IDC Produces Bright Smile for Dental Business

Industrial Design Consultancy, an international product design company, has recently completed an innovative medical device development project for OSspray Ltd. (OSspray), which has accelerated the growth of the company’s key product, Sylc™.

OSspray is a successful supplier of dental biomaterials, including powders for polishing and regenerating tooth structure. One of their latest products, Sylc™, is used to polish teeth while providing a protective enamel-like layer over the surface of the teeth. Sylc™ is a highly effective dental treatment powder, which forms a mineral deposition as it is delivered through dental air-polisher equipment during treatment. Traditional air–polishing equipment can result in powder overspray which the dentist has to clean up after each procedure; additionally the air polishing tip is a disposable item and has to be replaced frequently.

To help promote the acceptance of Sylc™ in the dental practice OSspray decided to develop their own hard-wearing delivery devices, which also improve the access whilst in use and improve the patients experience whilst being treated

OSspray selected IDC for its excellent track record developing medical products and commissioned them to design two new dental heads for both the US and European markets. The new products needed to be wear resistant, provide long lasting performance and ease of use for the users. OSspray was also keen to develop its own identity, whilst ensuring that the new system was still compatible with traditional air polishing units.

IDC worked as a true “partner” with OSspray through all the design phases; from concept through to production. IDC also provided additional benefits utilising it’s on site workshop for prototyping, clinical build and testing. IDC’s engineering team spent considerable time researching different materials, manufacturing processes and delivery paths for the new nozzles and in the process created new IP for their client.

OSspray is delighted with the products that IDC have developed. The new products enabled two dental heads to utilise a common, high wear-resistant ceramic nozzle. IDC designed products which not only improved ergonomics and aesthetics for better handling by dental clinicians, but also enhanced the spray pattern of the dental powder to give a more focused delivery whilst reducing unwanted overspray.

Dr. Ian Thompson, Technical Director of OSspray explains, “IDC has enabled OSspray to transform from an innovative powder supplier to a producer and manufacturer of dental equipment; Sylc™ is now a full treatment solution. IDC has been on time and on budget, and we couldn’t have done this without them.”