Sichuan, China, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a notable case reflecting the evolving capabilities of restorative dentistry, Professor John A. Sorensen, DMD, PhD, FACP, of the University of Washington successfully completed a digitally planned and executed full-arch implant rehabilitation using an advanced workflow. This clinical case study demonstrates how state-of-the-art digital tools can address complex anatomical and prosthetic challenges in edentulous full-arch treatment — delivering improved pr ...

Core Insights - Align Technology, Inc. collaborates with the University of Bern on Switzerland's first Swiss Oral Health Study, aiming to gather comprehensive data on the oral health of the Swiss population [1][3][9] Group 1: Study Overview - The Swiss Oral Health Study is a large-scale epidemiological initiative targeting three age groups: 6–12, 35–44, and 65–74 years, with a goal to examine approximately 1,800 children by June 2026 and 1,650 adults by the end of 2027 across six cantons [3][4] - The study aims to identify trends in oral health, such as early-childhood caries, and establish a baseline for future public health strategies [4] Group 2: Technology Utilization - Align Technology is providing its iTero Lumina intraoral scanner, which will play a central role in data collection, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient experience [5][9] - The iTero Lumina scanner features advanced capabilities, including near-infrared imaging technology for real-time monitoring of dental conditions without harmful radiation [6][10] Group 3: Implementation and Impact - An Align-branded mobile dental van equipped with the iTero Lumina scanner will facilitate on-site examinations and digital scans in schools and communities across Switzerland [2][7] - The collaboration exemplifies the integration of industry and academia to drive innovation in oral health research, with the potential to improve patient outcomes significantly [8][9]

Market Overview - The global dental market was valued at US$ 37.91 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 67.86 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 7.55% from 2025 to 2033 [1]. Demand Drivers - The increasing prevalence of dental disorders is significantly influencing demand, with 36 million Americans currently living without any natural teeth, highlighting the urgent need for effective implant and denture solutions [2]. - An additional 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth, driving demand for crowns, bridges, and implant restorations [3]. Technological Advancements - CAD/CAM milling technology is transforming dental restoration fabrication, allowing for exceptional precision and consistency in producing crowns, bridges, and veneers [4]. - Over 90,000 dental clinics worldwide have integrated chairside milling stations, enhancing efficiency and patient convenience by allowing restorations to be fabricated and fitted within the same appointment [5]. - Approximately 600,000 dentists globally have completed CAD/CAM training, ensuring high-quality restorations and optimized treatment outcomes [6]. Material Innovations - Adhesives and bonding agents account for a significant 35% share in various clinical procedures, enhancing the strength and stability of dental treatments [7]. - A study indicated that the use of universal bonding agents can increase bond strength from 8 megapascals to nearly 30, improving the durability of restorations [8]. - Adhesives are fundamental in over 60 million composite restoration procedures annually in the U.S., underscoring the critical demand for reliable adhesives [9]. Digital Dentistry - Digital dentistry has captured over 34% of the market share, streamlining clinical workflows and enhancing patient experiences [11]. - Approximately 40,000 digital scanners were operational in U.S. dental practices as of 2021, reflecting the growing confidence in technology-driven diagnostics [12]. - Digital impression systems improve the fit of dental restorations, reducing the need for adjustments and enhancing clinical efficiency [13]. Regional Insights - North America commands over 40% of the global dental market share, driven by the U.S. and Canada, with significant investments in modernizing dental practices [14]. - The U.S. has over 200,000 practicing dentists, ensuring access to essential oral health interventions [15]. - Dental disorders result in over 164 million work hours lost annually in the U.S., highlighting the economic impact of untreated conditions [16]. Key Players - Prominent players in the dental market include 3M Company, Ivoclar Vivadent, GC Corporation, and Dentsply Sirona, among others [19].

Core Insights - PioCreat is participating in AEEDC Dubai 2026, marking its first appearance in Dubai and introducing its chairside dental 3D printing solutions to the Middle East market [1][2] Company Overview - PioCreat, founded in 2015, specializes in developing professional dental 3D printing systems, providing integrated hardware, software, and material solutions to enhance digital workflows in dental clinics and laboratories [8] Product Highlights - The PioNext Mini features a compact design (200×170×241 mm) that allows for chairside production, with capabilities for 10-minute ceramic crown fabrication and high transparency results [4] - The PioNext Ultra is an upgraded printer designed for improved stability and output consistency in batch printing applications, alongside other products like Sky 2025, DJ68, and UV02 [5] Exhibition Experience - The PioCreat booth offers interactive displays and hands-on demonstrations, allowing visitors to assess print quality and engage in consultations regarding clinical workflows and material selection [6] Future Vision - PioCreat aims to strengthen global partnerships by providing reliable and user-oriented digital dentistry solutions, focusing on empowering dental professionals with efficient 3D printing technology [7]

Core Insights - Align Technology, Inc. showcased its latest innovations in digital dentistry at the Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) 2025, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing treatment planning and patient experiences through advanced technology [1] Company Innovations - Align Technology presented the Align™ Digital Platform, which integrates software, systems, and services for a seamless workflow among doctors, labs, patients, and consumers [1] - The iTero Lumina™ scanner was highlighted for its 3x larger field of view and ability to scan 2x faster, improving efficiency in capturing complex dental cases [1] - The Align™ Oral Health Suite was introduced, featuring tools for personalized oral health reports to enhance patient engagement [1] - Invisalign Smile Architect™ software now includes Multiple Treatment Plans, allowing for side-by-side comparison of orthodontic and restorative options [1] - The iTero™ Design Suite aims to improve practice efficiency and patient experiences by streamlining the design process for in-practice 3D printing [1] - ClinCheck® Signature experience offers a faster, tailored approach to treatment planning, enhancing the overall workflow for dental professionals [1] Educational Initiatives - Align Technology sponsored clinical education sessions led by industry experts, focusing on practice productivity, diagnosis simplification, and modern patient education [1]

Summary of Straumann Group Capital Markets Day 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Straumann Group - **Event**: Capital Markets Day 2025 - **Date**: November 25, 2025 Key Industry Insights - **Industry**: Dental implants and orthodontics - **Market Trends**: - Shift from globalization to a fragmented market due to local manufacturing policies and tariffs [23][24] - Increased competition from Southeast Asia and China in dental technologies [26][27] - Digitalization and AI are transforming dental practices, enhancing efficiency and profitability [28][60] - Consolidation in dental service organizations (DSOs) is reshaping the market, representing about 30% of total dentistry [29] Financial Performance - **Revenue Growth**: Achieved a 16.2% CAGR from 2021 to 2024 in net revenue, translating to a 9% CAGR in Swiss francs [14] - **EBIT Growth**: 18.5% CAGR from 591 million to 983 million Swiss francs [14] - **Market Share**: Increased implant market share from 29% to 35% [18] Strategic Goals (2026-2030) - **Growth Ambition**: Targeting a double-digit growth CAGR and aiming to transform over 10 million smiles annually by 2030 [11] - **Focus Areas**: - Expanding leadership in implants and orthodontics [43] - Enhancing digital transformation and customer engagement through the Straumann Access platform [49][55] - Strengthening partnerships with DSOs to drive patient flow and treatment adoption [29] Digital Transformation - **Investment in Technology**: Over 50,000 intraoral scanners deployed, with a focus on creating a seamless digital workflow for dental practices [19][50] - **Cloud-Based Platform**: The Straumann Access platform aims to integrate various dental technologies, improving data exchange and collaboration [47][56] - **AI Integration**: AI is being utilized for data segmentation and treatment planning, enhancing the overall patient experience [60][67] Market Potential - **Addressable Market**: Estimated at $20 billion across all segments, with significant under-penetration in implants and orthodontics [36][34] - **Patient Demand**: Growing awareness and demand for high-quality dental treatments, particularly among aging populations [31][32] Competitive Landscape - **Emerging Competitors**: Notable competition from Chinese companies in implants and clear aligners [26][27] - **Response to Competition**: Emphasizing innovation and digitalization to maintain competitive advantage [44][54] Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: Straumann Group is well-positioned for growth through strategic investments in digital transformation, strong market presence, and a focus on customer needs, aiming for sustained revenue growth and profitability in the coming years [54][42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total Q2 revenues were $1,012,400,000, reflecting a 3.4% sequential increase but a 1.6% year-over-year decrease [5][14] - Clear aligner revenues for Q2 were $804,600,000, up 1% sequentially but down 3.3% year-over-year, primarily due to lower average selling prices (ASPs) and discounts [14][15] - Overall gross margin for Q2 was 69.9%, up 0.5 points sequentially but down 0.3 points year-over-year [18][19] - Net income per diluted share for Q2 was $1.72, up $0.45 sequentially and up $0.43 year-over-year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Systems and services segment revenues for Q2 were $207,800,000, up 13.9% sequentially and 5.6% year-over-year, driven by higher scanner system revenue [8][17] - Clear aligner volumes increased slightly year-over-year in the APAC and EMEA regions, but were offset by lower volumes in The Americas [9][10] - The iTero Lumina scanner sales were strong, but full system sales were lower than expected, impacting overall revenue [5][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, clear aligner volumes were down slightly year-over-year, while Latin America saw solid growth in the teen segment [10][11] - EMEA region clear aligner volume grew year-over-year, driven by increased utilization across both orthodontists and GP dentist channels [11] - APAC region clear aligner volume also grew year-over-year, led by increased submitters in China [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to streamline operations and reallocate resources to align with long-term growth and profitability objectives, including reducing workforce and optimizing manufacturing [28][29] - Focus on innovation and new product cycles to drive engagement and effectiveness in commercial marketing programs [7][38] - The company is committed to enhancing customer trust and providing value-based innovation to remain competitive [37][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that economic uncertainty, including US tariff turmoil and less affordable financing options, impacted demand for clear aligners and new iTero scanning systems [6][7] - Despite challenges, consumer interest in Invisalign treatment remains strong, and the company is focused on driving engagement and improving case conversion [36][39] - The outlook for Q3 anticipates continued economic uncertainty, with expected revenues in the range of $965,000,000 to $985,000,000 [32] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 585,100 shares of common stock at an average price of $164.14 per share, completing a $1,000,000,000 stock repurchase program [26] - Clear aligner deferred revenues decreased year-over-year, indicating potential future revenue recognition challenges [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about case conversion trends across the quarter? - Management noted that case conversion was weaker than expected, particularly in June, which did not materialize as anticipated [44][45] Question: What levers can be pulled regarding the shift back to brackets and wires? - Management indicated that orthodontists not fully committed to digital solutions may revert to traditional methods due to economic pressures [46][47] Question: How does the company view its market share in the clear aligner market? - Management believes that competitive dynamics have not significantly changed, and they are not losing market share despite economic challenges [78] Question: What actions are being taken to stimulate demand? - The company is focusing on closer collaboration with doctors and enhancing marketing efforts to drive patient conversion [97]

Core Viewpoint - 3D Systems has launched its NextDent Jetted Denture Solution, a first-to-market product that offers a faster, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to traditional denture fabrication, enhancing patient experience and providing a strong return on investment for dental labs [1][6][7]. Product Overview - The NextDent Jetted Denture Solution utilizes multiple materials in a single printing process to create durable, aesthetically pleasing monolithic dentures [1][6]. - The solution is based on the NextDent 300 MultiJet 3D printer, which allows for rapid production of patient-specific dentures without the need for post-curing steps [2][3]. - Two specialized FDA-cleared materials, NextDentJet Teeth and NextDent Jet Base, are used to ensure tooth rigidity and gum support while providing excellent aesthetics and toughness [2][3]. Manufacturing Efficiency - The continuous flow print process enables the production of single-piece dentures with significantly reduced lead times and labor costs, achieving production speeds that are up to 300% faster than traditional methods [3][4][9]. - The digital workflow can produce a final product in one day, compared to a five-day turnaround with traditional production methods [4][9]. Market Potential - The U.S. dental market for replacement products is projected to reach $600 million by 2029, with the overall U.S. dental market representing nearly $1 billion when combined with other segments [7][9]. - 3D Systems' NextDent Jetted Denture Solution is positioned as a key component of the company's strategy to address various facets of dentistry, including straightening, protecting, repairing, and replacing teeth [7][9]. Customer Feedback - Beta testing with leading dental labs has yielded positive feedback, highlighting the solution's ease of use, material properties, and efficiency improvements [4][9]. - Customers report significant reductions in fabrication time and labor costs, as well as enhanced patient experiences due to faster service and high-quality materials [9].

Core Insights - Align Technology's (ALGN) efforts to expand the Invisalign business are expected to drive significant growth in the coming quarters, alongside advancements in iTero intraoral scanning technology [1][9] - The company has a strong financial position with zero debt and substantial cash flow, although foreign exchange challenges pose risks to its operations [9][10] Financial Performance - Over the past year, ALGN shares have decreased by 22.2%, while the industry saw a decline of 1.6%, and the S&P 500 composite increased by 11.3% [2] - The company's market capitalization stands at $11.66 billion, with a long-term estimated earnings growth rate of 11.2%, surpassing the industry's 9.9% [2] - ALGN has consistently exceeded earnings estimates in the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 3.4% [2] Business Developments - The Invisalign portfolio is expanding, with recent approvals for the Invisalign Palatal Expander in Turkey and the introduction of the Mandibular Advancement system in multiple countries [4][5] - ALGN has strengthened partnerships with global dental service organizations to enhance digital adoption in dentistry [6] - The iTero intraoral scanners are gaining traction globally, with new restorative capabilities and software upgrades announced in the first quarter [7][9] Solvency and Cash Flow - Align Technology maintains a strong liquidity position with no debt, reporting cash and cash equivalents of $873 million in the first quarter [10] - The cumulative net cash from operating activities increased to $52.2 million compared to $28 million in the previous year [10] Market Challenges - Foreign exchange fluctuations are a significant concern, impacting revenues as a large portion is generated outside the U.S. [11] - Both business segments experienced adverse effects from unfavorable foreign exchange rates in the first quarter [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) remains at $10.33, with revenues projected at $4.15 billion, indicating a 3.9% increase from the previous year [12]

Core Viewpoint - DENTSPLY SIRONA (XRAY) is positioned for growth through its new digital-implant workflow and ongoing research and development focus, although it faces forex headwinds and demand softness in Europe [1][3]. Company Overview - DENTSPLY SIRONA has a market capitalization of $3.23 billion and is a global leader in dental consumables, laboratory products, specialty products, and medical devices, with an expected earnings improvement of 7.4% over the next five years [2]. Growth Factors - The introduction of the Azento solution is transforming digital implant workflows, enhancing planning, purchasing, and delivery for single-tooth replacements, now available in Canada and Europe, positioning the company in the $20 billion global tooth-replacement market [3][6]. - Demand for 3D imaging and treatment centers is increasing due to technological upgrades and supply-chain recovery, while the company's expansion in clear aligners further enhances its digital dentistry ecosystem [3]. - DENTSPLY SIRONA's growth strategy is heavily reliant on product innovation, supported by increased R&D spending, which reached $36 million in Q1 2025, aimed at delivering sustainable innovation [4][7]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, DENTSPLY SIRONA reported an adjusted operating profit of $72 million, a 46.9% increase from the previous year, with an adjusted operating margin expanding by 305 basis points to 8.2% [8]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is $3.65 billion, reflecting a 3.7% decrease from 2024, while the consensus for adjusted earnings per share is $1.90, indicating a 13.8% year-over-year improvement [10]. Challenges - There is a noted softness in demand for CAD/CAM products in Europe, particularly in Germany, which is impacting sales and is expected to continue affecting the company in the upcoming quarters [9].