Development of innovative Dental products: From concept to consumer

The development of products for the dental market is a complex process requiring numerous stages of development from the laboratory to the clinical or consumer environment. There is no guarantee of success since very few products enter into the consumer market. The aim of this presentation is to update participants on the novel products that have been developed in a university environment and successfully launched into both the consumer and clinical environment. One of these products is a bioactive glass (BioMinF^®) which has been optimized specifically for use as an additive for toothpaste in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity and remineralization of the early caries lesion. Following laboratory evaluation and subsequent clinical trials the product is now classed as medical device (Class IIb) and distributed in numerous countries. Other products have been developed include Biomin C (Chloro Calcium Phosphosilicate: a non-fluoride toothpaste), an adhesive orthodontic varnish and a fluoride toothpaste for professional use (Dr Collins BioMin^® Restore Plus, USA). The advantage of the bioactive glass product is that it enables the fluoride within the glass to dissolve into the saliva over time (up to twelve hours) and provides a fluorapatite layer on the tooth surface that is resistant to acid attack.