Newsletter
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., USA/KYOTO, Japan: In extending its portfolio of dental products to Japan, Glidewell Laboratories has recently granted Shofu in Kyoto exclusive distribution rights for BruxZir Solid Zirconia and BruxZir Shaded. The materials, which are recommended for monolithic dental restorations, will be available to dentists throughout the country by the beginning of December, the US manufacturer said.
The partnership is Glidewell's first entry into Asia’s largest dental market. Besides Japan, it currently distributes BruxZir Solid Zirconia in several other countries in the region, including Korea, where it was introduced to dental professionals late last year. The company also collaborates with dental laboratories in Australia, among others.
“Monolithic zirconia restorations are becoming very popular in the USA, and we expect these new regions to contribute greatly to the growth of BruxZir Solid Zirconia. Shofu has an excellent global reputation and an exceptionally strong presence in Japan through its wide range of proven restorative products,” a company representative told Dental Tribune Asia Pacific. She said that her company plans to extend its relationship with Shofu in the years to come to grow its respective business.
Introduced to dental markets in 2009, BruxZir Solid Zirconia is indicated for crowns, bridges, implants, inlays and onlays. Glidewell also markets the material as an aesthetic alternative to porcelain-fused-to-metal occlusal/lingual or full cast restorations. More than 3.6 million restorations have been placed with the material worldwide since it was introduced five years ago, it said. Recently, the material was named Top Long Term Performer by THE DENTAL ADVISOR in the USA.
In addition to restorative materials, Glidewell manufactures and distributes dental implant systems and oral devices for the treatment of sleep apnoea.
