“Next stop, Koelnmesse”. As the tram halted, I witnessed 80% of the its weight instantly offloaded. Clearly, everybody was going to attend the IDS – so was I.

With an intake of approximately 160,000 people over a period of 5 days, the global dental industry got a chance to exhibit their products and innovations at the 38th International Dental Show in Cologne. Other than being a merging point for large corporate entities, medium/small sized businesses, clinicians, dental technicians and students; its a platform to analyse market trends, network, negotiate business deals, learn and educate the ‘what’s hot and what’s not’ in the world of dentistry. After having visited it for the first time, I go on to say that its the Mecca for all those involved in the dental field of work.

I was impressed by the number of attendees yet lack of presumed chaos. Everything was well planned and the efficient German work ethic was on marvelous display. With only 9 hours to navigate my way through this massive maze, I did my homework using the IDS app that displayed all the exhibitors with their hall and booth numbers allowing me to highlight the ones I was interested in. My focus was on the leading Swiss brands yet I did manage to pass a cursory glance on the overall event.

Needless to say, the German industry representation was the most evident. However, Italy, France, USA, South Korea, China and Switzerland encompassed a significant area as well. Evidently, western Europe continues it’s stronghold over the dental product industry.

DIGITIZATION

Digitization was clearly the primary focus for the event. State-of-the-art 3D imaging with advanced CAD/CAM technology and efficient chair side processing was prominent. The competition was fierce since most established brands seem to be heavily invested in digital dentistry. Each had their own twist on using sensor technology to advance their product’s accuracy and handiness. Witnessing the level of precision of these tools was like stepping into a SciFi fantasy.

IMPLANTOLOGY

Implantology, as always, was up for much discussion and display.

• Straumann had a lavish presence this year. Apart from parking a gigantic truck to provide a virtual reality experience to the visitors, they created a mini-Colosseum like platform as their main booth with ‘Arena of confidence’ as their theme. Their continuous stream of live interviews covered a wide area of subjects for and by dental professionals. They introduced the BLX implant solution: a fully tapered, high stability, implant system for immediate placement and also the all-ceramic SNOW implants for high aesthetic zones. Additionally, their Mini-implants series (2.4mm diameter) provide solutions for reduced bone height cases bypassing the need for bone augmentation procedures.

• Dentsply Sirona, also covering a large area, launched their Acuris conometric implant: a friction-based crown attachment system, free of screws and cement, placed with a simple click and removable by the dentist for cleaning and maintenance. Alongside this, they introduced Azento to the European market which is a digital solution for single tooth replacements. Using images and data from their CEREC system, they’ve created a streamlined, digital workflow for the practitioner with custom-made components delivered in a box.

• Nobel Biocare launched the new Xeal and TiUltra surfaces for advanced mucointegration. This ultra-hydrophilic, anodization technology is available with the existing NobelActive and NobelParallel conical connection implants for improved soft tissue integration to abutment. Visitors also got to experience their DLX Studio Suite and X-Guide digital workflow, providing a real-time 3D guidance to the drill’s exact location during implant surgery.

• Cendres Métaux presented their Abutments4life solution which is a hybrid, pre-fabricated abutment containing a 11° angled screw channel for easy access to complex areas complete with a bonded zirconium cap. It is compatible with most implant systems.

• TRI Dental Implants launched its Matrix connection publicized as being the world’s first fully digital implant with 3D printed CAD/CAM prosthetics directly screwed on the implant with no need of an abutment.

ENDODONTICS

Endodontic innovation has been evolving over the years with products adapting to the natural root canal shape rather than vice versa, preserving maximum natural tooth structure. Some launches in this area included:

• Dentsply Sirona with their TruNatomy treatment solution. From guiding and shaping instruments, to irrigation and obturation products, Dentsply doesn’t fail to provide the entire package for effective root canal treatment. Promising more flexibility than their popular Protaper series, this product is also compatible with their X-Smart IQ Cordless motor.

• FKG Dentaire introduced the XP Endo solutions which is a temperature sensitive, two file system. With a fascinating curvaceous design, this product expands within the root canal and ‘dances’ its way towards effective shaping and debridement. Obturation can be done with their TotalFill BC Sealer available in multiple consistencies. Their booth was a welcome stop providing hands-on workshops available to all visitors with transparent yet realistic 3D teeth to practice on.

IMAGING

Intraoral scanners dominated the event along with advanced CAD/CAM, 3D imaging solutions. Here are just a few mentions:

• Dentsply Sirona launched Primescan, a high-definition intraoral scanner along with the Primescan AC (acquisition center) which is an ergonomic, touchscreen enabled, chair-side work station for the dentist. This scanner stood out for its impressive scanning speed and accuracy.

• In direct competition is the Virtuo Vivo introduced by Straumann that allows touch-free manipulation. Their intraoral scanning handpiece acts as an ‘air-mouse’ to manipulate its digital scan with motion sensor technology. Although not as fast as the Primescan, this product has its qualities such as its light weight and pen-like grip.

• Kavo Kerr have introduced their OP 3D X ray system for cephalometric, panoromic and 3D imaging all through one unit for general practitioners as well as specialists.

PROPHYLAXIS

• Mectron launched their Combi touch combining ultrasound and air polishing in a single unit. It smartly addresses calculus removal, biofilm management and implant maintenance by providing an intuitive touch panel with hand pieces and nozzles for specific purposes.

• EMS presented their Airflow Prophylaxis Master for Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) with visitors getting a chance to learn about their Airflow, Perioflow and Peizon technologies

• Dürr Dental presented their Lunos premium prophylaxis system with a handy Powder Jet Handpiece featuring exchangeable chambers for a quick powder refill.

PROSTHETICS

• 3M launched their Chairside Zirconia with blocks available for crowns and three unit bridges. With a sintering time of 20 minutes, easy shade matching, great strength and fracture resistance – this product caters to single-visit dentistry enthusiasts. 3M also launched their Filtek Universal Restorative, a composite resin system with 8 shades plus a Pink Opaquer to mask out metal or discolored dentin.

• Cendres Métaux presented Pekkton ivory, their high strength, low weight, restorative solution on implants. With an exceptionally natural look, these dentures are truly impressive. In combination with their Livento Press and Soprano 10 products, this brand is a reliable treat for dental technicians and practitioners alike.

3D PRINTING

The world of 3D printing is digging its feet deeper into the dental world quickly transforming into a highly competitive market. I happened to manage a quick stop at Structo 3D printing solutions among its numerous competitors. Providing a fully automated orthodontic printer for clear aligners, this machine is a self-sufficient unit with impressive results. For somebody unaware of the potential of 3D printing in the dental realm, this machine was simply – super cool.

With so much information to absorb yet limited time, the only thing I regret is not planning a longer stay for this event that happens every two years. Overall, my visit to the IDS was a refreshing experience and I recommend every dental professional to visit it at least once. Getting to witness technology first hand always expands the mind to question and analyze the content in depth.

Cologne is wonderful and I’ve left a few locations untouched in anticipation of visiting them in 2021 for the next International Dental Show. Here’s to the next two years of innovation.