RADEL R POLYPHENYLSULFONE CHOSEN BY PREMIER DENTAL PRODUCTS FOR NEW DENTAL SCALING INSTRUMENT
17 June 2006 - Solvay Advanced Polymers Llc

A medical grade of RADEL R polyphenylsulfone from Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C. is a critical component in a new dental scaling instrument rated by the Clinical Research Associates Journal as one of the outstanding products for 2004.

The Big Easy Ultralite, manufactured by Premier Dental Products Company,
of Plymouth Meeting, Penn., is the only dental hygiene instrument in the world that
combines the lightness and durability of a solid resin handle with the patented Big Easy silicone grip for superior comfort, ergonomics, and control.

The Big Easy Ultralite was first introduced in the Fall of 2003. According to Bill
McHale, vice-president of product development for Premier Dental, this surprisingly
light instrument weighs only 16 grams, making it one of the lightest instruments available today. With its one-half inch diameter silicone grip handle, it is also the largest handled instrument on the market.

An ergonomic risk assessment study conducted by the U.S. Navy in June 2001
reported that dental hygienists spend up to four hours a day scaling teeth. The repetitive RADEL R Polyphenylsulfone Chosen by Premier Dental
push-pull motion associated with this line of work can lead to hand fatigue, and
ultimately repetitive motion injuries.

"We designed the Big Easy Ultralite to meet the ergonomic needs of dental
professionals," said McHale. "Larger and lighter instruments are easier to use and can significantly reduce the likelihood of hand fatigue. Plus, the resilient silicone grip provides passive feedback to clinicians so they end up using less pressure."
The tips of the Big Easy Ultralite are manufactured from 440A Stainless Steel to
maintain their edge and to sharpen easily. Tips are joined to the solid resin handle
without a bushing. This design combined with the strength and toughness of RADEL R resin allows the instrument to be repeatedly sterilized without losing its structural
integrity.

"RADEL R resin was the only material we tested that met all of our performance
requirements," McHale said. "It's a remarkably tough material and we couldn't have
made the Big Easy Ultralite without it."

RADEL R Polyphenylsulfone Chosen by Premier Dental
U.S. holding company of Solvay S.A. The company produces high-performance
Polymers that are used in a wide range of demanding applications in the automotive, aerospace, industrial, foodservice, medical, and electronics industries worldwide. More information about Solvay Advanced Polymers products and services can be found on the company's website at www.solvayadvancedpolymers.com

http://www.solvayadvancedpolymers.com

More News:
  • For June 2006
  • From Solvay Advanced Polymers Llc
  • For High-performance polymers