The Future of Clear Aligners: Are They Right for You?

Clear aligner therapy has become increasingly prominent in modern orthodontics, offering patients an effective alternative to traditional metal braces. Since their inception, clear aligners have evolved significantly, both in technological capability and clinical applicability. In this article, I will review the current state of clear aligners, examine their limitations and advantages, explore future trends, and offer guidance for patients considering whether this form of treatment is suitable for their needs.

Clinical tip: How custom tissue formers can benefit your dental patients

This clinical tip, courtesy of CDOCS, focuses on custom tissue formers and how they can help with the dental implant healing process. Learn more from Dr. Farhad Boltchi in the video below. “Now, as you can see here, when we have an implant with a regular healing abutment placed around it, we get a nice tissue cuff healing around that healing abutment. However, that tissue cuff typically is not the

Chronic kidney disease may affect oral health

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may affect oral health, potentially leading to changes that directly increase the risk of developing caries, according to a study recently published in Health Science Reports. Despite this association, there was no direct correlation between CKD and pulp, periapical, or periodontal tissue diseases, the authors wrote. “Our study provides evidence of a direct causal relationship between CKD and dental caries but not between CKD and other

Men, gum disease may be really bad news for sperm

Periodontitis may be significantly associated with decreased sperm mobility, abnormal structure, and increased fragmentation in its DNA, according to a systematic review published on May 21 in BMC Oral Health. The study suggests that chronic mouth inflammation may have systemic effects on the reproductive health of men, the authors wrote. “Considering the identified pathophysiological mechanisms, maintaining optimal oral health may play a crucial role in improving sperm quality, particularly for

Is skipping meals the key to healthier gums?

Intermittent fasting — an eating pattern cycling between periods of eating and fasting — may help soothe gum inflammation and improve other health markers even when oral hygiene is subpar. The research was presented on May 12 at EuroPerio 11 in Vienna. A study compared a regular, nonfasting diet with two time-restricted diets and found that both fasting diets not only reduced gum inflammation but improved weight, blood sugar levels,

Dentsply Sirona launches zirconia abutment block

Dentsply Sirona has launched its CEREC Cercon 4D Multidimensional Zirconia Abutment Block, a CAD/CAM zirconia block with a minimum wall thickness of 0.5 mm. Additionally, it features a 3D layering technology with a pigmented, opaque dentin core and a translucent enamel layer for a natural look that masks the titanium base and matches Vita 1 shade, according to the company.

Clinical tip: Using zirconia in the anterior

In this clinical tip from CDOCS, Dr. Darin O’Bryan takes you through a case in which Katana Zirconia from Kuraray Noritake helped him achieve the desired results for his patient. “A case like this is a perfect example of when it’s going to be useful. This PFM crown had a metal back due to a lack of clearance. The patient needed it replaced due to recurrent caries, but they didn’t

Can you fast your way to better oral health? Maybe.

Prolonged fasting in patients with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke, may be linked to a reduction in gum inflammation. The study was published May 12 in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. However, larger controlled trials should be done in the future to confirm these findings, the authors wrote. “Our findings indicate that modest clinical improvements in gingival inflammatory parameters,

Gum disease germ may be linked to heart rhythm disorder

The spread of a certain gum disease bacterium to the heart may exacerbate atrial fibrillation (A-fib), according to a news release dated May 9. It may represent a pathway that explains the relationship between periodontitis and atrial fibrosis. Specifically, the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) can enter the bloodstream and infiltrate the heart, increasing the risk of A-fib, according to the release from Hiroshima University. “P. gingivalis invades the circulatory

Fluoride, hydroxyapatite, and honest conversations: What we owe our patients

One of the most common questions from patients recently is “Should I be using fluoride or hydroxyapatite?” The increased attention on ingredient transparency, “natural” solutions, and wellness culture has pushed us to communicate more intentionally about what we recommend and why. It’s not about fluoride versus hydroxyapatite. It’s about understanding function, science, and how we educate patients without creating confusion. Topical fluoride vs. systemic fluoride: A quick reframe Fluoride works.

This tool may prevent oral diseases in real time

A new smartphone application may help dentists monitor bite force in real time, offering feedback to improve diagnosis and treatment. This study was recently published in the International Dental Journal. Furthermore, the app may maintain balanced bite force by collecting data to prompt patients for self-correction, the authors wrote. “This intelligent application was designed to provide dentists with real-time monitoring, intelligent feedback, and effective intervention of bite force in their

What sleep bruxism may say about your kids

Sleep bruxism (SB) in children as young as 4 may be linked to suppressing symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as other sleep disturbances. This study was published recently in Sleep Medicine. Early intervention for SB may positively affect children’s long-term health by reducing the risk of damage to permanent teeth, the authors wrote. “Frequent episodes of possible sleep bruxism in early childhood could represent a warning sign for