CATEGORY 36 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST Another Stela performance from SDI PROFILE Do you recall the birth of the original iPhone? It was an innovation truly groundbreaking in its time. Yet even with its revolutionary status, it had its initial share of bugbears – the lack of copy-andpaste functionality being one of the most prominent. Nonetheless, through persistent e orts and a series of improvements over the years, it gradually transformed into the iconic device we know today. It’s important to recognise that exceptional innovations like the iPhone aren’t born overnight. History shows that greatness is often a product of relentless improvement, backed by extensive and costly research and development endeavours. e reason for bringing this up is to draw comparisons with, and attention to, a Victoria-based dental company that has, since 1972, been holding its own as one of the world’s leading innovators of dental restorative materials. Birth of an amalgam alternative Whenever you hear industry buzz about SDI Ltd, the news typically emanates from behind their well-worn R&D curtains, unveiling yet another breakthrough solution. World-famous brands that have sashayed down SDI’s innovation runway include: the Luna and Aura composite ranges; e “Riva” range of glass ionomers; the “Pola” range of tooth whitening materials; the Radii LED curing lights and the SDF brand Riva Star. Unsurprisingly, Australia’s biggest dental exporter celebrated its 50th anniversary last year doing what it does best: announcing the birth of another Next Big ing, – this time, in the form of Stela. “Stela is a self-cure composite that was engineered as an amalgam replacement,” says Samantha Cheetham, SDI’s CEO “As a leader in restoratives, SDI began an ambitious amalgam alternative project in 2018. SDI mobilised its 50 years of restorative experience and partnered with the universities of Sydney, NSW and Wollongong to develop Stela over an intensive 5-year timeline.” rough the partnership with the universities, SDI worked on highperformance industrial composites and various other cutting-edge materials, leading to the publication of numerous scienti c journals and the presentation of compelling research ndings at prestigious conferences. Addressing the oral health conundrum As the dental industry worldwide has been seeking more aesthetic, physiologically integrated materials and compliance with global regulations, there’s been a gradual decline in amalgam usage. e drawbacks of amalgam, including the need for extensive removal of healthy dental structure and poor aesthetics, have led to a 55% decline in worldwide amalgam use between 2019 and 2022. It was this challenging landscape that led to the birth of Stela. As an amalgam technology leader with decades of industry experience, SDI took it upon their rugged R&D shoulders to create an amalgam alternative that would address the clinical needs of practitioners and global health regulations. “Stela combines all the bene ts of amalgam (high strength, easy to use, no light curing) and eliminates the drawbacks (Stela is minimally invasive, aesthetic and doesn’t contain mercury),” Samantha adds. “Stela is also gap free, to ensure a longer lasting restoration.” Part of the team As a dental restorative material, Stela goes beyond the con nes of a stand-alone product. It builds upon the strengths and characteristics of SDI’s existing product portfolio. is evolutionary approach creates a harmonious synergy that elevates the entire spectrum of dental materials. “Our Luna composite range provides excellent handling, strength and aesthetics. Our Riva range of glass ionomer cements provides a range of handling options with high uoride release,” says Emma Kakantonis, the company’s Australian Sales Manager. “ e launch of Stela expands the versatility of composites. Stela has an unlimited depth of cure, without the need for a light cure during preparation Stela’s emergence as a game-changing amalgam alternative encapsulates the Australian company’s innovative evolution over the decades By Danny Chan Samantha Cheetham SDI CEO And Managing Director
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