Planmeca
Better care through innovation
Planmeca Oy is a global leader in many fields of health care technology, with products distributed in over 120 countries worldwide. Our product range covers digital dental units, CAD/CAM solutions, world-class 2D and 3D imaging devices and comprehensive software solutions. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, we are the largest privately held company in the field of dental equipment and the parent company of Planmeca Group. The Group’s turnover in 2018 was MEUR 746, employing nearly 2,800 people worldwide.
From vision to excellence
Always one step ahead
Our strong commitment to R&D and close collaboration with health care professionals and leading universities are behind the success of our innovations. Unrivalled scientific knowledge and an in-depth understanding of clinical workflows are vital parts of our product development.
Quality made in Finland
Our dental care units, imaging devices and software solutions are designed and manufactured in Helsinki, Finland. Using the latest technology and the best materials, our products are hand-made and tailored to each customer’s specifications.
At the forefront of digital imaging
In the era of digital dentistry, our advanced imaging software and digital solutions have been leading the way. Superior image quality, low patient dose and ease-of-use are the most important guidelines of our product development.
Design matters
Our aim is to create functional, durable and beautifully designed products that stand the test of time. Four design principles guide our product development: efficient workflow for professionals, patient and staff safety, patient comfortability and long-lasting aesthetics.
Uncompromising infection control
Infection control and clean water are essential to the design and development of our dental care units. We pay special attention to material selection, design and technical details to ensure a safe treatment environment.
Close to 50 years of excellence
in health care technology
Planmeca Oy was founded by Mr Heikki Kyöstilä in Helsinki, Finland, in 1971. Planmeca started as a small-scale business, manufacturing dental stools and instrument cabinets, but quickly adopted a global sales approach and expanded its product range into patient chairs and dental units – and later on to 2D and 3D imaging devices, CAD/CAM products and software solutions. Today, Planmeca is the largest privately-owned dental equipment manufacturer in the world.
1970s
From dental stools to dental units
For Planmeca, the 1970s marked the era of settling in at the dental markets and establishing the core product range. In 1971, Planmeca started with a small-scale dental stool and cabinetry production. Over the decade, the production expanded to cover patient chairs and dental units as well. The first patient chair was developed in 1975 and the first dental unit in 1979.
1980s
International expansion and breakthroughs in products
As a result of rapid international expansion, the first subsidiaries were established in the United States, Italy and Sweden in the 1980s. Product-wise, several breakthroughs based on pioneering microprocessor technology were achieved during the decade. In 1983, Planmeca introduced the first microprocessor-controlled dental chair the microprocessor technology was later also incorporated in dental units. In 1986, the product range was expanded to X-ray units with the launch of a microprocessor-controlled panoramic imaging device, a revolutionary innovation in dental radiology at the time.
1990s
Revolutionary development in digital imaging
In 1990s, Planmeca developed a revolutionary digital imaging system that was first launched at International Dental Show (IDS) in 1995. The digital imaging system was supported with the development of digital software for viewing and processing the images. In 1999, Planmeca introduced an integrated information technology system for a digital dental practice – the all in one concept – allowing instant access to all digital patient information, such as X-ray images and patient data, from a flat panel display mounted on the dental unit.
2000s
Digital development and cooperation with dental universities
The dental world started to digitalise rapidly in the 2000s, affecting both dental imaging equipment and software development. In 2005, Planmeca introduced a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) system for 3D dental imaging. The innovative Planmeca Romexis® software platform for processing the X-ray images was developed to meet the demanding needs of leading dental universities. Various new technological innovations were introduced during the 2000s and the latest high-tech solutions were also employed in dental unit design from 2007 onwards, as Planmeca introduced a fully adaptable dental unit with symmetrical motorised movements. Planmeca also gained considerable market shares within dental education and training in the 2000s.
2010s
Unique solutions for digital dentistry
In 2011, Planmeca took digital imaging even further and was the first company to combine three different 3D datasets into a complete 3D model with one X-ray unit. Using advanced software, the Planmeca ProMax® 3D family brings together a CBCT image, 3D face photo and 3D model scan into a three-dimensional virtual patient. Together with our partners, we offer high-quality digital dentistry courses for dental professionals and enhance dental technology training in the field of dentistry and oral health. Planmeca Digital Academy, an umbrella concept covering all education and training by Planmeca, was launched in 2014. In the same year, Planmeca also founded a joint venture together with University of Turku, the Nordic Institute of Dental Education (NIDE), which offers continued education to international dentists and dental technicians especially in the field of digital dentistry.
Today, Planmeca is the forerunner in building a rich ecosystem of devices, software and services. The company’s unrivalled product portfolio covers everything needed in a high tech dental clinic: all 2D and 3D imaging modalities together with digital dental units, CAD/ CAM systems and software. Our innovative Planmeca Romexis® software was the first dental software in the world to combine 2D and 3D imaging and the complete CAD/CAM workflow into the same platform already in 2015. We continuously improve the software with new features to guarantee that our customers always excel in digital dentistry.