The Identifi system, which comprises a handheld intra-oral device and an external computer system, makes use of a technique called Qualitative Light Induced Fluorescence (QLF) in which teeth are illuminated with a high-intensity light, after which they start to fluoresce.
Since the fluorescence of the teeth has a direct relation with the mineral content of the enamel of the teeth, by capturing an image of the teeth on a clinical digital camera in the device, it is then possible to visualise early-stage plaque and tiny cavities.
Images can then be transferred using wireless technology to a computer, laptop, iPad or smartphone for immediate assessment and evaluation by a dental care professional.
Its developers claim that Identifi will be of particular benefit to orthodontic patients to highlight plaque left behind after cleaning.
Identifi was developed by a team from the university in collaboration with dental healthcare developer Inspektor Research Systems. The original concept for the device began more than a decade ago when the Liverpool team wished to incorporate QLF technology into clinical SLR cameras.
Identifi will continue to be used in clinical trials and a launch is anticipated in summer 2012.
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Where will all the raw materials come from for the manufacturing process? How will they be transported to the factory and what is going to be done with the various scrap and residues?