Tooth classification system could improve diagnostics

A team of Harvard University researchers has developed what they say is an easy-to-use classification system for evaluating individual teeth that could help standardize caries assessment, simplify treatment planning, and improve outcomes. “Currently, there is no accepted comprehensive, standardized, and meaningful classification system for the evaluation of individual teeth that offers a common language for dental professionals,” wrote Nachum Samet, D.M.D., and Anna Jotkowitz, B.D.S., of the Harvard School of

Align Technology’s profits up in Q2

Align Technology reported increased net profit and revenues for its second quarter of 2009. For the quarter (end-June 30), net profit was $4.5 million, up from $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2009 and $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2008. Net revenues were $76.3 million, compared to $70.1 million in the first quarter of 2009 and $79.9 million in the second quarter of 2008. “Overall, we had

Have you looked around your office lately?

Editor’s note: Sheri Doniger’s column, Dental Diaries, appears regularly on the HuangshanDental.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion. How many times do we rush in the door of our office, minutes before our first patient? Or fly out seconds after our end-of-the-day strategic meeting? Do you ever stop and smell the roses that are (or should be) sitting at your reception desk? I try to arrive at my office 30

Adhesive surface vital in crown’s bonding strength

The type of surface that dental adhesive clings to during a crown’s bonding process plays an important role in the strength of that bond, according to researchers from Case Western Reserve University. By using an x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy imaging system, Jin-Ho Phark, D.D.S., D.M.D., an assistant professor of comprehensive care at the university’s School of Dental Medicine, was able to detect what contaminants cling to the crown surface. This research

Champion boxer to spend thousands on dental work

Former world champion boxer Chris Eubank said he will spend “thousands of pounds” on dental work in the hopes of getting rid of a lisp, according to an Associated Press story. The dental work includes closing a gap between his two front teeth to improve his smile and will reportedly cost him around 30,000 pounds ($49,600 U.S.), according to the story. “I’m here to see the best dentist in Ireland

Align challenges verdict in Ormco lawsuit

Align Technology says the recent ruling in a patent lawsuit brought against the company by Ormco does not preclude Align from selling its Invisalign system. The company also believes the facts and the law do not support the jury’s findings of infringement and validity, and therefore has filed a motion for judgment as a matter of law on all issues seeking to set aside the jury’s verdict of liability, Align

Kettenbach offers strawberry-scented Silginat

Kettenbach is now offering Silginat, an alginate alternative impression material, in strawberry scent, the company announced. Silginat Strawberry is a medium-bodied viscosity, vinylpoly siloxane impression material intended to be used for any application in which the user would normally use an alginate material, according to Kettenbach. It is designed for a variety of indications, including anatomical models, opposing models, fabricating temporary crowns and bridges, fabricating simple removable prosthetic restorations, orthodontic

Use of baby formula can increase fluorosis risk

A new study has added an interesting twist to the fluoridated water debate. Researchers from the University of Washington found that infant formula consumption may be associated with an increased risk of developing a detectable level of enamel fluorosis, depending on the amount of fluoride in the water supply used. Researchers have previously identified infant formula consumption as a potential risk factor for enamel fluorosis in the U.S. population, the

Md. dentists train physicians and nurses

Across the state of Maryland, physicians and nurses are now freshly trained in pediatric dental healthcare. More than 400 physicians and nurse practitioners who participate in the Maryland Medicaid Program — dubbed Maryland’s Mouths Matter: Fluoride Varnish and Oral Health Screening Program for Kids — have received training in infant and toddler dental healthcare through a program run by the University of Maryland Dental School. The program began July 1

Cosmedent launches Brush & Sculpt composite

Cosmedent has launched Brush & Sculpt, a virtually colorless liquid resin that is specially formulated for dentists who utilize the brush and sculpt technique. The composite material is easy to smooth and manipulate with a brush and is useful for preventing pullback of composite, according to the company. In addition, Brush & Sculpt does not contain hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), so there will be no discoloration of the composite resin, the company

Tissue developed from stem cells mimics oral mucosa

Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences have developed complex, multilayer tissues that mimic human skin and the oral mucosa from human embryonic stem cells (hESC). “For the first time, we have established that a single source of hESC that can provide the multiple cell types needed to interact within a three-dimensional tissue model to generate complex, multilayer tissues,” said Jonathan Garlick,

Heraeus’ My New Smile app gets AppReview approval

The My New Smile application from Heraeus Kulzer was recently given a “better” rating by AppReview, a Web site that provides reviews of the latest applications developed specifically for the iPhone. With My New Smile, users simply upload a picture and in two quick steps are able to create a brand new smile, instantly and virtually, according to Heraeus. After a new smile has been created, it can then be