Prophylaxis before whitening can improve outcomes

Prophylaxis is “highly recommended” prior to using paint-on home-whitening gels, according to a new study (Quintessence International, February 2010, Vol. 41:2, pp. 145-156). Researchers from Dresden University of Technology looked at 90 extracted human maxillary anterior teeth that were randomly separated into a prophylaxis group or nonprophylaxis group (45 teeth in each group). The prophylaxis group received debridement and polishing before whitening. The two groups were then randomly separated into

Cosmetics Special Feature / Hot Topic – The dos and don’ts of Invisalign

The dos and don’ts of Invisalign The key to making the most out of Invisalign is not relying too much on the company’s automated solutions … read more.

Dentist indicted for using paper clips in root canals

A former Massachusetts dentist has been indicted for inserting pieces of paper clips into patients’ mouths as a post in root canals instead of using standard stainless steel posts and billing Medicaid for the cost of the post. A Massachusetts grand jury indicted Michael Clair, D.D.S., 51, who now lives in Maryland, with submitting false claims to Medicaid, assault and battery, larceny, and illegally prescribing prescription drugs. Dr. Clair, who

Crest offers toothpaste with sensitivity protection

Crest has introduced Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield toothpaste, the newest addition to the Crest Pro-Health family. Crest Pro-Health is the only leading toothpaste to protect against teeth sensitivity in addition to cavities, gingivitis, tartar, and plaque, according to the company. “Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield addresses the needs of sensitivity sufferers by offering increased protection without trade-offs,” said Robert Gerlach, D.D.S., M.P.H., a research fellow in Worldwide Clinical Investigations at Procter

FDA clears Biolase’s iLase ‘personal laser’

The U.S. FDA has given 510(k) clearance to Biolase Technology to market its handheld iLase diode laser, a “personal laser” designed for dentists and hygienists to perform a range of minimally invasive soft-tissue and hygiene procedures, according to the company. The product, which already had CE Mark approval for sale in Europe, was introduced to the U.S. dental market at the recent Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. The iLase includes

3Shape’s new CAMbridge 2010 offers automated milling

3Shape has introduced the CAMbridge 2010 for the dental lab market. The system is designed to automate the gap between dental CAD designs and manufacturing, according to the company. One of the key advantages of the CAMbridge 2010 is its ease of operation and automation, which speeds production, Henrik Vestermark, 3Shape’s vice president of business development for North America, noted in a press release. For example, the system can automatically

Idaho dentist goes from Billy Bob Teeth to kids’ oral care

An Idaho dentist who made a small fortune off the novelty product Billy Bob Teeth is working to bring dental hygiene programs to the state’s elementary schools, according to an Associated Press story. Richard Bailey, D.M.D., developed and sold more than 12 million sets of the novelty choppers before selling the business to his partner in the late 1990s, according to the story. He’s practiced dentistry in northern Idaho ever

Ga. hygiene program threatened

Budget cuts are threatening a dental hygiene program at Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) in Georgia, according to a report on the WSAV-TV Web site. Because of a shortfall in the state budget, the university system has asked Armstrong to prepare a budget with a $5.3 million reduction for fiscal 2011. This follows a $3.5 million cut from the 2010 budget. Cutting the hygiene program could reduce access to oral

CDA releases new oral care guidelines for pregnant women

Spotlighting the importance of oral healthcare for expectant mothers, the California Dental Association (CDA) Foundation has released new guidelines designed to emphasize the safety of dental treatment during pregnancy and ensure women receive the services they need. The guidelines were developed by a panel of dental and medical professionals who met in 2009 to review scientific literature and new research on the treatment of oral diseases and pregnancy outcomes. The

Calif. court dismisses Listerine lawsuit

A Los Angeles court has dismissed a class-action lawsuit challenging Listerine’s claim that its mouthwash is “as effective as floss” when used regularly. The suit, originally filed in 2005, alleged false advertising and fraudulent business practices, and was brought on behalf of anyone who purchased Listerine in California from June 2004 through January 2005. The litigation stemmed from Listerine TV commercials that declared, “It’s clinically proven. A quick, easy rinse

Ask Marty: What cool products did you see at this year’s Chicago Midwinter Meeting?

Q: What cool products did you see at this year’s Chicago Midwinter Meeting? A: Chicago Midwinter is the meeting in the U.S. where a lot of new products and equipment are debuted. I go every year to see what is new for my office and take the pulse of the dental industry. The coolest thing I saw at this year’s was Sirona Dental System’s biogeneric software. A simple scan of

United Treatment Centers signs first AquaFree distributor

United Treatment Centers (UTC), the developer and marketer of a proprietary waterless toothbrush called AquaFree, has awarded an exclusive distributorship for the U.K. and Ireland to CTS Dental Supplies. CTS Dental Supplies has distributed oral hygiene products to the professional dental trade for the past 30 years throughout the U.K. and Ireland. The company offers more than 2,500 dental care products from such companies as Philips Oral B, Tepe, Colgate,