3M Unitek has introduced Clarity SL braces — clear, self-litigating braces made from translucent ceramic. These braces use a clip to hold the wires in place eliminating the need for elastic bands (ligatures). “For the first time, adults and children who need braces no longer have to trade off looks or performance to achieve a beautiful smile,” said Anoop Sondhi, D.D.S., M.S., an orthodontist in a press release. “Clarity SL
Collagen Matrix announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its SynOss synthetic material, a type of artificial bone, for oral surgery. The company said it had received 510(k) clearance for the bone substitute, meaning the FDA deems it at least as safe and effective as materials previously approved for the same purpose. SynOss synthetic mineral is an osteoconductive calcium phosphate-based bone graft material. Unlike hydroxyapatite materials,
Align Technology, Inc. has announced the launch of Vivera retainers — clear retainers made from the same technology as Invisalign aligners. These subscription-based retainers will be delivered to dentists or directly to the patient four times a year. “Vivera retainers were created to fit the needs of patients’ busy lifestyles,” said Rick Matty, general manager, new products at Align Technology in a press release. “Not only do patients get the
In Noorvik, Alaska where Aurora Johnson grew up, you don’t have to look very hard to see the importance of dentistry. The nearest dentist is an expensive plane ride away, and many Noorvik residents can’t afford the trip, much less the dentist’s bill. As a consequence, “a lot of my classmates in high school graduated with little or no teeth,” says Johnson. Motivated by this first-hand experience, Johnson, 36, now
Can you fight bacteria with bacteria? Apparently so, according to a new animal study in the November issue of the Journal of Dental Research. In the study, a mixture of beneficial bacteria was applied after scaling and root planing (a technique known as Guided Pocket Recolonization or GPR). The results: growth of plaque-causing bacteria was substantially slowed and reduced, as was inflammation. The technique could be a way to sidestep
Pumpkin patches, a nip in the air, goblins, ghosts, ghouls — and lots of candy. Yup, it’s that time of year again. And around the country, dentists want to know how they can avoid becoming the Grinch of Halloween. It’s a classic dilemma. On the one hand, sugar contributes to the damage that dentists spend their lives fixing. On the other hand, what’s Halloween without trick or treating? In coping
SAN FRANCISCO — Chomping away on gum has never been a charming habit, but now we have a legitimate medical excuse for it. That’s according to John W. Shaner D.M.D., M.S., Associate Professor at the Creighton University Medical Center School of Dentistry. He argues that xylitol- and sorbitol-based gums are so effective at fighting caries that dentists should be handing them out like… well, candy. “Sugar is the main driver
Where professors tread, lawyers are sure to follow. A new consensus statement that will be published in the November issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association looks likely to increase dentists’ liability for preventing cavities. “Consensus Statement Caries Management by Risk Assessment: Implementation Guidelines to Support Oral Health” briefly describes how dentists should assess their patients’ risk of caries and work aggressively — using counseling, antibacterials, and remineralizing
After attending a meeting on plaque in the late 1990s, Albany, California dentist Nathan Kaufman, DDS, began to see just how much dentists could do to prevent caries. The realization gradually led him to transform the way he treats his patients — and the way he makes his living. “We’re changing the paradigm,” he says Dr. Kaufman has joined a new movement in dentistry called caries management by risk assessment
The dark truth behind those bright smiles Ah, for the glamorous life of a cosmetic dentist. No more bratty kids or cranky codgers filling up the waiting room. No more extractions, fillings, or root canals. You’ll spend your afternoons bleaching Lindsay Lohan’s teeth or straightening Ashton Kutcher’s smile. Who knows? You could end up with your own “Extreme Makeover”-style reality TV show. Before you decide enter into the realm of
Ultreo, Inc., makers of Ultreo, a power toothbrush based on ultrasound waveguide technology, filed a counter suit against Procter & Gamble in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York last week. P&G, which makes the Oral-B power toothbrush, filed a suit against Ultreo in September for allegedly misleading consumers and dental professionals through false advertising. According to P&G, Ultreo’s claim that their product’s ultrasound waveguide
It’s less than accreditation, but more than a pat on the back; when the Academy of General Dentistry bestows its Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) on a continuing education program, dentists take notice. Align Technology, makers of Invisalign, just nabbed PACE approval for its CE courses. That means Align’s training programs can earn dentists credit hours towards AGD Fellowship and Mastership awards. Align’s aim? To provide Invisalign dentists (both
