Strauss Diamond Instruments:
Diamond Products Designed with a Quality Edge
Strauss stays at the cutting edge of dentistry by listening to the dental community and churning out high-quality diamond instruments designed to simplify chairside procedures
On the list of dental companies that commit to doing one thing and doing it well, Strauss Diamond Instruments sits at the very top.
The American division of Israeli manufacturer Strauss & Co., this direct-to-dentist manufacturer offers a wide range of high-quality and cost-effective burs and polishers. Although Strauss has been in business since 1970, its instruments have evolved considerably during that time—allowing dentists to work with virtually every modern dental material available, from ceramics and porcelain to lithium disilicate and metals.
So, what’s the secret to Strauss’ over 50-year success? DPS asks Arye Shahar, who has served as President of Strauss Diamond for the past 3 decades.
What do you think has been the key to Strauss’ success over the years?
Our goal has always been to simplify chairside procedures for the doctor while making patients more comfortable. We love putting unique items into doctors’ hands that solve problems. To do that, we put our focus on innovation but keep our doctors top of mind, really collaborating with them to come up with new products that solve real-world clinical challenges. There’s a reason why our motto is “Tomorrow’s Innovation Today.” When we see a need in the market and hear dentists’ challenges, we don’t sit around and wait for someone else to solve it—we find a solution.
Can you share an example of this collaborative innovation?
We often hear from dentists that the task of interproximal reduction (IPR) is too tedious. Their strips either catch on patients’ lips or the doctor ends up shoving their hands too far into the patient’s mouth. So, we created the Magic Strip, which has an attached handle and turn mechanism that makes it easy for doctors to tighten or loosen the strip without putting their hands inside the patient’s mouth. Not only is this method safer and easier, but it cuts down on hand fatigue for the doctor. It makes IPR a breeze or, as we like to say, as easy as flossing.
Dental technology and materials are constantly evolving. How do you keep your products relevant?
We are constantly learning and studying so that our engineers can come up with different patents and solutions to solve emerging challenges. For example, when zirconia first came out and doctors were starting to microfracture it during adjustment, we came up with the patent for the Magic Touch line, working with leading dentists to include all burs necessary to quickly and safely adjust zirconia crowns and bridges. One of the primary causes of zirconia microfracturing is overheating, so burs in the Magic Touch line are designed to polish rather than grind, which doesn’t create heat.
What have you been most proud of over the past few decades leading Strauss Diamond Instruments?
I think the biggest thing is that Strauss has always been an innovative and proactive company, as opposed to a follower that spits out products just to keep up with the competition. After all, we’re manufacturing for the industry, not just for ourselves. We may satisfy a small niche in dentistry, but we’re extremely proud of that. We’re good at diamond products, and that’s where we thrive. That’s why you’ll see our products throughout the industry making a big impact.