Newport Beach, CA – November 14, 2024 – Glidewell, the largest dental laboratory in the United States, has announced the introduction of its Simply Natural™ Digital Dentures. These dentures are notable for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal properties, effectively eliminating over 99.9% of common bacteria and fungi that can contaminate denture surfaces.
The new antimicrobial features are designed to benefit denture wearers by reducing the presence of harmful microorganisms on the dentures. This can lead to a cleaner product, extending the life of the dentures and enhancing the overall experience for patients.
“Dentures are essential for many patients but can be challenging to clean,” said David Morales, General Manager of Glidewell’s Removables Department. “With our antimicrobial dentures, we aim to improve patient convenience and promote better health.”
Simply Natural Digital Dentures are made from Glidewell™ 3DP Denture Base Resin, developed by Prismatik Dentalcraft, Inc., Glidewell’s in-house research and manufacturing division. This proprietary resin received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023 for its bactericidal and fungicidal effects, allowing Glidewell to market these unique features—an industry first.
“We take pride in developing innovative technologies for the dental community,” said Stephenie Goddard, CEO of Glidewell. “Instead of relying on generic denture resins from third-party suppliers, we focused on creating our own materials with enhanced antimicrobial properties.”
The Glidewell 3DP Denture Base Resin contains silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate as its antimicrobial agent. In vitro studies have shown it significantly reduces bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as fungi like Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.
These microorganisms can cause conditions like denture stomatitis and form biofilms on denture surfaces. Notably, strains such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus) are known to cause serious infections in healthcare settings.
Glidewell plans to conduct clinical studies to further assess whether the inclusion of silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate leads to improved patient outcomes.
According to the American College of Prosthodontics, around 36 million adults in the United States are edentulous (without teeth), while an estimated 120 million adults are missing at least one tooth.
Approximately 90% of these individuals use dentures for tooth replacement and functional restoration—a number expected to rise with the aging baby boomer population.
In summary, Glidewell’s Simply Natural Digital Dentures represent a significant advancement in dental technology, offering patients a cleaner and more hygienic option for denture wearers while addressing common concerns related to oral health and hygiene.
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