Classic for a reason
For the past 30-plus years, first bi-monthly and now each month, Dental Lab Products’ mission has been to keep you abreast of the newest materials, equipment, supplies, and resources introduced to the dental technology marketplace. It’s always fascinating to see what the next generation of innovations will bring to the business side of the industry to help you be more efficient and your business more productive and profitable.
But there also are thousands of product brands used each and every day that have been around for a decade or more and have stood the test of time. They still work, they are still sold by the manufacturer, and they are bought each week or month by those loyal to that product brand. But they get no press because they are not “new.”
The editors of DLP were curious to find out how many of you continue to buy and use a particular brand of equipment, material, or consumable. We conducted a Buyers Guide survey in October and, according to the results, 89.5% of survey respondents say they use products that were first introduced 10 years ago; 67.5% use products that have remained on the market for the past 20 years; and 43.8% have stuck with products and product brands that have been on the market for 30 years.
We decided to celebrate the products that have been the mainstays of the industry. So, we contacted our manufacturing partners and asked them to provide us with images and write-ups for products they currently catalog that have been on the market for 10 or more years. As you thumb through these pages, maybe you will recognize one or more items that you use in your lab.
1930s - 1950s
First introduced
| | |
| 1932 | 
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Vitallium Alloy
Introduced in 1932 by founders Reiner Erdle and Charles Prange, Vitallium CoCr alloy was called the “miracle” alloy for its exceptional biocompatibility. Vitallium Special for implants was added in the 1940s; in the 1970s, Vitallium 2; and Vitallium 2000 in 1996. Now Vitallium 2000 Plus allows for lighter, more refined partial frameworks.
For this classic call 800-243-1942.
Select 11.
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1934
|  | Centrifico Casting Machine
The Kerr Centrifico centrifugal casting machine has been the industry standard. Most of the thousands of machines bought in 1934 are still in operation. For 2008, the Centrifico sports new features, which also are highlighted on pages 74 and 75.
For this classic call 888-766-7650. Select 12.
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1938
|  | Beauty-Cast Gypsum
For 50 years, Beauty-Cast Gypsum has remained the standard for casting inlays and full cast crowns of high noble alloys. It produces extremely smooth castings of a light golden color. It is available in cases of 50- or 75-gram pre-weighed envelopes.
For this classic call 800-626-5651. Select 13. |
| 1953 |  | Flexible Partials
Created by the demand for metal-free partial dentures following WWII, the Valplast Flexible Partial continues to offer exceptional esthetics, strength, comfort, and function. Developed by Arpad and Tibor Nagy, and called Mastron, the original formula is still used today. For this classic call 800-843-2861.
Select 14. |
1960s - 1970s
First introduced
| | |
1965
|  | Impregum Penta Soft Quick Step
Undergoing five generations in the past 40-plus years, the longevity of 3M ESPE’s Impregum Polyether impression material can be attributed to its high initial hydrophilicity, excellent flowability, unsurpassed detail reproduction, and superior tensile strength with low shrinkage.
For this classic call 800-634-2249.
Select 15.
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| 1968 |  | X-Blast Micro-Abrasive Blaster System
First introduced as the Poli-Cutter, Integral Systems Abrasive Blaster has undergone countless redesigns but the science behind the original patent is the same. The current unit features an ergonomic handpiece and an all-steel cabinet with hinged glass.
For this classic call 310-397-3554.
Select 16. |
| 1969 |  |
Biostar Thermal Forming Unit
The Great Lakes Biostar thermal forming unit has been used for a half-century to fabricate appliances. The unit reaches working temperature in one second, for efficient fabrication of hard and soft appliances. For this classic call 800-828-7626.
Select 17. |
| 1971 |  | Lucitone 199 Denture Acrylic
The high impact strength of Dentsply Trubyte Lucitone 199 denture acrylic has set the industry standard for nearly 40 years. Offering optimal resistance to flexure and fatigue, as well as excellent tissue coloration, vein simulation, and balanced translucency, it provides lifelike shades and fewer repairs.
For this classic call 800-786-0085.
Select 18. |
| 1976 |  | Acrylic Denture Teeth
Uhler Acrylic Teeth have been the staple of the economy denture tooth market. Available on a full card to take the guesswork out of articulation, these denture teeth can attribute their longevity to their simplicity and convenience. They are both an economical and quality choice.
For this classic call 800-937-3753.
Select 19. |
| 1979 |  | Tilite Base Metal alloy
Nearly 30 years ago, Talladium took base metal alloying out of the foundry and placed its manufacture in a controlled environment. The result was (and still is) Tilite base metal alloys. Today, more than 125 million units have been placed globally with this 99.99+% biocompatible alloy.
For this classic call 800-221-6449.
Select 20. |
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