Air Techniques' Spectra device leads caries detection aid category in sales

Air Techniques, Inc., a leading dental equipment manufacturer, announced today that its Spectra device led the caries detection aid category in dollar sales with a 2010 market share of almost 50%. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2010, Spectra for the first time also led the category in units sold, and it set a record with a dollar market share of over 60%.

“Many Spectra users have told us that there's a real 'wow' factor to the device”

"We are very gratified that more and more dental professionals are discovering the many benefits Spectra can bring to their practices," said Laura Walsh, Air Techniques Marketing Manager. Ms. Walsh attributes much of the rapidly growing interest in Spectra to several extremely positive reviews from leading independent product evaluation organizations in recent months. "We designed Spectra to improve both dentistry and the patient experience, and these glowing product reviews are telling clinicians that our design is right on the mark."

Using fluorescence technology, Spectra emits safe high-energy LED light onto the tooth surface. The dentist or hygienist then views the tooth on a screen, which clearly displays both a color and numerical reading to precisely indicate the existence and extent of any decay, calculus or plaque. Spectra is the only handheld caries detection device one on the market with these capabilities.

By enabling hygienists and dentists to discover caries in early stages, Spectra technology can help prevent unnecessary excavation and allow dental practices to noninvasively restore more teeth to health. As a result, practices may find that they are able to attract more patients by doing less of the one thing many people dread most about visiting the dental practice: drilling.

Furthermore, the state-of-the-art Spectra device can help the practice make a very positive impression on existing patients and increase case acceptance rates. "Many Spectra users have told us that there's a real 'wow' factor to the device," said Ms. Walsh. "When patients see both color and numerical indicators of the extent of their decay, they have little choice but to approve the recommended treatment."