Leading chemical manufacturer Solvay recently expanded its high-performance chemicals portfolio into the medical devices industry.
The company announced that it has launched “Solvay Dental 360,” which uses its new Ultaire aryl ketone polymer material to replace metal parts in removable partial denture frames that are often used to replace missing teeth. The new product is biocompatible, more natural feeling and comfortable, and 60 percent lighter than typical metal frames.
It is also a more tech savvy choice. Using specialized software, dental lab technicians can create the polymer frames more quickly and with fewer manufacturing steps than the traditional process.
"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," Shawn Shorrock, global director Solvay Dental 360, said.
Solvay is a Belgian multinational chemicals company with about 27,000 employees in 58 countries. It’s portfolio includes advanced materials, performance chemicals and functional polymers. In 2016, the company’s pro forma net sales totaled about $11.78 billion.