Dental Asia January/February 2020
For more than two decades, Dental Asia is the premium journal in linking dental innovators and manufacturers to its rightful audience. We devote ourselves in showcasing the latest dental technology and share evidence-based clinical philosophies to serve as an educational platform to dental professionals. Our combined portfolio of print and digital media also allows us to reach a wider market and secure our position as the leading dental media in the Asia Pacific region while facilitating global interactions among our readers.
For more than two decades, Dental Asia is the premium journal in linking dental innovators
and manufacturers to its rightful audience. We devote ourselves in showcasing the latest dental technology and share evidence-based clinical philosophies to serve as an educational platform to dental professionals. Our combined portfolio of print and digital media also allows us to reach a wider market and secure our position as the leading dental media in the Asia Pacific region while facilitating global interactions among our readers.
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<strong>Dental</strong> Updates<br />
Making Braces In-House<br />
AirMico provides software and hardware for dental<br />
treatment to help reduce orthodontics costs<br />
Chinese start-up AirMico is changing their<br />
production, distribution, and follow-up<br />
service in a bid to bring costs down for clear<br />
aligners. Despite costing four times more<br />
than traditional braces, clear aligners, usually<br />
priced around RMB$40,000 (S$8,000), are<br />
seeing a rise in popularity for their aesthetic<br />
appeal and convenience.<br />
AirMico’s idea features a small laser scanner,<br />
a 3D printer, and a robotic arm, with which<br />
dentists can create braces in their offices.<br />
By cutting down on waiting times and<br />
complicated processes, AirMico hopes to<br />
lower the costs for end users. Another idea<br />
also involves the matching of patients with<br />
braces makers. Patients are able to take their<br />
own scans either at home or at specific locations,<br />
and send it to technicians who will manufacture<br />
and deliver the braces. Follow-up services will<br />
then be conducted by dentists. The clear aligners<br />
are estimated to be priced at RMB$10,000.<br />
Online platforms, such as Taobao and Tmall, will<br />
also serve as distribution channels.<br />
While their entrance to the market is unlikely<br />
to affect industry leaders, such as Align<br />
Technology and Angelalign, in the short term,<br />
AirMico is currently seeking funding to bring<br />
these ideas to fruition. If the ideas succeed,<br />
they may indeed cause a disruption to the<br />
orthodontic scene. ■<br />
JANUARY / FEBRUARY <strong>2020</strong> DENTAL ASIA 17
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