For over 30 years, dentists have recognized Glidewell as a leader in preventive care. Now, the lab is celebrating a major milestone: 10 million oral appliances delivered, including bite splints, retainers, dental sleep appliances, migraine prevention devices, and sports mouthguards.

This milestone was made possible by the many clinicians who have a passion for protecting their patients’ oral health between dental visits. While Glidewell is honored to be able to offer a wide selection of products, it’s ultimately these clinicians who transform patients’ lives with preventive care.

Since the lab’s opening in 1970, Jim Glidewell has always believed in growing with the dentist. As preventive solutions became increasingly more prominent in the dental industry, the company evolved to meet the changing needs of dental professionals.

The PlaySafe^® Sports Mouthguard was the first example of a preventive care product that Glidewell adopted as a regular offering in the lab. When athletic organizations began mandating oral protective gear for combat and contact sports, Glidewell knew dentists around the country would be ready to help protect their patients’ teeth.  

This pattern of providing patients with protection, even when they weren’t in the dental chair, became more commonplace as the preventive care category evolved to include dental sleep devices, bite splints, retainers, and even smart sports mouthguards. Each new product introduced at the lab serves as a testament to the commitment Glidewell has to staying ahead of the curve and offering solutions that not only help patients but also help clinicians grow their practices.

With decades of experience, Glidewell ensures high-quality appliances and quick turnaround times. This reliability means fewer adjustments or remakes, leading to greater efficiency, savings, and satisfaction for dentists. With the adoption of new advancements in dental technology, all preventive appliances are fabricated using the most up-to-date methods, ensuring maximum accuracy. Clinicians can prescribe preventive appliances with confidence, knowing great care and innovation goes into making every appliance. All preventive appliances come with an industry-leading warranty, so any potential remakes are free of charge.

Two of the most recent preventive care products to be released at Glidewell are the Silent Nite^® 3D Sleep Appliance and the ORB Sport^™ Smart Mouthguard. To meet the growing emphasis on digital technology in today’s dental climate, Glidewell shifted focus to 3D printing and smart wearables. The Silent Nite 3D Sleep Appliance is 3D printed and follows a completely digital workflow for increased precision. The ORB Sport Smart Mouthguard harnesses technology within the appliance to help patient-athletes track physiology and biomechanics during sports activities. 

Glidewell also makes it easy for dentists to adopt new preventive services like these in their practice. Free clinical education courses help dentists implement these services, even for specialized products like dental sleep appliances or migraine prevention devices. Glidewell provides ample learning opportunities to ensure success and practice growth — no matter the dentist’s skill level. 

Looking ahead, Glidewell remains committed to continuing its tradition of innovation and growth. As always, the company strives to evolve with the needs of dental professionals and their patients. Glidewell’s Research & Development team is constantly working on new products, and several exciting developments are already on the horizon.

Glidewell will continue to prioritize the needs of clinicians and patients, working to create products that improve the quality of care and make practices more efficient and effective. This preventive care milestone serves as a reminder that safeguarding patients’ oral health is a vital component to any dental practice.

To learn more about preventive care at Glidewell or how you can get started, visit glidewell.com/celebrating-preventive-care.