Sunderland firm gets teeth into new dental technology

Sunderland-based orthodontic laboratory Ashford Orthodontics has teamed up with Wearside Orthodontic Centre to provide the latest in 3D digital study models.

Ashford will be creating the ‘virtual’ models for Wearside Orthodontic Centre’s patients, which will replace the traditional plaster models made from impressions of patients’ teeth.

The traditional plaster models of patients’ teeth can often take up significant amounts of space in practices while digital 3D study models mean that impressions can be scanned in 3D scanners and saved as digital files, thus saving hugely in physical storage space.

Ashford managing director Sean Thompson said: “It is great to be partnered with another Sunderland-based business to provide the latest in orthodontic technology.

“Digital 3D technology means the geographical boundaries that we have traditionally worked within are now removed and we can work with clinicians anywhere in the world – whether that is Sunderland or Australia, and that bodes well for the future.”

Callum Rushforth, a practice principle at Wearside Orthodontic Centre, said: “It has been great to work with another local business to provide this latest technology.”

“The conversion to digital study models has made a real difference to our practice and how we work. The ease with which we can view patients’ dentition and discuss treatment options with them whilst demonstrating them on the handheld devices has drastically improved patient relations.”

Ashford Orthodontics, which manufactures bespoke orthodontic appliances, has seen continuous growth over the last 15 years, and clients as far afield as the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand are now using its digital capabilities to place orders for orthodontic appliances.

Wearside Orthodontic Centre was founded in 2001 by Callum Rushforth and Simon Lovel and offers both private and NHS orthodontic treatment.