FREE STATE – Twelve suspects are expected to appear before Harrismith Magistrate court this morning on charges of public violence which include few minors who will be under supervision of their parents.
The police visibility is high in Harrismith, Intabazwe, Makgolokweng Village, Tshiame A and B monitoring unpredictable situation of protests which have spread to other sections of Harrismith where they were called to attend protesters barricading roads and burning tyres in the township and N5. The tyres were removed as there were no protestors nearby.
The group of protestors at Tshiame A section wake up putting stones inside the roads. The police have arrested seven suspects this morning pertaining this incident.
Thus far the situation is still tense in and around Harrismith on the N3.
POTCHEFSTROOM – Police in Mogwase request the public to assist in locating Mmampoko Juliet Sekole (51) of Masakeng Section, Welgeval Village near Moruleng. Sekole went missing on Tuesday, 25 May 2021.
She was last seen walking alone in the street, wearing a blue apron with yellow dots and bare footed. The missing person is also suffering from depression.
Police request anyone who may have information about Sekole’s whereabouts, to contact Colonel Shimane Kubyadi on ?082 856 1087 or call South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number: ?08600 10111.
GQEBERHA – In the recent months, South Africans were exposed to incidents on bullying among our youth in schools. Bullying constitutes a significant challenge to school safety while at the same time can have devastating consequences if not immediately tackled and addressed.
SAPS across Nelson Mandela Bay teamed up with non-governmental organisations (NGO’s), Community Policing Forums(CPF), sporting fraternities and youth structures in their policing precincts and conducted crime awareness programmes focussing on bullying, abuse of alcohol and drugs as well as teenage pregnancy. These events took place on 16 June 2021 with the youth as the targeted audience.
Events among others were held in Kabega Park, Motherwell and Swartkops respectively. Sector managers at SAPS Kabega Park set up an information desk at a local golf club in Kragga Kamma and addressed about 50-100 parents and their children on the dangers of drugs. Parents were also educated on the tell-tale signs of a drug user. Children were made aware of cyber-bullying which entails telephone messages, SMS and online bullying. The youth in Kuyga were spoken to about Gender Based Violence and bullying in schools. They were encouraged to speak out if they ever became a victim of either or both of these social ills.
Likewise, SAPS Motherwell and Swartkops have also taken to the streets and sports fields speaking to the youth on these pertinent issues that could affect their future. The sentiments and concerns shared by the SAPS were echoed by all other roleplayers( Councillors, Metro Police, Departments of Correctional Service and Justice) that participated in these events. In Motherwell, the young teenagers from Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School showcased their artistic talent by marching through the streets in sync with the band (march and drill parade). SAPS Swartkops addressed the youth in an open field in Wells Estate.
All of these events were favourably received by both youth and parents as well as the organisers of the various events.
Investing in our youth today must start early so that the foundation of good morals and discipline are cemented for a brighter and positive future for our children.
Eskom has expressed its heartfelt condolences over the passing of former Eskom board chairperson, Jabu Mabuza.
According to reports, the former chairperson and businessperson passed away on Wednesday, 16 June, after contracting COVID-19.
Eskom board chairperson, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, has remembered his predecessor as someone who led the power utility during one of the most difficult periods in the organisation’s history.
“He was an exemplary leader and an advocate for clean governance. We are grateful for his service at Eskom and salute him for his enormous contribution to our country. His legacy will live on,” said Makgoba.
The 63-year-old was first appointed to serve on the Eskom Board of Directors by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 20 January 2018.
Following the departure of the Group Chief Executive on 31 July 2019, he assumed the responsibility of the board chairperson and acting Chief Executive Officer.
He resigned from the organisation in January 2020.
The State-owned entity believes that great strides were made during his tenure in addressing allegations of financial mismanagement and a host of issues related to lapses in governance processes and other internal controls within the organisation.
“These efforts resulted in the stabilisation of Eskom, improving investor and public confidence and laying a solid foundation for the organisation’s turnaround. May his soul rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, the business community is also mourning Mabuza’s tragic passing.
In a statement, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) President, Sipho Pityana, said he was lost for words.
“The passing of Jabu is tragic, devastating and a great loss for business and our country.”
He described Mabuza as someone who played a leading and pivotal role as a business leader with foresight and courage, a role model to many, a phenomenal human being and a gentle soul.
“He lifted himself by his bootstraps, moving from being a successful small entrepreneur to becoming my predecessor as president of Business Unity South Africa.
“Along the way, he became a powerhouse in the South African economy, occupying leadership positions in several South African corporates,” he said.
These include Tsogo Sun, where he was CEO, and SA Breweries, as well as in the public sector.
“I will always regard Jabu as a true leader, a man of integrity, and someone who was never afraid to speak his mind. He will be sorely missed at a time when we need all hands on deck to resolve the massive challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on business and society.”
BUSA Deputy President Martin Kingston said he was “dumbfounded” at the sad and tragic passing of a patriot and friend.
“Our country has lost a beautiful person and a great leader. We remember his lovely nature and his outstanding leadership, both in the private and public sectors.”
BUSA CEO Cas Coovadia recalled the time he worked with Mabuza when he was President of BUSA and Co-Chair of the CEO Initiative.
“He had a character and personality that was contagious. He led with courage, honour, and honesty. He was a true patriot.”
The organisation has since expressed their sincere condolences to the family.
“We stand with Jabu’s family in this terrible time. We cannot begin to imagine their pain and sorrow and we offer our support and wishes to help them through this painful period.”
— Newest Doctor-Directed Clear Aligner System For Straightening Teeth Now Treats Younger Patients with Both Primary & Secondary Teeth with Simple to Complex Orthodontic Issues —
BREA, Calif., June 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ormco Corporation, a global leader of orthodontic solutions, today announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the use of its Spark™ Clear Aligner System for orthodontic treatment in patients with both primary and secondary teeth (mixed dentition), providing the green light for orthodontists to treat their younger patients who can benefit from clear aligner therapy.
Designed to fit the lifestyle of today’s active kids and teens, Spark Clear Aligners are now one of the few brands approved by the FDA to safely and effectively treat younger patients with cases that range from simple to more complex. Spark Aligners are a doctor-directed treatment option that is clearer, more comfortable, and stains less than the leading aligner brand. In fact, 96% of patients prefer Spark Clear Aligners to the leading brand based on clarity and comfort.1 Spark Aligners have created thousands of healthy smiles worldwide since 2019.
“My son and I have been so happy with his experience using Spark Aligners,” said Mrs. Strecker, a parent of a 9-year-old who needed treatment for spacing as well as AP correction. “Our orthodontist recommended Spark because he achieved outstanding results with other patients and told us the material used in Spark Aligners would be the clearest option while also being more comfortable than the leading competitive alternative. Because people could barely notice he was wearing aligners, my son felt confident during his entire treatment. We saw his smile change dramatically in about 3 months and treatment completion with a beautiful smile in 5 months. We are big Spark fans!”
Spark Aligners are made with TruGENTM material, the latest innovation in proprietary branded aligner material. TruGEN resists stains better and is even clearer than the leading aligner material. The edges are polished and smoother to avoid the occasional discomfort that can result from other aligner brands. Unlike online or at-home aligner products that eliminate the important role of the orthodontic specialist, Spark Aligners involve an experienced doctor in every aspect of treatment.
“My practice has been impressed with the results we are achieving for our patients with Spark Aligners,” said Dr. Bill Dischinger* of Dischinger Team Orthodontics. “The TruGEN material from which the aligners are made delivers better surface contact providing faster and more reliable tooth movements. With Spark Aligners, we’re seeing stronger and more predictable outcomes than we’ve achieved with other aligners, so the expanded indication of usage is great news for my younger patients who lead busy lifestyles filled with sports, music and other activities. My entire team and our patients are thrilled with the efficient, reliable treatment experience that Spark Aligners deliver.”
Doctors worldwide have successfully used Spark Aligners to treat a wide variety of patient orthodontic issues including open bite, deep bite, overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowding, spacing, semi-erupted teeth and extractions.
“Spark Aligners were made in collaboration with leading orthodontists. This along with TruGEN™, the most advanced material available, ensures a better treatment experience for patients,” said Sheila Tan, Vice President of Global Marketing & Clinical Education. “We are delighted with the FDA clearance to expand our treatment options to include kids and teens. Now Spark Aligners can be used to treat young children that do not have all of their permanent teeth.”
Parents and other consumers can learn more about the Spark Clear Aligner System, view patient before & after images, and find a Spark Aligners doctor at sparkaligners.com
About the Spark™ Clear Aligner System
Spark™ Aligners are manufactured by Ormco™, a global leader in innovative orthodontics products, with 60 years of orthodontics expertise, R&D and high manufacturing standards. Ormco has helped doctors create more than 20 million smiles in more than 130 countries. Spark Aligners offer the latest advancements in clear aligners and a better patient experience. Spark Approver 3D application and advanced clear aligner technology with TruGEN™ material is designed to meet the needs of orthodontists, providing more efficient and effective tooth movement, compared to the leading aligner brand. Spark Aligners are designed to give orthodontists more control and flexibility so that they can more easily achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Trusted by orthodontists worldwide, Spark Aligners are clearer, more comfortable and stain less than the leading aligner brand. Spark Aligners are loved by patients: 100 percent of Spark patients surveyed would recommend Spark Clear Aligners to a friend.¹ For more information about Spark Aligners, visit www.sparkaligners.com.
*Dr. Bill Dischinger is a paid consultant of Ormco. The opinions expressed are those of Dr. Dischinger. Ormco is a medical device manufacturer and does not dispense medical advice. Clinicians should use their own professional judgment in treating their patients.
Basis for Release: Claims Matrix Form 045:
New Indications for Use: “The Spark ™ Clear Aligner System is indicated for the alignment of teeth during orthodontic treatment of malocclusion.” Formerly the indication was: “The Ormco Spark Clear Aligner System is indicated for the treatment of tooth malocclusion in patients with permanent dentition (i.e., all second molars). The Ormco Clear Aligner System positions teeth by way of continuous gentle force.
3. Spark™ Aligners are a nearly invisible, discrete aligner treatment system.
13. Spark Aligners are designed to provide a more comfortable and productive treatment.
17. Spark Clear Aligners are proven to have minimal aligner stains, which helps keep your smile shining during treatment.
20. TruGEN™ material is proven to provide advanced force retention compared the leading aligner material. Force retention has been found to result in more increased tooth movement. This may result in more efficient and effective tooth movement compared to the leading aligner material.
21. Spark Clear Aligners are designed to be clearer than the leading competitor.
32. “Doctors worldwide are using Spark Clear Aligners to treat a wide variety of patient malocclusions including open bite, deep bite, overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowding, spacing.”
33. 100% of patients surveyed would recommend Spark Aligners to a friend.
40. More clear. More comfortable.
41. Patients agree that Spark Aligners are more comfortable to wear.
— New Features in Release 11 Combined with Expanded Indication for Mixed Dentition to Treat Kids and Teens is a Home Run for Doctors —
BREA, Calif., June 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Ormco Corporation, a global leader of orthodontic solutions, today announced it has received FDA clearance to treat mixed dentition with its Spark™ Clear Aligner System, enabling orthodontists to treat younger patients. The clearance by the FDA makes Spark Clear Aligners one of a few doctor-directed aligners cleared in the U.S. for the treatment of younger patients. The robust Release 11 features new innovations and an improved user experience including new anatomical beveled attachments for patient comfort, redesigned bite ramps that enable doctors to customize for each specific tooth type to enhance engagement between the bite ramps and the teeth and downloadable STL files to offer doctors in-office solutions.
“With more than 75 percent of orthodontic case starts each year being kids and teens, we are excited that we can now enable doctors to offer the same innovative benefits of Spark treatment to younger patients,” said Eric Conley, President of Spark Clear Aligners and Digital Orthodontics. “We are also confident the advancements of this new release will solidify Spark as the aligner of choice for orthodontists seeking great clinical outcomes and providing industry leading comfort and clarity for their patients.”
Release 11 Key Features Enable Improved Clinical Outcomes, More Predictable and Efficient Treatment Planning & Greater Patient Comfort
Anatomical beveled attachments conform to the surface of each tooth to provide a more uniform active attachment surface and to minimize sharp edges for patient comfort*.
“This enhances the product’s appeal to the patient. You already have the best-performing plastic, clearest plastic, most stain-resistant plastic, and more comfortable edges on the market. Now, Ormco has enhanced the attachment comfort; you have the whole package,” said Dr. Bill Dischinger**.
Redesigned bite ramps enhance the engagement between the bite ramps and the teeth and enable doctors to customize bite ramps for each specific tooth (incisors, canines, premolars) so that the active surface is oriented parallel to the occlusal plane. The new bite ramps have been lab tested for strength and durability*.
“Deep bite cases are known for their difficulty. Paralleled bite ramps will offer more predictable intrusive movement as they direct the force down the long axis of the tooth and will create less undesired tipping and friction points within the aligner leading to more efficient and predictable intrusion,” said Dr. Trevor Nichols**.
Mixed detention support in the Approver software allows doctors to treat younger patients (kids and teens) with mixed dentition, including providing eruption guides for semi-erupted teeth and numbering primary teeth.
“This is a significant step to creating a Phase I/Phase II aligner approach to cases. Not only will Approver software enable doctors to better treat interceptive cases, but eruption guides will help control the eruption of the permanent dentition,” said Dr. Trevor Nichols**.
Downloadable STL files of the first three stages and the last stage are now available for doctors to download from the Spark portal.
“With the ability to print the starter aligners, doctors can get a jump start on their cases and increase their case load and profitability. The last stage aligner allows the doctor and patient to have final models to use for retention for years to come,” said Dr. Trevor Nichols. Dr. Nicole Scheffler** added, “This really is a game-changer for patients, doctors and treatment coordinators.”
Spark Approver Software Enhancements
Spark Release 11 includes the following Approver software enhancements:
Continued Evolution of CBCT integration based on doctor input. Spark Approver now features several new improvements for more seamless and effective integration of CBCT data for Spark Aligners. Additional diagnostic tools include a 2D clipping plane featuring multiple views, new tooth identification options, and enhanced CBCT performance and visual rendering.
An enhanced tooth movement table now includes both crown and root movement values, as well as the addition of both tip and torque movement for intermediate and challenging movement.
User interface improvements based on doctor input include a new preset for overjet, a new panel docking/undocking feature, redesigned and more friendly menu options, and simpler dialog boxes.
Enhancements for Easier Case Management
New packaging improvements require less storage by including more aligners per box and reduces packaging waste. The introduction of connected aligner bags and Spark Aligners’ packaging inserts will help ensure that aligner bags remain in order.
More efficient workflow through staff accounts allows orthodontic team members the ability to submit and manage Spark Aligner patients through the Spark Portal and Approver software. Support for multiple billing addresses for practices that have multiple offices will be available in August 2021.
For more information on the Spark Aligner product and software enhancements, please visit ormco.com/Spark.
About the Spark™ Clear Aligner System
Spark™ Aligners are manufactured by Ormco™, a global leader in innovative orthodontics products, with 60 years of orthodontics expertise, R&D and high manufacturing standards. Ormco has helped doctors create more than 20 million smiles in more than 130 countries. Spark Aligners offer the latest advancements in clear aligners and a better patient experience. Spark Approver 3D application and advanced clear aligner technology with TruGEN™ material is designed to meet the needs of orthodontists, providing more efficient and effective tooth movement, compared to the leading aligner brand. Spark Aligners are designed to give orthodontists more control and flexibility so that they can more easily achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Trusted by orthodontists worldwide, Spark Aligners are clearer, more comfortable and stain less than the leading aligner brand. Spark Aligners are liked by patients: 100 percent of Spark patients surveyed would recommend Spark Clear Aligners to a friend.** For more information about Spark Aligners, visit www.sparkaligners.com.
# # #
*Data on file at Ormco™
** Dr. Bill Dischinger, Dr. Trevor Nichols and Dr. Nicole Scheffler are paid consultants of Ormco. The opinions expressed are those of Drs. Dischinger, Nichols and Scheffler. Ormco is a medical device manufacturer and does not dispense medical advice. Clinicians should use their own professional judgment in treating their patients.
“My son and I have been so happy with his experience using Spark Aligners,” said Mrs. Strecker, a parent of a 9-year-old who needed treatment for spacing as well as AP correction. “Our orthodontist recommended Spark because he achieved outstanding results with other patients and told us the material used in Spark Aligners would be the clearest option while also being more comfortable than the leading competitive alternative. Because people could barely notice he was wearing aligners, my son felt confident during his entire treatment. We saw his smile change dramatically in about 3 months and treatment completion with a beautiful smile in 5 months. We are big Spark fans!”
“My practice has been impressed with the results we are achieving for our patients with Spark Aligners,” said Dr. Bill Dischinger* of Dischinger Team Orthodontics. “The TruGEN material from which the aligners are made delivers better surface contact providing faster and more reliable tooth movements. With Spark Aligners, we’re seeing stronger and more predictable outcomes than we’ve achieved with other aligners, so the expanded indication of usage is great news for my younger patients who lead busy lifestyles filled with sports, music and other activities. My entire team and our patients are thrilled with the efficient, reliable treatment experience that Spark Aligners deliver.”
“Spark Aligners were made in collaboration with leading orthodontists. This along with TruGEN™, the most advanced material available, ensures a better treatment experience for patients,” said Sheila Tan, Vice President of Global Marketing & Clinical Education. “We are delighted with the FDA clearance to expand our treatment options to include kids and teens. Now Spark Aligners can be used to treat young children that do not have all of their permanent teeth.”
