Introduction | 1954 | 1960 | 1974 | 1980 | 1990 | 1998 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | all
The history of the Straumann Group has three distinct eras and spans more than half a century. It began in the Swiss village of Waldenburg in 1954 with the foundation of a research institute bearing the name of its founder, Dr Ing. Reinhard Straumann.
Between 1954 and 1970, the company specialized in alloys used in timing instruments and in materials testing. Among Straumann’s renowned inventions in this period were special alloys that are still used in watch springs today. A breakthrough in the use of non-corroding alloys for treating bone fractures prompted Dr Fritz Straumann, the founder’s son, to enter the fields of orthopedics and dental implantology, which began the second phase of the company’s history.
Between 1970 and 1990, Straumann became a leading manufacturer of osteosynthesis implants.
Another major milestone in the company’s history was in 1980 when Straumann established a partnership with the International Team for Implantology forming a symbiosis of research expertise and industrial know-how. The 1980’s also marked the company’s geographic expansion, with subsidiaries in Germany (1980) and the US (1989).
A management buy-out of the osteosynthesis division in 1990 led to the creation of Stratec (subsequently Synthes) as a separate company. 1990 thus marked the beginning of the Straumann Group as it is known today. Thomas Straumann, grandson of the founder, headed the remaining part of the firm, which employed just 25 people focused exclusively on dental implants.
In 1998, Straumann Holding AG became a publicly traded company on the SIX Swiss exchange. Through the acquisition of Kuros Therapeutics (2002) and Biora (2003), Straumann entered the promising field of oral tissue regeneration. This, together with the acquisition in 2007 of etkon, an emerging leader in CAD/CAM tooth restoration, positions Straumann as a unique partner in the dental sector offering surgical, restorative and regenerative solutions from bone augmentation through implants to individualized crowns and bridges.
The following are examples of the groundbreaking achievements that have established Straumann as a leading innovator in implant dentistry:
- 1974 The one-stage surgical procedure, the rough implant surface, and an implant design that respects biologic width.
- 1986 The Morse taper connection, still widely used today.
- 1997 SLA®, the first macro- and microtextured rough surface, which reduced implant osseointegration time by half.
- 2005 SLActive, the first hydrophilic surface, which cuts healing times by half again
1954
In the small town of Waldenburg, at the foot of the Swiss Jura, Prof Reinhard Straumann founds the "Dr Ing. R. Straumann Research Institute AG".
1960
The Swiss Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) is looking for a company that is capable of providing materials for internal fixation implants - Dr h.c. Fritz Straumann, son of the company’s founder, gets in touch.
1974
The first dental implants are developed at the Institut Straumann and undergo successful clinical testing at the University of Berne.
1980
Under the aegis of Dr Fritz Straumann, Waldenburg, and Prof Schroeder, University of Berne, the International Team for Implantology, the ITI, is founded.
1990
After a management buy-out of the internal fixation division, Thomas Straumann focuses the activities of the Institut Straumann on the area of implant dentistry.
1998
The Straumann Holding AG goes public and is listed on the Swiss stock exchange.
2000
With the opening of the production site in Villeret, located in the Berne Jura, and the Technology Center in Waldenburg, new dimensions open up for the international Straumann group.
2002
Straumann acquires Kuros Therapeutics AG and extends its activities into the field of biomaterials.
2003
Straumann acquires the Swedish company Biora, a pioneer in the area of biologically based regeneration of dental tissue. The main product Straumann® Emdogain has considerable advantages compared to conventional products because of its ease of use. Straumann® Emdogain is thus a further important element in Straumann‘s very promising future in the area of oral tissue regeneration.
2004
Straumann AG moves into its new global headquarters in Basel.
2005
Straumann’s North American headquarters relocates to Andover, Massachusetts. At the same time the company begins production at the new facility, making Andover the group’s first implant production site outside Switzerland.
2006
Straumann introduces the revolutionary SLActive implant surface technology. By virtue of its hydrophilic properties SLActive cuts healing times by half from 6-8 to 3-4 weeks and considerably reduces the risk of implant failure.
2007
Through the acquisition of etkon AG, an emerging leader in CAD/CAM-based tooth restoration, Straumann enters the dental crown and bridge business. Straumann is the only company in the dental sector that offers surgical, restorative and regenerative solutions - from bone augmentation and tissue regeneration, through implants and prosthetics, to individualized crowns and bridges.
2008
Straumann announces the eagerly awaited launch of its new-generation Bone Level Implant, which complements and adds to the company’s existing range of highly successful tissue level implants. At the time of its introduction, more than 1500 implants have already been clinically documented in over 800 patients by more than 130 centers around the world. The Straumann® Bone Level Implant introduces a number of innovative features.
2009
Straumann announces the acquisition of the dental business of IVS Solutions AG in Chemnitz, Germany. IVS develops and sells proprietary software applications used for computer guided implant surgery and to design and fabricate surgical templates.
Straumann’s innovative high performance material, Roxolid, which is considerably stronger than titanium, the current material of choice for implants, receives marketing clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in the US. Preclinical investigation has indicated that the new material may integrate with bone better than titanium.
