Efficiency meets reliability

A visit to an expert: Liechtenstein-based dental technician Thomas Kranz tells us about his experiences with the new Programat P710

High technology and solid workmanship go hand in glove at Dental Technik AG in Triesen/Liechtenstein. With the help of modern equipment and facilities, a team of highly qualified professionals produce accurately fitting and highly esthetic restorations. The owner of the laboratory, Thomas Kranz, is passionate about dental technology. Through his equipment – including three CAD/CAM units – he is closely networked with the big wide world. This allows him for instance to outsource complex bar-retained restorations to a big milling centre in the United States. In spite of the global reach of these technologies, he keeps his feet on the ground. A great deal of his work arises from the close collaboration with dentists in Liechtenstein and the neighbouring eastern parts of Switzerland.

Creativity in a picturesque setting

Thomas Kranz is an artist and esthete, not only in his work as dental technician. In his spare time he likes to paint. His colourful paintings add touches of colour to the white walls of the lab. Large windows give view to a wild and romantic mountain scenery. This is a great place to get inspired. Dental Technik AG has been housed in these premises since 1989. The team consists of five men and women, four of whom are dental technicians. It also includes a little chihuahua called Carlos.

A premium furnace sets new standards

Together with his team, Thomas Kranz has tested Ivoclar Vivadent's new top-of-the-range furnace Programat P710 for three months. The accomplished expert has been using Programat furnaces for several decades and is therefore used to high standards and top quality. Now he has learnt that even a good thing can be made better: "The new furnaces are even more versatile and better than the older models. An even more reliable firing quality can be obtained with them. Practically no deviations occur any more. With the new furnace, I can reliably reproduce the results achieved."

Infrared camera controls the temperature

Thomas Kranz points out that older models required the dental technician to adjust the temperature manually. In particular, this was necessary in conjunction with extensive bridges comprising large amounts of ceramic material, gloss firings and pre-drying processes. This is no longer necessary with the new Programat P710: "The infrared camera does it all. Even if a crown is not placed exactly at the centre of the furnace, the firing process is performed at a correct and consistent temperature."

More efficiency, more quality, more esthetics

Significant increase in efficiency is one of the advantages achieved with the new furnace: "Previously, I needed to conduct an additional firing cycle to achieve the same beautiful result," remembers Thomas Kranz. "Now, everything is much faster and allows me to gain valuable time." However, time savings are not the only advantage of the furnace: "As is generally known, quality and esthetics may become impaired if a ceramic material is fired several times. With the Programat P710, this is finally history because everything fits right from the beginning," says Thomas Kranz.

Innovation that makes work easy

Thomas Kranz is extremely satisfied with the new ceramic furnace. Among other features, he has praise for the Digital Shade Assistant: "This is another innovation that makes our work easier." He tested and bought several digital shade matching systems on previous occasions - but with little success. The new shade matching system integrated into the Programat P710 is of great practical use because of its photo-processing and DSA capabilities.

No lack of work

Our visit is drawing to an end. One last time we allow our glance to wander over the interior of the high-tech lab and out of the window to the mountainous landscape. We say goodbye to Thomas Kranz and his team of experts. The boss returns to his work. He opens the furnace, puts a restoration in. It does not take him long to be immersed in his work again.

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