AMD Lasers has expanded distribution channels for its Picasso laser system through a new agreement for Ortho Technology to distribute AMD’s products to the orthodontic market in more than 65 countries, including the U.S., the companies announced. Through this exclusive agreement, Ortho Technology will distribute the Picasso Lite laser to orthodontists worldwide. The Picasso Lite laser can be used to expose unerupted teeth; remove soft tissue for bracket, band, and

Existing headgear and mouthguards have limited or no benefit in reducing concussions in rugby players, according to a new study (Neurosurgery, November 2010, Vol. 67:5, pp. 1404-1418). Lead author Michael Cusimano, MD, PhD, from the division of neurosurgery at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and colleagues assessed the quality and content of studies that evaluated injury prevention strategies for rugby players and reported on neurological outcomes. In their review, they

Buffalo Dental Manufacturing has released the Buff Tuff mouthguard laminate, which contains no bisphenol A (BPA) or dioxin and is cross-grained for extra strength and consistency. The product has a pleasant smell and does not produce offensive smoke or vapors when heated, so mouthguards can be fabricated in any area of the office, at any time of the day, in less than 30 minutes, according to the company. Buff Tuff

Another trial involving Fosamax and its alleged role in osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is now under way in New York, according to an article in the New York Times. Judith Graves, a 67-year-old retired investigator for the U.S. Army, claims she developed ONJ after taking Fosamax and is suing Merck, the manufacturer of the bisphosphonate drug, which is regularly used to treat osteoporosis. Graves told the Times that she