Premier Laser Systems Introduces Angle Tips and New Durable Jacketed Fibers For Centauri Dental Laser; New Fiber
ANAHEIM, CALIF. (April 9) BUSINESS WIRE -April 9, 1999--Premier Laser Systems Inc (Nasdaq/NM:PLSIA) of Irvine, Calif., Friday announced at the California Dental Association (CDA) meeting being held in Anaheim at the Convention Center, the commercial availability of a new "jacketed" optical fiber and a new set of angled tips and companion hand piece that enhance the laser delivery system for its Centauri(TM) dental laser system.
Centauri is the first and only dental laser cleared to market by the FDA for use on patients of all ages for such hard-tissue dental procedures as caries (decay) removal and cavity preparation for all five classes of dental caries. The new tips make the laser easier for the dentist to use in selected hard-tissue procedures by enhancing accessibility to certain teeth. The new "jacketed" fiber is more durable than the standard fiber package, which provides greater flexibility. The company also announced a new optical fiber recycling program and a new three-month warranty for Centauri fibers.
According to the announcement by Premier Laser Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Colette Cozean, Ph.D., the company is introducing the 30 degree and 60 degree angle tips along with a new companion hand piece for the Centauri hard-tissue laser in response to requests from dentists to provide easier access to back teeth for certain procedures.
Angle Tips
The angled tips are designed for "snap on" application to the new companion hand piece, which together provide the flexibility and access that rivals that of the high speed drill for many applications. Orders for the new tips and hand piece will be taken at the CDA meeting from April 9 through April 14, where they are being demonstrated. First customer deliveries start later this month.
"Jacketed" Fiber
The company also announced that it now offers a new "jacketed" version of its fiber optic delivery system. This new jacketed fiber is more durable than the standard fiber package that has the advantage of greater flexibility. Dr. Cozean said, "Once again we are leading the way by providing laser dentists with a choice of fiber types, depending on their practice, specialization and preference. They can choose between the more durable jacketed fiber package or the more flexible traditional fiber. Both fibers carry a warranty and are eligible for economical fiber recycling programs."
Fiber Recycling and Warranty
Both the new jacketed fibers and the company's standard fiber will carry a three-month limited warranty and both can be recycled through the company's new fiber recycling program. This new program will make it possible for a dentist to turn in used fibers for recycling and receive the reconditioned fiber from the factory. The retail price for recycling each fiber is $250.
Premier Laser Systems develops, manufactures and markets several lines of proprietary medical and dental lasers, fiber optic delivery systems and associated products for a variety of dental, ophthalmic, dermatologic and surgical applications.
The statements in this release that relate to future events or performance and statements about future product introductions are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with uncertainties related to the availability of components, competitors' product introductions and other risks identified in the company's SEC filings. Actual results may differ from those described in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.
-0- KM/np* JP/np
CONTACT: Allen & Caron Inc
Matt Clawson (investors)
Owen Daley (media)
714/957-8440
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICINE BIOTECHNOLOGY Today's News On The Net -
Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
URL: http://www.businesswire.com