Komet releases new shape for Komet NE toothing

Komet USA has released a new size of its cutters with NE toothing, designed to work on nonprecious alloys. The H89NE.104.040 instrument joins six other cutters with NE toothing currently available: H79NE.104.040, H138NE.104.023, H139NE.104.023, H129NE.104.023, H251NE.104.060, and H77NE.104.023. Prosthetics made from nonprecious metal alloys require more extensive recontouring than those made from precious alloys. With their unique blade configuration, the cutters with NE toothing minimize the recontouring time required, Komet

3M ESPE launches delivery system for Ketac Nano

3M ESPE launched a new delivery system for its Ketac Nano glass ionomer system May 14 at the California Dental Association meeting in Anaheim, CA. The new system is faster than hand mixing and introduces fewer air bubbles, according to the company. The Quick Mix capsule is the first paste-paste nanoionomer in an automixing, unit dose capsule, 3M said. The Quick Mix capsule is a new delivery system for the

7-year study aims to identify TMJD biomarkers

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) patients are more sensitive to pain compared to healthy people, according to preliminary results from a seven-year study presented at the American Pain Society (APS) annual meeting held May 6-8. The $19 million study, involving 3,400 people, aims to identify and define the causes and effects of TMJD, ultimately leading to new treatments and cures. The Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment study is funded

Align Technology faces class-action lawsuit

A complaint was filed May 10 against Align Technology, charging the company with implementing unfair and fraudulent requirements for the prescription of Invisalign through the company’s proficiency requirements. The lawsuit was filed by Christopher Leiszler, D.D.S., in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of himself and “all others similarly situated,” Align said in a press release. The complaint seeks a refund of the price

Dental Botox gains popularity — and adversaries

Dentists aren’t just wielding needles filled with Novocain these days. Many are now injecting their patients with Botox to improve appearances and alleviate pain — while at the same time inciting the ire of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and some of their colleagues. As state dental boards around the U.S. struggle with how to regulate such injections, some dentists are forging ahead — and establishing a lucrative new sideline in the

RightSmile signs South American distributor

The teeth-whitening company RightSmile has entered into a distribution agreement with the newly formed RightSmile Latin America. The transaction is expected to add a minimum of $300,000 per year in additional revenue, according to the company. RightSmile Latin America’s initial thrust will be into the Colombian marketplace, followed by Peru, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile. In addition, RightSmile Latin America has requested and been granted rights of first refusal on

Nasal spray could replace anesthesia injections

Lidocaine, when administered via nose drops or a nasal spray, travels through the trigeminal nerve and collects in high concentrations in the teeth, jaw, and structures of the mouth, researchers from Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN, report in the May-June issue of Molecular Pharmaceutics. The discovery could lead to a new generation of intranasal drugs for noninvasive treatment of dental pain, migraine, and other conditions, according to the scientists.

Air Techniques launches amalgam separator

Air Techniques has introduced the Acadia amalgam separator for removing amalgam and other hard metals from office wastewater. Available in a single-size model, Acadia can support up to 10 operatories and works in-line with any dental evacuation system, according to the company. A small footprint allows Acadia to be installed as a wall-mounted or freestanding unit, and it can be used with wet or dry vacuums with no additional electricity,

Perio treatment may help patients with type 2 diabetes

The treatment of periodontal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes may lower their blood sugar levels, according to a new study (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010, Issue 5). The study was led by researchers at the University of Edinburgh and supported by colleagues at the Peninsula Dental School, the University of Ottawa, and the Eastman Dental Institute. The research team analyzed randomized controlled trials of people with type

Align Technology Q1 revenues, income jump

Align Technology reported revenues of $90.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 (end-March 31), a 28% increase over revenues of $70.1 million in the same quarter a year ago. Net profit for the quarter was $14.9 million, up from $2.6 million for the same quarter of fiscal 2009. “I’m pleased to report strong results for our first quarter,” said Thomas M. Prescott, president and CEO, in a press

SUNY Canton to honor online hygiene grad

A mother of six who works more than 50 hours a week as a hygienist and has an interest in the oral health of special needs patients has been selected as the State University of New York at Canton (SUNY Canton) Outstanding Graduate at the bachelor’s degree level, the university announced. Jill Lizak of Hamburg, NY, one of the inaugural graduates of the college’s online dental hygiene program, will be

Penn. woman sues GSK over Super Poligrip

A Pennsylvania woman has become the latest consumer to claim that zinc in Super Poligrip led to her nerve disorder and has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), according to a news story by United Press International. According to the lawsuit, filed in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Terri Charpentier, 41, was forced to resign from her job and cannot walk without a walker or a cane