Evernew and quality

 Just as a practitioner must not harm their patient, we consider that surface processing should not harm a dental brace and should strictly respect its dimensional characteristics.

Research

We dedicate 10% of our turnover to research, which is why we have been the originators of many innovations:

• In 1982, we invented a system of chemical etching for bands, to replace the Justpaints used at the time. 50% of manufacturers took up our technology while others adopted etching.
• In 1984, we invented the creation of a microretentive surface, which has since been taken up by most manufacturers with MIM technology.
• In 1989 for the first time we used a CO₂ laser to remove adhesives.
• In 1998 we adapted YAG laser technology for the removal of adhesives.
• Since 2002 we have been formulating multi-layer surface coatings for medical devices.
• Since 1998, we have carried out research into the quality of braces on the market and set out our position by publishing a league table for braces. Reprocessing of braces enables us to follow braces in use in the mouth, and to determine the optimum life of each brace.
• The purpose of our research is the provision of a personalised, tailor-made service.

Quality control

Whatever processing is carried out to a brace, each component is inspected according to a control range which is specific to components of that type. A standard brace is not checked like a self-ligating brace; nor do we check a brace welded with gold in the same way as a brace with a weld which is low in precious metals.

Depending on the brace, the control range has between three and eight criteria. We check for all possible defects.

The tolerances for inspection of processed brackets are those defined by the Orthonorm Association for:

The width of the bracket slot, the torque, the angulation, the weld, the level of retention, the composition of the steel, and the composition of the welds between the tie-wing component(s) and the base or pad.

The level of quality is optimised for each brace, and for each practitioner who wishes to put forward specific requirements, for example relating to his or her preferred adhesive system.

The final inspection is carried out by an operative other than the one who made the first inspection.

A product release check is made by the responsible manager who verifies that all the services requested have been carried out.

Personalised ordering now enables each practitioner to ask for personalised marking of his or her braces.

Quality

The Evernew Corporation has implemented a QSE quality assurance programme (QSE refers to product quality, occupational health & safety, and the environment). The system complies with these standards: ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 13485 (quality management relating to medical devices), and ISO 14001 (environmental management).

In 1999, Evernew was the first in the world to obtain the European Union CE mark in this sector.

Our quality assurance system is continually improved, and clients participate through their comments and suggestions.