ClearCorrect expands headquarters, increases staff

ClearCorrect recently completed a major expansion of its corporate headquarters due to the increased demand for its FDA-cleared transparent orthodontic aligners, commonly known as clear braces or invisible braces, the company announced. “We knew earlier this year that we needed to expand due to the increasing number of orthodontists and general dentists making the switch to ClearCorrect,” said ClearCorrect CEO Willis Pumphrey, D.D.S., in a press release “We doubled our

FDA issues promethazine warning

Promethazine (Phenadoz, Phenergan, Promethegan) can cause gangrene and should only be used in a deep intramuscular injection, according to a warning from the U.S. FDA. Promethazine is used in dentistry for control of postextraction edema, pain, trismus, and preoperative sedation. Perivascular extravasation, unintentional intra-arterial injection, and intraneuronal or perineuronal infiltration of the drug may result in irritation and tissue damage, including gangrene, according to the FDA. The agency is telling

Biolase finalizes regional distribution agreements in China

Biolase Technology has finalized three regional distribution agreements in China. This announcement follows an August 12 notification that the company had received regulatory approval to market its Waterlase MD products in China. “Three regional agreements were signed in China with partners who have gained our strong confidence,” said CEO David Mulder in a press release. The first agreement was with Shanghai Haopu Medical Instruments for the eastern Chinese provinces and

Treatment approaches for patients at risk of osteonecrosis

The first lawsuit against Merck regarding the relationship between the drug Fosamax and the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) may have ended in a mistrial, but with hundreds of similar lawsuits still pending, the question remains: Does the use of Fosamax or other bone-enhancing drugs lead to ONJ? The answer has important ramifications for dental care in certain patient populations. The problem lies with the main ingredient in

Oral cancer rates higher in some Hispanic groups

Cancer rates among U.S. Hispanics vary according to their families’ country of origin, according to two new studies, pointing to the need for increased education to prevent a potential spike in the incidence of cancer, including oral cancer, in some Hispanic populations. Holly Howe, Ph.D., led an ambitious national study that used a new method to estimate cancer rates from 1995 to 2004 among Hispanics who have been in the

Gender and race affect neutrophil response to plaque

Will neglecting to brush your teeth damage more than just your smile? Can failing to attack dental plaque increase your risk of heart damage? The answer to both questions may be yes if you are male and black, an Indiana University (IU) School of Dentistry study published in the August issue of the Journal of Dental Research reports (2009, Vol. 88, pp. 709-714). The researchers, led by Michael Kowolik, B.D.S.,

Study supports germ-killing features of Listerine

The results of a new clinical study demonstrate that the plaque and gingivitis germ-killing action of Listerine Antiseptic significantly reduces the amount of germs that travel from the mouth to the bloodstream in people with mild to moderate gingivitis, according to a company press release. The randomized, controlled, crossover study conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey found that participants using Listerine Antiseptic as directed experienced

ProDrive offers turbines for KaVo handpieces

ProDrive Systems has introduced new turbines designed for KaVo Dental 630, 640, and 647/649 SuperTorque handpieces. The turbines ProDrive already offers for KaVo models are the company’s top sellers. Unlike traditional friction grip design, ProDrive’s engaged turbine and triangular bur system lock together, providing improved cut performance, superior control, greater precision, and longer durability, according to the company. ProDrive turbines ship with a comprehensive one-year warranty, including bearings. Copyright ©

Endodontists continue debate with implant dentists

“Do patients with a broken arm expect the doctor to give them a prosthetic arm?” — Gerald Glickman, D.D.S., M.S., M.B.A., president, American Association of Endodontists “Arguments that root canal treatment is more costly are fatuous,” American Association of Endodontists (AAE) President Gerald Glickman, D.D.S., M.S., M.B.A., said Monday in an ongoing debate with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). “Do patients with a broken arm expect the doctor

Straumann calls for research prize submissions

Straumann has issued a call for submissions for the André Schroeder Research Prize, an annual award worth 20,000 Swiss francs ($20,000 U.S.) in cash. First awarded in 1992, the prize is presented in honor of the late Professor Schroeder, who pioneered dental implantology and whose life’s work contributed greatly to modern dentistry. It serves to promote new scientific findings in dental implantology, oral tissue regeneration, and related fields. Scientists and

More carbamide peroxide doesn’t mean whiter teeth

With the increasing desire for superwhite smiles, at-home dentist-supervised tooth bleaching has become quite common. To increase the longevity and effectiveness of whitening, manufacturers of tray-based systems for home bleaching have increased the carbamide peroxide concentration in their products. Now a new study from Brazil has found that a higher carbamide peroxide (CP) concentration does not increase the longevity of the whitening effect of at-home tooth bleaching agents or the

Johnson & Johnson sells humor book

Johnson & Johnson has announced the sale of a custom-published book, “36½ Reasons to Laugh: A Slice of Life,” to publicize its oral hygiene products Listerine and Reach Total Care, and raise money for the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s Toothfairy. The illustrated book “is inspired by funny moments in everyday life — including dating mishaps, office gaps, and family antics,” the company said. ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” star Doug