GC America Inc. and TAG The Aspen Group have partnered to develop and launch COE-SOFT™ PRINT, a soft denture liner designed for use with digitally printed dentures. The product is also compatible with conventional removable prosthetics.
According to a press issued by the companies, approximately 57 percent of adults aged 65-74 wear some form of dentures, based on U.S. Census data and the Simmons National Consumer Survey. The American College of Prosthodontists reports that an estimated 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, with more than 36 million having no teeth at all. The companies stated that the collaboration is intended to address needs associated with this patient population.
COE-SOFT™ PRINT is described as a soft liner that bonds to digitally printed dentures. The companies state that the material is intended to integrate into digital denture workflows while maintaining characteristics associated with soft liners used in removable prosthetics.
The development process involved collaboration between GC America and Aspen Dental. Eric D. Kukucka DD, vice president of clinical removable prosthetics and design technologies with TAG The Aspen Group, worked with GC America’s research and development team from early development through clinical trials and commercialization. Aspen Dental offices have been providers of COE-SOFT™ and continue to use the material within their practices.
Some Aspen Dental offices are transitioning to exclusively manufacture digitally printed dentures. According to the release, this shift reflects ongoing adoption of digital workflows and materials across parts of the organization.
“This collaboration with Aspen Dental represents a meaningful step forward in transforming the denture experience for patients,” said Joe Talanges, president and chief operating officer of GC America companies. “By combining our expertise in dental materials science with Aspen Dental's expansive clinical capabilities, we are delivering solutions that elevate both patient outcomes and satisfaction.”
“Working closely with GC America from research and development through clinical trials has been an incredible journey,” said Eric D. Kukucka DD. “COE-SOFT™ PRINT represents a true breakthrough — for the first time, we can offer patients the precision and efficiency of digital denture workflows combined with the superior comfort of a premium soft liner. This collaboration represents our ongoing mission to improve patient outcomes by making high-quality dental care more accessible, and the integration of COE-SOFT™ PRINT allows us to deliver enhanced comfort and precision for patients who depend on dentures every day.”
“Digital denture technology is transforming how we serve patients, offering improved accuracy, faster turnaround times and a better overall experience,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, chief clinical officer with TAG The Aspen Group. “By partnering with GC America to integrate COE-SOFT™ PRINT into the digital workflow, we're ensuring that clinicians have access to the best tools and materials available. This ultimately benefits patients through superior fit, enhanced comfort and longer-lasting denture solutions that help them smile, eat and speak with confidence.”
More information is available at www.gc.dental/america and www.aspendental.com.
