Nobel Biocare Launches Patient Driven Innovations to Expand the Market for Esthetic and Implant Dentistry


KLOTEN, Switzerland, June 3, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Nobel Biocare (Pink Sheets:NBCHF), the world leader in innovative esthetic dental solutions, is launching a complete solution based package, making it easier for dentists and laboratories to respond to the growing patient demand to look their best and be their best. Over 560 new products will be presented at the Company's World Conference in Las Vegas from 5-9 June 2005.

Esthetic dentistry is the fastest growing dental sector. Through Nobel Biocare's commitment to leading the industry in scientifically based innovations, more dentists and laboratories will now be empowered to offer their patients the benefits of implant technology. These solutions will minimise chair time, improve productivity and maximise successful and lasting outcomes, helping to break down the patient barriers of time, discomfort and cost and opening up unprecedented opportunities for both patients and dentists. Speaking about the new approach Heliane Canepa, President and CEO of Nobel Biocare said:

"Our strategy for growth recognises that patients want Beautiful Teeth Now(tm) and are no longer prepared to accept costly invasive and time consuming procedures. Every innovation launched at our World Conference has been achieved by recognising that the patient is in the driving seat. Our indepth scientific expertise combined with cutting edge innovation delivers solutions for every indication, giving access to the beautiful teeth which patients want. However, we recognise that to make decisions, patients need information. In response, we have developed a complete range of literature to help educate patients to make informed decisions in consultation with their dentist."

"We have simplified and demystified the placing of implants and transformed dental treatment. Through our solution based approach we are giving dentists and laboratory professionals more choice than ever before and in a way which will maximise the productivity of their practice. Every dentist and laboratory can now embrace implant technology and achieve their ambitions."

Nobel Biocare's solutions are based on its scientifically proven three core concepts of Easy Esthetics(tm), Immediate Function(tm) and Soft Tissue Integration(tm), resulting in the launch of the 560 new products at the Las Vegas World Conference 5-9 June 2005. Launch highlights include:



 -- Groovy marks a significant evolution in product
    development. The new implant line features a groove at the
    implant thread along the full length of the intrabone portion
    of the implants. Research results have shown that bone forms
    more rapidly within and along the groove, resulting in 30
    percent higher stability. The grooves also result in faster
    osseointegration. To further improve the retention of the
    marginal bone crest by enhanced load transfer to the marginal
    bone, grooves have also been added to the collar of some of
    the implants. These design features take the Nobel Biocare
    implants to a new level of effectiveness, especially in
    non-optimal bone situations and/or in combination with
    Immediate Function(tm) protocols.

 -- The efficacy of Groovy is further enhanced by the
    osseoconductive TiUnite(r) surface at the entire length of
    the implants; the TiUnite(r) surface has been extended to the
    implant collar with the intention to promote Soft Tissue
    Integration(tm) and enabling a variable placement of the
    implant.

 -- NobelGuide(tm) are minimally invasive guided surgery
    procedures for all indications which facilitate extra oral
    planning, enabling accurate and predictable results for every
    dentist placing implants. It is a fully flexible package of
    options enabling dentists to select the package best suited
    to their practice requirements. NobelGuide(tm) delivers
    reduced chair time and treatment scheduling to achieve a more
    productive practice. As final prosthetics can be prepared
    beforehand and fitted at the time of surgery, patient demand
    for Immediate Function(tm) can be met. The need for invasive
    surgery is eliminated and patients have the reassurance of
    treatment by their own dentist. And for practices choosing
    the most comprehensive package, Teeth In An Hour(tm) will be
    a reality for their patients.

 -- The NobelDirect(r) family has been extended with two
    additions: NobelDirect(r) Oval for replacing lost wide roots
    and teeth. And with NobelDirect(r) Posterior which further
    simplifies implant procedures in the posterior part of the
    mouth.

 -- New common, shortened and simplified drill protocols
    for all parallel-walled implants reduce the number of drills
    required to place an implant, significantly simplifying the
    procedure and reducing the investment as well as the
    treatment time.

 -- NobelSpeedy(tm) offers extremely short drill
    protocols and has been designed for increased initial
    stability in soft bone.

 -- The range of graftless procedures is extended with
    the Shorty implant, the shortest implant on the market. It
    puts implants within reach of more patients by limiting the
    need for painful, time consuming and expensive bone grafts.

 -- Among others, Easy Esthetics(tm) is enhanced,
    together with the new Snappy Abutment(tm) which has an
    improved impression coping enabling simpler and faster
    impressions.

 -- All Implant Kits are fully new designed. They are
    completely modular allowing complete flexibility between
    procedures and solution choice.

Every new solution is complementary to the existing portfolio which will continue to be available. The full range will be supported by a new selection of communication materials for dental professionals.

"The landscape for dental solutions is changing and we at Nobel Biocare are the vanguard of the industry's response to that change. The innovations and new approach we are launching at Las Vegas is only the beginning. We are committed to delivering patient and professionals choices. Patients have a clear vision of what they want, they will decide the future. Our role is to provide the solutions which achieve that vision," concluded Heliane Canepa.

The Nobel Biocare World Conference 2005 will be held at the MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas June 5-9. The Conference Theme is "the best evidence-based solutions for your patients" emphasizing minimally invasive dental solutions.

Attendees can attend university-oriented courses offered by more than 160 world dental experts. Learning experiences will be enhanced via several live transmissions of surgeries and clinical demonstrations.

Special presentations include 'The role of dental rehabilitation in an 'Extreme Makeover' by doctors Zarem, Dubrow and Worth from TV shows 'Extreme Makeover' and 'The Swan'. 'Visit the Future', a presentation by Heliane Canepa, will 'send delegates home with practical knowledge, energy and excitement which will lift their practices to the next level.'

More information about the launches featured at the World Conference will be available today at 16.30 CET on http://www.nobelbiocare.com.

NOBEL BIOCARE HOLDING AG

Disclaimer: This release may contain forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, projections of future performance of materials and products, financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows, containing risks and uncertainties. These statements are subject to change based on unknown risks and other factors that could cause the actual results or performance to differ materially from the statements made herein.

Media release Patient driven innovations 3 June 2005 (PDF)

Brochure Solution and Product News 2005 (PDF)

Nobel Biocare is a medical devices group and the world leader in innovative esthetic dental solutions with its brands Branemark System(r), NobelSpeedy(tm), NobelReplace(tm), NobelPerfect(r), NobelDirect(r), Replace(r) Select, (dental implants) and Procera(r) (individualized dental prosthetics). Nobel Biocare is a one-stop shop for restorative esthetic dentistry, offering a wide range of innovative Crown & Bridge & Implant products, as well as training and education and clinically documented treatment concepts. Nobel Biocare has some 1 550 employees and recorded revenue of EUR 388 million in 2004. The company is domiciled in Zurich, Switzerland with headquarters in Zurich and in Gothenburg, Sweden. Production takes place at four production sites located in Sweden and the USA. Nobel Biocare has direct sales organizations in 29 countries. The shares of the parent company Nobel Biocare Holding AG are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange and on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Sweden.

Celebrating 40 years of scientific heritage. In 1965, the first patient was treated with the original scientific dental implant system, the Branemark System(r). This event marked a breakthrough in modern dental implant therapy. Since then, millions of people have been helped with dental implants, enjoying improved function, appearance and quality of life. The original fixtures that were placed in the first patient 40 years ago are still in place, providing the individual with firm bridge support. The Branemark System(r) has been scientifically documented in 1,500 articles.



                        http://www.nobelbiocare.com


            

Contact Data