Planmeca, a dental imaging company, has announced a strategic investment in E4D Technologies, the developer of E4D CAD/CAM restorative system.

According to Planmeca, the non-controlling, strategic investment in E4D Technologies reinforces its on-going commitment to help dental providers improve patient care by offering a comprehensive portfolio of integrated digital dental solutions for dentists and dental laboratories.

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Planmeca will co-develop CAD/CAM products with E4D Technologies. Planmeca will offer these products in the North American market under the brand names Planmeca PlanScan-E4D Technologies and PlanMill-E4D Technologies.

Henry Schein will distribute these products in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Planmeca will also distribute the E4D systems under the Planmeca PlanScan and PlanMill brands in more than 120 additional international markets. The E4D brand will remain in use in certain other markets.

As per the new agreement, Planmeca will join the partnership of Henry Schein and Ivoclar Vivadent, who have been strategic equity partners in E4D Technologies since 2007, along with certain members of E4D Technologies’ senior management team.

E4D Technologies chief marketing officer Dr Gary Severance noted Planmeca’s investment in E4D Technologies offers the company an opportunity to grow its company globally.

"In addition, Planmeca has been a market leader in extra-oral digital imaging for many years, and we look forward to furthering the seamless integration of our CAD/CAM platform with the additional digital solutions offered by Planmeca. Our customers will benefit from the combination of these unique and innovative products and services," Severance added.