Discover a groundbreaking Canadian invention that uses ultrasound technology to regrow missing or damaged teeth.
Developed by researchers at the University of Alberta, this innovative device shows promise for athletes and individuals with tooth loss.
Join CTV's Deborah Shirey as she delves into the details of this pioneering project, featuring insights from Tarek El-Bialy and nanotech expert Jie Chen.
Did you know you can regrow missing or damaged teeth with a tiny device that gives off a very specific frequency of ultrasound? I wonder where this device disappeared to.
But help could soon be at hand for athletes or anyone sporting a toothless grin. It's a Canadian invention that not only plugs the gaps, but fills the holes with brand new pearly whites. CTV's Deborah Shirey explains.
Chris Miller getting some time in Edmonton's spot. Ryan Smith is down and hurt. It was a jaw dropping shot as Edmonton Oiler Ryan Smith takes a puck to the face. And yes, those are his teeth. It's too late for Smith's smile, but researchers at the University of Alberta could have a cure for future toothless hockey grins.
An ultrasound device that regrows human teeth. Tarek El-Bialy was researching jaw growth in rabbits. Accidentally, when I applied the ultrasound, I found the lower incisor grow, grow, grow. El-Bialy is the first to try the treatment on humans. After 20 minutes a day, new teeth started to grow in a month.
With this device, we'll get this root together, heal them together, healing it together, and keep it forever. El-Bialy's machine was too big, so he teamed up with nanotech expert Jie Chen, who scaled it down from this to this. After using this treatment, then you can throw it away. So, this is like a one-time use for you, and you can put it on easily. What we're working on is more like a user friendly.
Professors at the University of Alberta have already filed a patent for this invention. While it's obviously still in the prototype phase, scientists here are hopeful it could hit the market in as little as two years. Would have a fantastic practical application.
No one knows more about losing teeth than Oiler's dentist, Anthony Sneazwell. He says time is limited when it comes to saving teeth. If we can get to the point where it doesn't matter, because we can use this device, then it's going to improve situations where we can re implant teeth and they'll be successful long term.
For now, all the attention has taken Tarek El-Bialy off guard. No, I don't have time to see my patients. And he can't wipe the smile off his face. Deborah Shirey, CTV News.