3M and Whitepeaks Dental Solutions settle dental ceramics coloring patent suit

3M announced it has settled a patent infringement lawsuit in Germany involving technology that enables the coloring of ceramic-based dental restorations.

3M has licensed its patents to much of the dental industry, including, but not limited to, Vita Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH & Co. KG, and Vident, Inc., Dentsply Prosthetics U.S. LLC and Dentsply International Inc., Zirkonzahn GmbH, Wieland Dental + Technik GmbH & Co. KG, Ivoclar Vivadent AG and Metoxit AG. Through these licensees, patients around the world enjoy the benefits of dental restorations matching the natural color of their teeth. 3M remains open to licensing this technology to other interested parties.

Video: A look at 3M ESPE's Imprint 4 Impression Material and 3M True Definition Scanner

3M is committed to improving oral care through continuous R&D investments. The company's dental division, 3M ESPE, has been recognized as the most innovative dental company for the past nine years by the Anaheim Group. This distinction is awarded based on the number of patent filings, 510k clearances and new product introductions.

3M ESPE Dental is part of 3M Health Care, which offers solutions in the medical, oral care, drug delivery, food safety and health information markets. 3M ESPE products are reportedly designed to help make dentistry easier, faster and better for dental professionals and their patients.

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