American Dental Technologies introduces revolutionary high-speed bleaching/curing system.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1996--American Dental Technologies announced today it is introducing a new stand-alone version of its Plasma Arc Curing (PAC) system for high-speed bleaching and curing.

The revolutionary light will be unveiled during the American Dental Association annual meeting in Orlando on Sept. 28.

"We originally developed the PAC to rapidly cure composite filling materials, but it can also dramatically enhance the speed of light-activated bleaching agents," noted American Dental Technologies President and CEO Anthony D. Fiorillo. "Dentists using our PAC and the popular Shofu 'Hi Lite' bleaching material have reported that in just one 30-40 minute appointment they can whiten one arch by as much as two shades."

"Shofu 'Hi Lite' has an excellent track record and has become the material of choice for most dentists who perform in-office bleaching," Fiorillo added. "It's already handled by all of our distributors."

Fiorillo explained that the PAC/Shofu combination is as fast as recently publicized laser bleaching techniques, but is even simpler, safer and less expensive.

"Our light costs less than $7,000, about one-fifth the cost of some of the laser bleaching systems," Fiorillo said. "With the PAC, patients won't have to seek out a special laser bleaching center but will be able to go to a regular dental office for the same results."

Not a laser, the PAC uses a highly filtered xenon light source to cure composite resin filling materials four times faster than conventional curing lights. It was first introduced in October 1995 as a built-in optional feature of the KCP air abrasive cavity preparation system.

"First and foremost, we see the PAC as a cost-effective alternative to laser curing systems which are relatively expensive to maintain," said Terry Myers, DDS, ADT's director of education and training. "Light-cured composite resins have become the preferred choice for many dentists and patients so the PAC meets a real need.

"A recent preliminary study suggests that when the PAC is used, there may be less shrinkage than with conventional lights," Dr. Myers said. "Follow-up studies are needed, but even if future results aren't as dramatic, we could be looking at a significant breakthrough."

Shrinkage is considered one of the greatest challenges relating to the use of composite resins. If the composite material shrinks too much during curing, the filling can actually pull away from the tooth leaving a tiny gap that decay-causing bacteria can penetrate.

Shrinkage is believed to go hand-in-hand with patient sensitivity, restoration failures and recurrent decay.

"With the PAC, dentists can save an hour or more per week in curing time and may actually end up with better restorations," Fiorillo said. "Add the PAC's power bleaching capability to the mix and we think we have a very exciting product."

ADT's innovative products, the KCP 10, the KCP 100, the KCP 1000, the KCP 1000 PAC and the PulseMaster line of dental lasers, are recognized leaders in the dental high technology market. The KCP works like a miniature sandblaster spraying away decay, usually without a need for anesthesia. The PAC utilizes a high intensity light source to rapidly cure composite fillings and accelerate light-activated tooth bleaching materials. PulseMaster lasers allow dentists to treat gum disease and perform other procedures with little or no bleeding and less need for anesthesia.

Headquartered in Southfield, American Dental Technologies develops and manufactures advanced technologies for dentistry and markets them worldwide. It is listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol ADLI.

CONTACT: American Dental Technologies Inc., Southfield

Diane Miller, 810/353-5300