The dental implant market continues to be a challenge for many manufacturers, despite market researchers' continued predictions of healthy growth.
The latest company to be affected by the economic downturn is Heraeus Kulzer, which this week pulled its IQ:NECT screwless titanium implant system from the market, just months after introducing an enhanced version of the product at the 2009 International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany.
"Given the current economic situation as well as the fact that sales and growth plans of its implant business were not achieved nor did they seem to be realistic, Heraeus Kulzer has decided to discontinue sales of its IQ:NECT implant system effective as of July 1, 2009," the company announced in a press release.
Heraeus said it will be guaranteeing the supply of spare parts and components for the implant system for 10 years and has set up a free service hotline: +49 0800 47 63288. Customers of the IQ:NECT implant system can still order spare parts and components by using this hotline.
While the IQ:NECT was launched initially in the European market, the company had hoped to introduce it to the U.S. market as well, according to industry observers.
The IQ:NECT was developed at the University Clinic in Aachen, Germany, and had been on the market since 2005. Heraeus introduced several additions to the product at IDS 2009, including a zirconium oxide abutment comprising a titanium platform and a ceramic cap made of zirconium oxide supplements, and a universal abutment for all-ceramics.
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