often results in more accurate end-results, beneficial for the patients. Stefan Remplbauer at 3D Medical Print produces 3D-printed models on a daily basis and is confident that 3D-printing and a digital workflow is the future within dentistry.

Hi, Stefan! How and when did you start working with 3D-printed models?

Back in 2012, I was working as a dental technician in my own lab. I did a lot of work using the digital aligner technology and I was struggling to find good quality printed or milled models to work with. I looked everywhere and tried out countless models offered from various companies. However, I could not find a company that produced models that were exact enough to get good results in the aligner foils. That was when I decided to produce the models myself. The printed models you could buy back then had poor quality, and the milled models were often inaccurate. Since those options were out of the question, I started looking for a 3D-printer that would meet my quality needs and allow me to produce models for a reasonable price. So, in December 2012, 3D Medical Print was founded and I started producing 3D-printed models in January 2013.

That is impressive! Can you tell me more about 3D Medical Print?

Yes, 3D Medical Print is located in Lenzing, Austria, and our main customers are dental technicians and dentists. As a dental technician with years of experience working with dentists, I am well aware of the needs of both parties. When contacting us, dental technicians are looking for a precise model with the right dimensions, which they can work a long time with without wearing it down. For dentists, 3D-printing offers surgical drill guides, which are printed from a biocompatible material. These guides reduce the risk of hitting a nerve while drilling, enhancing safety for both the dentist and the patient.

What are the advantages of using 3D-printing in the dental industry?

Compared to a plaster model, a 3D-model is a more stable, durable and precise alternative. The lines and edges on a 3D-model stay sharp without the dental technician having to worry about wearing them down. Compared to a milled model, a 3D-printed model has a more complex structure with a higher level of detail. 3D-printed implant models are definitely our best selling product at the moment. They come with high-quality removable dies and a unique flexible and removable gingiva mask. The gingiva mask is made of a soft, gum-like material, which lets the dental technician perform the work almost as if it was done directly in the patient’s mouth.

One of the most important advantages with 3D-printing is definitely that it saves the dental technician a lot of time. After the dentist has performed an intra-oral scanning on the patient, the dentist sends a digital copy of the scanning to a dental lab or a 3D-printing company. The digital copy is received in minutes, since it is sent electronically. The technician can start working as soon as the copy of the scanning  arrives. Also, it provides a clean workplace for the technician, without having to deal with plaster or inhale grinding dust.

Although 3D-printing has been around for more than 20 years, it is fairly new to the dental industry. However, the field of 3D-printing in the dental industry is growing wider and wider, and I believe the development of 3D-printing is the most exciting development in the industry today. The additive production process of 3D-printing brings numerous advantages and opportunities when creating dental products.

That sounds promising! How does 3D-printing benefit the patient and the end-result?

3D-printing is a part of the digital workflow that is becoming more and more common in the dental industry. A digital workflow starts with the dentist taking an intra-oral scanning of the patient’s mouth before sending the scanned copy to a dental technician. The intra-oral scanning is more patient-friendly than the conventional method of letting the patient bite in the impression material, which most patients find unpleasant and sometimes even nauseating. In addition, the conventional method can affect the imprint in a negative way depending on for example how long the impression material is left in the mouth.  

Besides giving the patient a more comfortable experience, a digital workflow ending with a 3D-print often results in a more accurate end-result, leaving out possible mistakes and inaccuracies that can easily come with conventional impressions.    

Can you describe your cooperation with Elos Medtech?

First and foremost, we are very proud of our cooperation with Elos Medtech. We have bundled our experiences in the dental industry and formed our cooperation together, which resulted in Elos Accurate® Model. The model is a high-quality implant model with a gingiva mask, a removable neighbour tooth and one original Elos Medtech analog already fitted into the model, offered for a package price.   

I think Elos Medtech has great products thanks to their design philosophy. I visited their production last year and I was really impressed by the fully open and structured workflow. Elos Medtech has a wide digital product portfolio and is focused on the development of new innovative digital solutions. For us, our cooperation with Elos Medtech was a step in the right direction. Since the field of digital dentistry and dental 3D-printing is quite young, it is always valuable to exchange ideas, thoughts and problems with specialists in the same field. I believe we complement and learn from each other, which in the end always benefit our customers.

To sum it up – how does the future look like for 3D-printing in the dental industry?

3D-printing is definitely the future of the dental industry. 3D-printing offers many opportunities and a lot of new exciting ways to make life easier for patients, dentists and dental technicians. Also, 3D-printing could be used for many more things that we do not even think of yet. For example, it could be used for guided sinus elevation and operation planning. They already use 3D-printed models of organs to simulate and plan risky operations beforehand, and I am sure this will be a part of the future in the dental industry as well.

The future of 3D-printing in the dental industry goes hand in hand with the development of digital dentistry and a digital workflow. The imprint of the patient’s mouth must be sent to the dental technician digitally to be able to transform it into a 3D-model. Luckily, the digital workflow is becoming more and more common and we are very excited to see where the road will take us. My own dream is to 3D-print a colour model, that looks exactly like the intra-oral scan with its real colours.

That sounds like a great thing to look forward to. Hopefully, your dream comes true! Thank you, Stefan, for a lovely chat.

I hope you enjoyed reading my interview with Stefan about 3D-printing and digital models in the dental industry. Would you like to know more about digital dentistry and the digital workflow? Do not miss our blog articles:

Elos MedTech Digital Dentistry

Dental libraries simplify the design of dental implant solutions

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Precision is of the essence when it comes to dental implant solutions. The right angle, size, depth and width are just a few parameters that need to be adjusted to achieve perfection. Luckily, there are digital tools that facilitate the work of dentists and dental technicians today. In my blog post, I will explain what a dental library is, why we offer our digital libraries for free and how they can be used to create a digital workflow that is beneficial for the industry of dental implants.

An increasing need to achieve a digital workflow in the dental industry

The digital development has made an entrance in most industries today, not least in the dental industry. The process of designing customised teeth and dental solutions is changing from a time-consuming handicraft to a more sophisticated digital artform. Consequently, the need to achieve a digital workflow is growing among dentists and dental technicians. For this need to be satisfied, the dental industry must be offered modern and accessible digital solutions, beneficial for dental professionals as well as the patients.

Dental implant library – enables you to design a complete dental solution

A digital workflow starts by an intraoral scanning providing an exact digital copy in 3D of the patient’s teeth, including the implant that provides the basis for the new dental solution. This method enables the dentist to send a digital copy of the scanning to a dental technician, who in turn can open a copy of the intraoral scanning in a dental software program. The tools required to design the solutions’s exterior are included in the software program. However, in order to design a complete solution, all dental parts must be available in the software program. That includes the implant attached to the patient and the component connecting the implant and the new tooth. To gain access to these parts, your software program needs to have the right dental implant libraries installed.

Elos Accurate® offers dental implant libraries containing components for both implant crown, bar and bridge solutions

Elos Accurate® dental components are designed to fit all major implant systems. To gain access to these components, we offer four different digital libraries. Single Abutment is used when conducting a milled single abutment. Bridges and Bars is used when conducting a bridge that is connected to more than one implant. Single Abutment and Bridges and Bars enable individually fabricated components to the implants. Hybrid Base Single and Hybrid Base Bridge are libraries offering prefabricated components for single crowns and bridge solutions. Elos Medtech’s dental libraries are applicable in any open dental software. However, they are specially adapted to 3Shape, Dental Wings and Exocad, which are the three most commonly used softwares.

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Both intraoral scanning and conventional impressions can result in a digital workflow

A digital workflow allows for high-precision design work of dental solutions by ensuring correct measurements and eliminating errors. It also results in a simplified and more efficient workflow, knowing that all necessary parts are available in the software. Besides complementing the digital workflow, Elos Medtech’s dental libraries allow for a flexible milling process. When the dental solution is finished you are able to use your own milling machine, or contact a milling center of your choosing.

Another advantage of Elos Medtech’s libraries is their relevance in a semi-digital workflow. Many dentists don’t have a scanner today and therefore use conventional impressions instead of intraoral scanning. The impression is then sent physically to the dental technician who makes a gypsum model of the impression. The gypsum model is scanned and that way the impression can be added to the digital workflow. Basically, Elos Medtech’s dental libraries enable the dental technician to design the solution in a digital environment regardless if the dentist makes a rubber impression or an intraoral scanning.   

A positive impact on the patient with less risk for adjustments

The digital workflow has a positive impact on the patient as well as the end result. A conventional impression, which is conducted in a semi-digital workflow, can be perceived as unpleasant for the patient. However, an intraoral scanning is more patient-friendly. In addition, when conducting an intraoral scanning and following the digital workflow, there is a greater chance that the solution fits, and less risk of subsequent adjustments.      

Elos Accurate® API® Bridge simplifies for dental technicians

Elos Accurate® API® Bridge is Elos Medtech’s newly launched product, belonging to the library Hybrid Base Bridge. An API-kit (all parts included) comes with the product, providing the dental technician with all components needed to create the dental implant solution. Included in the API-kit is a Model Analog for printed, milled or conventional master model, a Hybrid Base Bridge with the GuideGrip™ Technology and angulation possibilities, a process screw to be used by the lab and a prosthetic screw in a separate blister for the final restoration. Included in the product is also a single batch number for the entire solution. Our aim with the API-kit is to further simplify the digital workflow for the dental technician.  

“The Elos Accurate® API® Bridge works great and simplifies my working process at the laboratorium by saving time and helping me achieve a good end result”, says Mikael Larsson, Dental Technician at Vänersborgs Tandteknik, Sweden.

Elos Medtech offers complete, open and free digital implant libraries to the dental industry

We created the libraries because we wanted to make sure that the people buying our products also have access to working with them. Our most important job is to simplify the digital workflow and to enable the dentists and dental technicians to execute high quality customised dental solutions that live up to the patients’ expectations. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of offering our dental implant libraries free of charge. At Elos Medtech, we strongly believe that the digital workflow is the future. Therefore, it is our job to take part in the digital development and make way for innovative digital solutions that will put a smile to everyone’s faces.

Visit our website to learn more about Elos Medtech and how Elos Accurate® simplifies digital dentistry. While there, don’t forget to pop by our knowledge blog for more in-depth articles related to the medtech industry. Also, contact us if you have any questions.  

Largest trends in spine care from Eurospine

The largest trends in spine care from Eurospine 2016

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At the beginning of October, thousands of spine care professionals met at Eurospine 2016 to exchange knowledge, experiences, and research within the area. Of course, Elos Medtech was there and took part in the discussions. Did you plan on going but got held up, or are you curious to see if you missed something important? Here is my brief summary from the trade fair.

Eurospine – the Spine Society of Europe

Eurospine is the largest spine society in Europe today. Although their members are mainly orthopaedics and neurosurgeons, they welcome all spine related disciplines and professionals. One of their contributions to the development of spine related problems is to host an annual trade fair. The aim of the trade fair is to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and ideas in the field of research, prevention, and treatment of spine diseases and related problems, and to coordinate efforts undertaken in European countries for further development in this field.

Software and robotics – the future within spine care

Topics that were highlighted at Eurospine 2016 were training for both young and advanced surgeons as well as advanced operative techniques. For example, we were introduced to different types of software that help you navigate to define an injury and perform the right treatment. Advanced computer support when using 3D scanning and X-Ray, and sophisticated robotics in surgery were also high on the agenda. I also picked up a growing need from the market to collect postoperative data and analyses from different operation methods’ success rate.

Spine surgery performed from the front generates best results

A frequently discussed topic among surgeons is how to perform lumbar interbody fusion (LIF); from the front (ALIF), the side (XLIF) or the rear (TLIF/PLIF). The topic was brought up at one of the biggest seminars at Eurospine. The majority of the surgeons stated they operate from the rear (TLIF/PLIF). However, when asked what method will generate best results in the future, the majority of the professionals agreed it will be to operate from the front (ALIF). This paves the way for Elos Medtech’s spine product Elos Retractor™, which allows safe, easy retraction by providing superior access to the intervertebral disc in anterior lumbar spine surgery. Its unique design allows secure retraction with slim retractor elements in a simple procedure, eliminating the need for large rigid blade retractors and table-mounted devices.

Elos Medtech develops and manufactures cutting edge spine products

Elos Medtech visited Eurospine 2016 with the goal of strengthening our relationships with present as well as future customers and partners, discussing market trends and sharing as well as gaining further knowledge in orthopaedics. At Elos Medtech, we enjoy meeting old and new acquaintances and discuss spine-related topics, which is a medtech area close to our heart. We are now more eager than ever to find solutions to your needs within spine care.

Read our article “Orthopaedic OEMs’ Choice of the Right Contract Manufacturer” to learn more about Elos Medtech’s way of working. I hope you found my article rewarding and that you gained some new knowledge about Elos Medtech’s engagement within spine care. Please share your thoughts with us on our social media channels.

Swemac and the Hansson Pinloc System

Customer Case: Swemac and the Hansson Pinloc System

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Last year, we wrote a blog article about The Introduction of the Hansson Pin and the Olmed Screw, describing a pin and a screw that would improve the lives of patients suffering from femoral neck fractures. As you probably know, the development moves fast in the medtech industry. Since then, the Hansson Pin has gained further improvements, resulting in the Hansson Pinloc system. In this blog article, I will describe the Hansson Pinloc system and Elos Medtech’s involvement in the development process.  

Swemac offers solutions for fracture treatment and joint replacement

Swemac is a Swedish-based company, providing the medtech market with innovative and practical solutions for fracture treatment and joint replacement. The company dates back all the way to 1968 and has been developing and selling orthopaedic implants and medical equipment ever since. In addition, Swemac provides orthopaedic simulation training systems, as well as orthopaedic training programs that focus on surgical techniques and the characteristics of different orthopaedics implants. Swemac’s products aim to benefit the patients as well as professionals working with the implants. Quality, high performance and innovative competence were Swemac’s features in the past and most certainly will be in the future.

The Hansson Pinloc System is an evolution of the Hansson Pin System05

The Hansson Pin system was designed to offer secure, stable fixation for femoral neck fractures with reduced risk of healing complications, as well as to minimise surgical trauma to the patient. The Hansson Pin consists of two parts, an outer pin, and an inner sliding tongue. Fixation in the femoral head is achieved by pushing the inner sliding tongue out through the window of the outer pin. However, in some cases, the femoral head tilts back again to the same position it had during the fracture. This is the result of the screws not having the mechanical stability to allow the fracture to heal in its reduced position. To overcome the problem of fracture displacement after internal fixation, and still maintain the same features as the Hansson Pin System, Swemac designed the Hansson Pinloc System.

“When launching a new medical device, a successful cooperation with a development and production partner is crucial. To avoid bottlenecks and failure in deliveries, an optimal flow is required between the development phase, production phase and marketing phase. Basically, it all comes down to trust between the companies, says Lars Öster, responsible for Research and Development at Swemac.“  

High rotational stability with the Hansson Pinloc System

Skärmavbild 2016-11-24 kl. 14.48.15Swemac identified the need to further develop the Hansson Pin and make it even better, to provide the patients with even more benefits. Instead of the two isolated pins constituting the Hansson Pin, The Hansson Pinloc System consists of three Hansson Pins and a plate creating a dynamic unit, which has the ability to recreate the stability of an unbroken hip. The pins in the Hansson Pinloc System can not rotate in relation to each other, as often is the case when independent screws are used. This means that the femoral head can only rotate if the bone cuts through all pins simultaneously, which is very unlikely. Thus, the Hansson Pinloc System reduces the occurrences of complications during fracture healing and increases the quality of life for the patient.

Femoral neck fracture is a common fracture type,where around 30 to 40 % of the fractures are treated with osteosynthesis. The other 60 to 70 % are treated with arthroplasty. The surgery could result in symptoms like pain, limited ability to walk as well as tenderness. The Hansson Pinloc System aims to limit these symptoms to a minimum.

Elos Medtech started offering its expertise in the development phase

Swemac started collaborating with Elos Medtech early on in the development of the Hansson Pinloc System. Elos Medtech supported with production improvements to achieve an efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process. In addition, Elos Medtech was responsible for producing all the components, sterile validation, packaging and labelling the products. Elos Medtech was also Swemac’s development and production partner when manufacturing the Hansson Pin. Consequently, when manufacturing the Hansson Pinloc System, Elos Medtech contributed with an extensive understanding of the product, experience in producing similar devices as well as a unique know-how concerning the mounting, which was highly appreciated by Swemac.

Swemac puts high demands on a development and production partner

There were a lot of parameters Swemac took into consideration when choosing a development and production partner. High quality was on top of the agenda, as well as the prize, flexibility and delivery precision.

“I feel very safe letting Elos Medtech produce our products, and I have great confidence in them as our development and production partner. The manufacturing process was built on an open and tight dialogue between Swemac and Elos Medtech. Not all partners live up to the high level that Elos Medtech does, says Lars Öster, responsible for Research and Development at Swemac.“          

Elos Medtech is responsive to customer requirements

The medtech industry is characterised by tough competition and high-quality demands. Elos Medtech is an experienced and confident development and production partner, responsive to the customers’ requirements and market demands. On short notice, we manufacture products based on given specifications. We offer a unique flexibility during the design phase, which is highly appreciated by our customers. We provide valid and reliable instruments and products for clinical situations, and we take responsibility for your products throughout their entire lifecycles.

Are you more curious about the Hansson Pinloc System, or want to know more about Elos Medtech? Contact me directly or visit our website for more information. Don’t forget to visit Elos Medtech’s Blog for more interesting blog articles.