Given the recent improvements to the Invisalign system from Align Technology, orthodontists can accomplish almost anything they want with it — although getting the optimum results requires making a lot of judgment calls, a Massachusetts orthodontist told colleagues at the recent Yankee Dental Congress in Boston. “Treating patients with Invisalign is simple, but certainly not easy,” said Brian H. Miller, D.D.S., who has used the clear braces in more than
A Texas woman has filed a lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline alleging that the company knew about the health risks associated with high levels of zinc in their denture cream and did nothing about it, according to a news story in the Boston Herald. Elizabeth Gilley of Mineral Wells, TX, claims she developed neuropathy after using the cream, the story states. Even though millions of American use adhesives with their dentures without
Komet has not released this product pending clearance from the FDA. Komet USA has introduced two new sonic tips designed for surgical crown extensions to effectively correct a “gummy” smile. Developed in collaboration with Thomas Schwenk and Marcus Striegel of Nuremberg, Germany, the new SFS120.020/030 sonic tips help practitioners perform a minimally invasive, simple operative technique without forming flaps, the company said. The tips are intended to provide nontraumatic restoration
ProDrive Systems has released its ProDrive StarDental Premium upgrade turbine with a no-lube feature for Star 430 and Solara high-speed handpieces, including the 430SW, 430SWL, 430K, and 430 Kaleidoscope. Unlike the existing ProDrive StarDental upgrade turbine, the Premium turbine features ceramic bearings and a no-lube option. ProDrive’s turbine and triangular bur system lock together, a technique that results in improved cut performance, superior control, and improved precision, according to the
The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is gearing up to celebrate National Prosthodontics Awareness Week (NPAW), which takes place March 7-13. ACP members will provide pro bono services and educational programs regarding prosthodontic care, according to an ADA News story. NPAW aims to educate the public about the benefits of seeing a prosthodontist and raise awareness about treatment options for missing or restoring teeth. The event started at ACP’s annual
Dentsply International is crediting “positive internal growth, acquisitions, and the benefit of a weakening U.S. dollar” for a 12% increase in sales in its 2009 fiscal fourth quarter (end-December 31). The company reported net sales of $569 million for the quarter, compared to $508 million for the same quarter a year ago. Net income for the quarter was $75 million, up from $71 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. “We
Toothbrushes should be more like video games, according to 9-year-old Ambria Schneringer of Ripon, CA, who won a design contest sponsored by toothbrush maker Dr. Fresh. “You never hear parents nagging their kids to play video games, right?” said Schneringer, a fourth-grader at Weston Elementary. “Well, my toothbrush is similar to a video game. It will light up with different colors and levels as you brush.” In the “Be A
DentaQuest, the largest administrator of government dental programs in the U.S., has donated thousands of toothbrushes, toothpastes, and floss to World Vision to distribute to children in Haiti, the company announced. “After witnessing the major destruction left by the earthquakes in Haiti and the heart-wrenching misfortune placed upon the families left to start anew, we were thankful to find World Vision to help us in getting oral health supplies to
Citing the first-ever dental implant market decline due to the global economic crisis, Nobel Biocare reported net sales of 156 million euros ($214 million U.S.) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 (end-December 31), down 4.5% compared to the same quarter a year ago. Net profit for the quarter fell 33% to 26 million euros ($36 million) from 39 million euros ($54 million) in the fourth quarter last year. Revenues
In a series of three articles and videos during February — Children’s Dental Health Month — HuangshanDental.com is exploring what dental professionals can do to make early childhood visits pleasant and productive for patient and provider alike. The first in the series, When dentists fear children, focused on the distraction technique. Most kids haven’t watched “Marathon Man.” They don’t come to your office the first time thinking you want to
With the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games February 12, Crest is spotlighting its role as the official toothpaste sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team and the advantages the company says Crest Pro-Health brings to athletes and consumers alike. Crest Pro-Health, which offers sensitivity protection in addition to oral care, is especially relevant for athletes who train in cold weather and experience distracting teeth sensitivity, according to the company.
A New York family is suing St. Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan and its chief dentist, Bruce Lish, D.D.S., after a 33-year-old woman with cerebral palsy died from complications following oral surgery, according to a story in the New York Daily News. The case is a reminder of the challenges special needs patients can present when undergoing dental procedures. On July 23, 2009, Dr. Lish removed several of Felita Dowdy’s teeth,
