NEWPORT BEACH, CA, USA, May 24, 2021 – Desktop Health, recently launched by Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE: DM) and committed to developing 3D printing and biofabrication solutions for personalized medicine, announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance of Flexcera Base, a proprietary resin for use in 3D fabrication of high-quality dental prosthetics. Flexcera Base along with the new Flexcera Smile are Desktop Health’s first formulated and optimized digital dental solutions.
The introduction of Flexcera Base and Flexcera Smile marks the inception of a remarkable new era in dentistry, combining advanced science with 3D printing technology to deliver superior strength, aesthetics, and function for patients.
“Three years ago, we set out to create a product that addressed the limitations of current 3D printed dental prosthetics – brittleness and poor aesthetics,” said Michael Jafar, President & CEO of Desktop Health. “The introduction of Flexcera marks the inception of a remarkable new era in dentistry, combining advanced Flexcera science with 3D printing technology to deliver superior strength, aesthetics, and function for patients. We are pleased to bring this innovative product to market as it represents our commitment to meet the needs of dental professionals and their patients.”
The need for dental prosthetics is on the rise, with the global dentures market estimated to reach $3.8 billion USD by 20271. In the U.S. alone, more than 36 million are edentulous, meaning they have no natural teeth, with 90 percent of those wearing dentures2. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay3.
The Science of Printing Teeth
Flexcera was developed with the strength of ceramic coupled with long chain chemistry to ensure optimal denture properties. When used exclusively with EnvisionTEC™ 3D printers, dental providers can print up to eight customized Flexcera dentures in less than two hours, delivering on the promise of same-day, high-quality dental prosthetics.
When used exclusively with EnvisionTEC 3D printers, dental providers can print up to eight customized Flexcera dentures in less than two hours, delivering on the promise of same-day, high-quality dental prosthetics with three times the toughness of competitor denture material and lifelike tooth translucency.
For the first time in dental prosthetics, Flexcera offers:
- High fracture resistance, three times more resistant to fracture than select competitive resins;
- Moisture resistance to prevent staining or discoloration, two times more resistant than a leading competitive formulation; and
- An overall natural aesthetic that offers lifelike tooth translucency and a natural-looking smile.
“Desktop Health has changed my approach to personalized dentistry,” said Dr. Ryan Dunlop, DMD of Full Arch Masters, one of the leading experts in dental implants and digital dentistry. “The Flexcera resin delivers on the four cornerstones of why 3D printing works so well: strength, high aesthetics, accuracy and speed. With Flexcera, I am now able to deliver beautiful, high-quality and same-day dental prosthetics in record time, customized to the patient, while they are in the chair.”
Flexcera is expected to launch commercially in the U.S. and Canada by the end of June. Healthcare providers who wish to stay updated on product availability, or place a pre-order, can sign up at www.flexcera.com.
About Flexcera Resins
Flexcera is comprised of proprietary resins for the fabrication of beautiful, functional dentures with ceramic-like strength. Flexcera Smile is an FDA Class 1 Medical Device for the fabrication of lifelike denture teeth and Flexcera Base is an FDA Cleared Class 2 Medical Device for the fabrication of premium denture bases. Both are formulated exclusively for use with EnvisionTEC 3D printers. For more information, visit www.flexcera.com.
About Desktop Health
Based in Newport Beach, California, Desktop Health develops additive manufacturing solutions and advanced materials for personalized patient care. Founded in March 2021 as a healthcare business within Desktop Metal, Inc., the business is vertically integrated to develop, manufacture, and commercialize applications across a range of healthcare specialties. Desktop Health is rapidly focused on developing applications and uncovering opportunities to leverage its bio-printing capabilities within healthcare. For more information on Desktop Health, visit www.desktophealth.com.
About Desktop Metal, Inc.
Desktop Metal, Inc., based in Burlington, Massachusetts, is accelerating the transformation of manufacturing with an expansive portfolio of 3D printing solutions, from rapid prototyping to mass production. Founded in 2015 by leaders in advanced manufacturing, metallurgy, and robotics, the company is addressing the unmet challenges of speed, cost, and quality to make additive manufacturing an essential tool for engineers and manufacturers around the world. Desktop Metal was selected as one of the world’s 30 most promising Technology Pioneers by the World Economic Forum and named to MIT Technology Review’s list of 50 Smartest Companies. For more information, visit www.desktopmetal.com.
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