About CALCiViS

Calcivis has developed a completely novel imaging technology that enables clinicians to visualise active decay early, when it can be stopped and potentially reversed, so that patients can be treated before a cavity develops that requires drilling and filling.

Issues with caries diagnosis and preventive management

Assessment

The assessment of active demineralization associated with caries is currently a challenge; when a dentist detects an early (‘white spot’) lesion, existing approaches do not allow the probability of progression to be determined.

Diagnostic Aids

The main diagnostic aids for caries and demineralization have long been visual tactile inspection, together with X-ray images, relying heavily on subjective assessment and monitoring lesion progression over time.

Visual Evidence

For patients to value and comply with preventive approaches, they need compelling visual evidence that preventive treatment is necessary and that once applied, it has worked.

For the first time the Calcivis Imaging System enables dentists and their patients to visualise calcium ions as they are released from a demineralizing tooth surface.

The System represents the first use of the power of biotechnology in dentistry. It uses a recombinant bioluminescent photoprotein which reacts with free calcium ions to produce light.

The System therefore helps clinicians to differentiate between actively progressing lesions that are demineralizing and inactive lesions/sound enamel which are not.

The Calcivis Imaging System looks and feels much like a standard intraoral camera.

And yet it can provide a real time, chairside image of caries activity on a tooth surface in under 1 second.

Early detection and assessment of caries activity enables evidence-based treatment in line with dental best practice
Aids the assessment of the outcomes of preventive care by providing images of activity status
Produces powerful visual images to motivate and engage patients – supports effective communication and helps patients to value prevention.