Ultaire AKP: A high-performance polymer for removable RPD frames

“Dentists and patients alike are demanding better materials for RPDs, and Ultaire AKP delivers in a way that metal and other polymer options simply cannot,” says Shawn Shorrock, global director, Solvay Dental 360. “We saw an unmet need to replace metal in dental materials, similar to other markets we serve such as orthopedic and cardiovascular, and we worked closely with dentists to ensure Ultaire AKP best serves their needs and those of their patients.”

As patients become more aware of the effects of metal – the potential allergies, toxicity and taste – they are also becoming more proactive, asking for partial dentures that feel natural, comfortable and are esthetically appealing. Ultaire AKP is an innovative aryl ketone polymer that provides a biocompatible, lightweight, metal-free, non-irritating and more esthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal RPD frames, according to the company.

Ultaire AKP is is a rigid material – not flexible – suitable as a metal replacement and different than the other non-metal materials currently on the market, the company asserts. It is both strong enough and tough enough to be tooth-supported and help reduce bone loss, yet it is flexible enough to engage undercuts more deeply.

Making multiple adjustments to a milled RPD can be time-consuming and frustrating for patients and dentists alike. Furthermore, months or even years of adjustments tend to wear down once-healthy teeth. Not only does Ultaire AKP provide an esthetically pleasing, biocompatible alternative to metal, once an RPD made out of Ultaire AKP is designed and fitted, adjustments should not be necessary – saving the dentist and patient valuable time.

“Ultaire AKP is a paradigm-shifting polymer – it really hits the sweet spot between metal and the flexible systems on the market today,” says Ryan Murphy, PhD, technology manager and polymer scientist at Solvay Dental 360.

“It is a unique proprietary chemistry developed specifically for RPDs. There is no direct one-to-one comparison to any of the metal or polymer systems that are currently on the market for RPDs.”

Solvay Dental 360 is a part of the global company Solvay, a leader in high-performance polymers used in the health care industry for medical and dental devices, equipment and instrumentation, including implantable applications. With more than 35 brands available in more than 1,500 formulations, Solvay has the broadest portfolio of high-performance health-care polymers in the world.

Additional information and conditions of the promotion can be found at SolvayDental360.com.

(Source: Solvay Dental 360)