DirectaDentalGroup: This Is Who We Are
Designing products for dentists for over 100 years, DirectaDentalGroup prioritizes the creation of innovative solutions for the dental community, evolving into a sustainable product line
In 2014, Directa Dental acquired TopDental, marking the beginning and the formation of DirectaDentalGroup. Comprising a growing group of established manufacturing companies, it spans from Europe to the United States, with over 200 employees, and is currently active in dental markets in over 90 countries.
DirectaDentalGroup has embarked on a worldwide, multiyear acquisition strategy—currently composed of well-known companies such as TopDental, Orsing, Parkell, Ronvig, TrollDental, Sendoline, and ContacEZ—that has made it one of the fastest-growing dental companies in the Nordic region. “The creation of the DirectaDentalGroup, a group of manufacturing companies, each with very successful brands and product lines, has been the company’s biggest achievement,” shared Frank Cortes, President of DIRECTA USA.
“Our motto encompasses our dedication to develop products that dental professionals need to maintain a successful dental practice.”
- Frank Cortes, President of DIRECTA USA
Independently managed, each company in the group manufactures its strong and well-known brands under their company name.
Within the group, they develop, manufacture, and market a complete line of dental consumable materials and electronics, making life easier for dental practitioners and patients.
DirectaDentalGroup works persistently to create new and successful partnerships all over the world. For example, in 2020, the company further expanded its product offerings by acquiring 3 major manufacturers: TrollDental, Sendoline, and ContacEZ.
ProphyCare: A Standout Preventive Care Line
Preventive dentistry constantly demands better products for better results, and Directa's ProphyCare line of prophylaxis solutions does just that. In 2022 Directa will launch its newest product to the U.S. market, ProphyCare HAp, a unique prophy paste designed to provide powerful relief from dentin hypersensitivity. Its unique composition of hydroxyapatite helps to effectively block the open dentin tubules on an exposed dentin surface.
The 1-step prophy paste for cleaning and polishing is just one of the most recent examples of how professional insights help shape Directa's products. For example, the same paste that can be used for stain removal and final polishing can also be used for cleaning and reducing sensitivity, something that helps reduce chair time, while
providing increased comfort. The minty taste and texture also have been improved to appeal to patients of all ages, with no concerns over splatter or the paste being tough to rinse.
The ProphyCare product family includes prophy angles, prophy cups, and numerous types of prophy pastes. For example, ProphyCare ProphyPaste is one of the most well-known brands worldwide, providing dependable results from standard teeth cleanings to more challenging implant maintenance procedures.
“These extremely lightweight instruments are manufactured by a company that has a good track record in instrument design and technology.”
- Daniel Quon, DMD
The diverse grit types are beneficial for particular cases. The coarse and medium pumice-based paste is fitting for elimination of plaque, calculus, and stains caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco, while the fi ne and extra-fine silicabased prophy paste presents a delicate and harmless solution for polishing implants, porcelain crowns, composite restorations, and more.
The newest addition of prophy paste is the ProphyCare PRO. The unique, silica-based paste begins as larger coarse grit particles and decomposes into small, fi ne particles for polishing at the end of the same procedure. Together, all products in the ProphyCare family supply crucial prophylaxis dental treatment for halting the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Luxator P-Series
Luxator P-Series extraction instruments offer the advantage of working with a penholder grip design, giving increased tactility, access, and precision in every extraction. Initiating the extraction process with the Luxator P-Series will simplify the extraction considerably.
“The Luxator P-Series offers a simple way to make routine extractions easier,” shared Dr. Daniel Quon, an oral surgeon who participated in the DPS evaluation of the Luxator P-Series. “The blades on the instruments are extremely sharp and thin, allowing easy access into the PDL spaces.”
The fine-tapered blade compresses the alveolar bone, cuts the periodontal ligaments, and gently eases the tooth out of the socket. Coated with titanium nitride, these dental extraction tools do not require sharpening and are available in 4 sizes.
“These extremely lightweight instruments are manufactured by a company that has a good track record in instrument design and technology,” said Dr. Quon. “This is a well-thoughtout system of locators that make routine extractions less traumatic for the patient and operator.”
SpotIt
Identifying contact points on crowns and bridges has never been easy. Before cementation of conventional crowns, bridges, and implant prosthetics, it is necessary to assess the relationship of the crown to the neighboring teeth. Occlusion paper is often used to check the contact point.
This method, however, may show a broad and inaccurate contact point that can result in excessive adjustment, often resulting in contact point that is too large.
Directa's SpotIt is a colored marker available on straight and angled handles. As the marker traverses the contact between the prosthetic element and the adjacent tooth, it leaves a clear and accurate indication of the adjustment needed for a perfect contact point. The whole operation can be performed without assistance by holding the crown with one hand and the marker with the other hand.
The SpotIt tool is designed to allow a practitioner to seat a restoration without assistance. Calling it a good tool for one person seating a crown, Dr. Helen Lester shared, “The product allows you to have one finger on the crown while your other hand is holding the spot checker. Without the spot checker, you need both hands to hold the floss.”
For Dr. Amir Noori, SpotIt streamlined the cementation process, making it simple to gloss, mark, and adjust. “It is a clean way to mark the spot to adjust interproximally,” he said. “Absolutely a great idea.”
Physics Forceps make extractions simple with less trauma to the patient. This, combined with greater preservation of bone and soft tissue for future implant placement, makes this atraumatic extraction system ideal for extracting all teeth with the exception of the third molars—even in cases with decayed, fractured, endodontically treated, or fragile teeth.
The Physics Forceps Standard Series consists of 4 instruments designed and labeled for use in each quadrant of the mouth: Upper Right (UR), Upper Left (UL), Upper Anterior (UA), and Lower Universal (LU).
The instruments use first-class lever mechanics and a patented “beak and bumper” method that requires clinicians to place a constant and steady load on the tooth. This allows “creep” to build, releasing hyaluronic acid and resulting in a quicker breakdown of the periodontal ligaments compared to conventional extraction methods.
Clinicians certainly appreciate the ability to provide easier extractions that take the stress and trauma out of the procedure and replace it with comfort on both sides of the chair.
After learning the new technique and incorporating Physics Forceps Standard Series into his practice, Dr. Rudy Braydich said,
“Removing teeth takes less effort, and the bone is preserved nicely in most cases. It gets the job done with less effort for me and less trauma for the patient. That’s a win-win!”
The extraction instruments also provide a more positive experience for patients and allow dental professionals to keep extractions in-house, rather than referring them out.
Dr. Angela Landrowski has used this new atraumatic extraction technique and now performs about 75% of her extractions in-house.
“I have begun doing more and more surgery, including extractions, surgical extractions, and bone grafts,” said Dr. Landrowski. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence and have been able to keep tens of thousands of dollars in-house.”
Products from TrollDental, a Swedish manufacturer, consist of TrollFoil, TrollBags, and digital x-ray holders like TrollByte Kimera GC. TrollFoil 4.5 Microns TrollFoil 4.5 Microns, the thinnest articulating foil ever made, gives dentists consistent marks and more accurate information than other articulating products.
TrollDental’s original TrollFoil, which is 8 microns thick, gives dentists extremely precise readings of occlusal contacts. The new
TrollFoil 4.5 does this with an even greater level of accuracy.
In dental school, Dr. Michael DiTolla used articulating papers thick enough that he described them as slightly thinner than cardboard.
“You just got huge marks on the teeth and the articulating paper holder was difficult to work around,” Dr. DiTolla explained. “So, when I saw the ingenious design of TrollFoil for the first time, I was impressed to see the stiff spine that allows you to use it with or without an articulating paper holder.”
With TrollFoil, Dr. DiTolla is able to get more accurate markings than ever before. “TrollDental has the 8-micron thickness and now the 4.5-micron thickness, which are 2 levels of accuracy beyond what any other company is doing, and that’s certainly unique,” noted Dr. DiTolla.
“When I saw the ingenious design of TrollFoil for the first time, I was impressed to see the stiff spine that allows you to use it with or without an articulating paper holder.”
- Michael DiTolla, DDS, FAGD
TrollFoil also comes in handy when the patient is trying to isolate 1 spot that doesn’t feel right when they bite down, which can happen if they have a few new crowns.
“The 4.5-micron foil is helpful because when I use thicker paper, I have to guess what the problem is by looking at too many different spots,” explained Dr. DiTolla. “But when I find it with the 4.5-micron paper, it’s always correct, and I’m not removing any excess tooth structure or crown material.”
TrollBags
TrollDental’s TrollBag digital sensor cover, which comes in sizes #1, #2, and XL, is super soft, strong, and has no sharp seams to cut into the patient’s mouth. It is a perfectly snug fit for your sensor.
The material that TrollBag is made of provides a more secure hold of the sensor, so that it does not slide in the claw of your holder when the patient bites down.
TrollBag makes taking digital images an easier and a more positive experience, and has been an absolute hit with dental
professionals everywhere. “I have been using various TrollDental products for at least 20 years,” shared Gary Johnson, DDS. “The company offers first-class, high-quality products, and TrollBag is no exception.”
Features include:
• Super-soft sensor covers with no sharp edges and no taste • Elastic and stretchy for a perfect fit over your sensor; available in #1, #2, and XL sizes.
• Fits every sensor on the market
• Creates no extra volume around the sensor
• Easy to remove after treatment, tears sides
• No pulling on sensor cord to remove bag
U.S. manufacturer ContacEZ, founded by Dr. Daniel Kim, was another of DirectaDentalGroup’s key acquisitions in 2020. By inventing ContacEZ IPR Strips, Dr. Kim aimed to provide a system to achieve ideal proximal contacts, complete marginal seating with accurate occlusion, and perform safe and stress-free interproximal reduction.
ContacEZ IPR Rainbow Set
The Rainbow Set includes each strip from both the IPR Strip System and IPR Plus, equipping doctors with everything they need to perform safe, effective enamel stripping for any patient.
The number of strips included in each case has been adjusted to reflect what will be used most often, making sure that doctors feel like they get exactly what they need with every set.
The ContacEZ IPR Rainbow Set includes an assortment of 24 IPR strips selected for their frequency of use, and packaged together in a convenient storage case.
“IPR Rainbow Set is a musthave kit for any restorative dentist or orthodontist.”
- Rodolfo Olmos, DDS
During a 4-week trial for a DPS product review, Dr. Rodolfo Olmos used the IPR Rainbow Set for 4 orthodontic patients, 10 cases involving excess cement removal, 3 Class IVs, and 1 case of 12 veneers, proving that the set is useful in countless procedures.
In all situations, Dr. Olmos achieved “fantastic results” and called the strips easy to use, effective, and very gentle to the tooth structure. “This is a must-have kit for any restorative dentist or orthodontist. It’s simple to use and extremely effective in achieving IPR,” determined Dr. Olmos.
The takeaways of the IPR Rainbow Set include:
• A set of 24 reusable, color-coded IPR strips in a range of grits, thicknesses, and coatings
• Flexible diamond strips curve and conform along natural contours of the teeth
• Enables safe and accurate interproximal reduction without removing excess enamel or injuring the patient
• Ergonomic, single-handed design that provides clinicians with optimal tactile control
• Incremental thickness gauge and open-top autoclavable trays enhance efficiency
Rønvig, located in Denmark, is also part of the DirectaDentalGroup. The manufacturer offers a star product that is new to the U.S. market, CALAJECT, which is a computer-assisted injection system that controls the fl ow of anesthesia solution to ensure a slow, gentle, and effective anesthesia.
CALAJECT
When you're using CALAJECT, even palatal injections can be carried out with less discomfort for the patient. The light pen grip provides a relaxed working position, and its good fi nger support shows where the needle can be kept perfectly still.
“Over the years, I’ve developed shoulder pain because my body is in an awkward position for a minute or so while giving the injection,” explained Dr. Brett Gilbert of Chicago, IL. “Plus, the human thumb is very erratic, and we tend to push the solution too fast, which adds to patient discomfort.”
According to Dr. Gilbert, Using CALAJECT is truly a “win -win” situation for patients and dentists alike because the procedure is notably easier on both sides of the chair.
CALAJECT is simple and versatile to use with 1 instrument for performing all dental local anesthesia. This product can be used with standard dental nee dles and cartridges.
"Using CALAJECT is truly a ‘win -win’ situation for patients and dentists alike because the procedure is notably easier on both sides of the chair.”
- Brett Gilbert, DDS
Looking Ahead
DirectaDentalGroup has an arsenal of products and solutions for dental practices that is extensive, effective, and growing. In 2022, Swedish manufacturer Sendoline will be introduced to the U.S. market, strengthening DirectaDentalGroup’s endodontic offerings to cover more market segments.
“Our motto encompasses our company's dedication to develop products that dental professionals need to maintain a successful dental practice,” concluded Cortes.
