The overall mission of TTI is the development of new innovative technologies for the detection and prevention of dental caries and other preventable dental maladies and the commercialization of these technologies for use in both humans and companion animals. There are presently three active divisions of TTI, and each has specific goals and responsibilities as well as staff members. These divisions are Daraza (FluoreCam early caries detection instrument), Tartar Shield Pet Products, and Dental Product Testing.

FluoreCam: Early Caries Detection Instrument

It is well known that the pre-cavitation portion of the caries process involves daily periods of enamel demineralization over a prolonged period on time ranging from 2 to 5 years. It has also been recognized by dental practitioners and scientifically demonstrated that it is possible to reverse the caries process through measures that induce and facilitate remineralization of the enamel. It follows that the detection of the caries process during these early periods of excessive demineralization but well in advance of cavitation provides the opportunity for the implementation of professional intervention measures to reverse and control the process rather than revert to restorative procedures after the lesion has developed into the advanced cavitation phase.

The results of a number of laboratory and clinical investigations have clearly demonstrated that the use of light fluorescence is the most accurate means available for early caries detection. Changes in the optical properties of enamel that occur during demineralization permit one to detect the presence of demineralization and to quantitatively monitor changes in the amount of mineral loss that may occur over a period of time between normal dental visits.

As a result, a major mission of TTI has been the development of a practical instrument that has the capability of detecting very early enamel demineralization (mineral loss) and monitoring the remineralization of the lesion. With financial support from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for Small Business Innovative Research grants and from Indiana's 21st Century Research & Technology Fund, this research program has made remarkable progress. In 2010, TTI unveiled its Daraza Dental Products brand, with the FluoreCam system as its flagship product.

More information about the FluoreCam system is available at: www.FluoreCam.com.

Tartar Shield Pet Products

While a faculty member at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, Dr. Stookey developed several systems for preventing dental calculus in companion animals. During the past two years, we have licensed some of these patented developments and developed marketable products utilizing these additives. Under the direction of Lisa Hoover, we have also developed additional systems for the prevention of dental problems in dogs and cats and incorporated these systems into innovative and unique products. Clinical studies have been conducted to document the dental health benefits of the products. These products were introduced in Indiana in July 2006 under the Tartar Shield brand and are being marketed only through veterinary clinics. The products include a series of innovative extruded rawhide products, cat treats, dog biscuits, and a drinking water additive.

More information regarding each of these products is available at: www.TartarShield.com.

Dental Product Testing

This program was developed as a service to dental product manufacturers and provides manufacturers a means of obtaining various types of data to document product benefits for dental health. This laboratory and clinical testing service is directed by Bruce Schemehorn and he has been conducting and directing these test procedures since 1975. This service includes a wide range of standard and commonly used tests including enamel fluoride uptake, enamel solubility reduction, radioactive dentin abrasion, radioactive enamel abrasion, fluoride stability tests, enamel whitening tests, in situ fluoride uptake and remineralization tests, laboratory remineralization tests, and pH cycling tests. In addition specially designed tests are commonly performed as required for unique products and delivery systems. Clinical studies include: early caries detection and quantification, in situ remineralization, dental hypersensitivity, dental erosion, and others.