Gene’s role in cleft palate established

A key link between the human ephrin-B1 gene and cleft palate and other craniofacial anomalies associated with craniofrontonasal syndrome (CFNS) has been demonstrated by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, according to findings published in the September 15 issue of Genes & Development (Vol. 24:18, pp. 2068-2080). While previous research has established that mutation of the ephrin-B1 is the source of CFNS, it was unclear why. Mice genetically engineered

New book outlines teeth-whitening alternatives

A Texas dentist feels so strongly about the dangers of teeth-bleaching gels that he’s written a book about them. The Teeth Whitening Cure: A Holistic Guide to Bright Smiles and Better Health in a Toxic World, by Lester Sawicki, D.D.S., exposes potentially toxic effects of teeth-bleaching gels, Dr. Sawicki noted in a press release. Teeth-whitening gels may generate a brighter, whiter smile, but these so-called magic bullets are filled with

Did fluoride toothpaste poison mental patient?

A coroner’s investigation into the death of an Australian mental patient is trying to determine if fluoride poisoning was a contributing factor to her demise at Wollongong Hospital in New South Wales. Her heart failed while being restrained for aggressive behavior and she had been vomiting a “clear or milky substance” earlier in the day, according to an article in the Illawarra Mercury. Expert testimony in court suggested that burns

Perio therapy may reduce preterm birth risks

A collaboration led by a periodontal researcher from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine has found a possible link between the success of gum-disease treatment and the likelihood of giving birth prematurely, according to a study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (September 15, 2010). Findings from this research were first presented earlier this year at the American Association for Dental Research meeting. While

Orthodontic art with a twist; the importance of isolation

Dear DrBicuspid Member, What inspired the winners of the 2010 Hu-Friedy orthodontic wire-bending contest? For one, it was a love of working with his hands. For the other, it was love for his soon-to-be wife. In exclusive interviews with HuangshanDental.com, these two doctors describe how they designed their metal manipulations — a dual-color, fully functional chess set and a stunning continuous-wire phoenix — and what it took to bring them

OrthoAccel targets U.K. market

OrthoAccel Technologies has announced commercial plans for the U.K. that entail “considerable business activity and economic impact,” the company said in a press release. In 2009, OrthoAccel hired a director of sales based in Wales, and this year the company launched its AcceleDent system to the U.K. market during the British Orthodontic Conference. AcceleDent is a removable dental device that patients place in the mouth for 20 minutes daily. It

The happiest dental patient

Editor’s note: Dr. Doniger’s column, Dental Diaries, appears regularly on the HuangshanDental.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion. Seriously — when was the last time you had a beaming, happy dental patient? I am not talking about the one who just completed a long course in orthodontics or many months of full-mouth reconstruction. I am talking about a patient who, after a 15-minute appointment, was actually so happy and excited

Isolation devices: No man is an island, but his teeth should be

While it may philosophically be true that “no man is an island,” for today’s direct dental restorative procedures, the tooth should be. Now that adhesive dentistry is the standard of care, a composite or all-ceramic crown bonded in a wet field won’t stay put long enough to check the occlusion. In fact, proper dental isolation/evacuation is one of the most underrated factors affecting the longevity of the restoration and the

Dental stem cell bank opens in India

An Indian company has partnered with a French institute to set up a bank for dental stem cells, which can be used for dental applications, according to zeenews.com. Stemade Biotech will extract stem cells from dental pulp so that they can be used for various therapeutic applications, including the potential to treat various hereditary diseases, according to the company. “The novelty of dental stem cells is that they can be

Kerr launches ‘next-generation’ LED curing light

Kerr has introduced the Demi Plus LED light curing system, calling it the “next generation” in premium curing light technology. Demi Plus is powered by Demetron Technology and features a number of design enhancements, including a Valox resin exterior and a self-cleaning “cap and swipe” battery design to simplify charging, according to the company. The system also includes an extended turbo light guide that improves access for posterior procedures and

Lares offers laser education materials

Lares Research is now featuring a video animation of the company’s wavelength-optimized periodontal therapy (WPT) procedure on its website, the company announced. The WPT method allows the clinician using the Lares Powerlase AT laser to treat periodontal disease. Utilizing both Nd:YAG and Er:YAG wavelengths in a periodontal disease treatment protocol makes best use of the unique laser/tissue interaction characteristics of each wavelength, the company said. The new animation on the

Hu-Friedy contest winners show orthodontics’ creative side

For one winner, a love of working with his hands inspired him to use nearly 300 ft of ortho wire to create a chess set unlike any you’ve seen before. For the other, it was love for his soon-to-be wife. .pullQuoteCredit { align:right; text-align:right; font-family:arial, sans-serif; font-size:11px; line-height: 16px; font-style: normal; padding-top:2px; } “Besides the monetary part, there is a lot of pride in this.” — Daniel Nguyen, D.D.S. In