Restoring aesthetics and durability in a bruxism case

In the realm of restorative dentistry, patients suffering from bruxism pose a unique challenge when it comes to achieving a balance between durability and aesthetics. This case involved a middle-aged female patient who presented with frequent fractures in her composite restorations on teeth #s 7-10. She sought a solution that not only addressed the durability issues but also restored the natural look of her smile, making this case a combination

An easy way to extend teeth whitening

Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening strips (WS) may be an effective way to enhance and prolong the whitening results of in-office treatments, according to research published on January 23 in the Journal of Dentistry. In-office whitening with 37.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP) immediately enhanced tooth lightness, but without using strips, the sparkle faded within one month, the authors wrote. “When analysing the use of 6% HP WS combined with in-office 37.5% HP gel,

Antacids may wreck dental restorations

Liquid antacids that contain substances, including calcium carbonate, used to ease gastrointestinal conditions like acid reflux may significantly damage dental restorations. The report was published recently in BMC Oral Health. Antacids can ruin the surfaces of restorations, specifically those made of glass ionomer and composite, or giomer resin, affecting their longevity and aesthetics, the authors wrote. “The active ingredients added to gastric syrups to produce an antacid effect significantly change

Surprising factors that may cause more caries in kids

Factors including sex, unhealthy lifestyles, and problematic internet use (PIU) may significantly increase the risk of caries in pediatric patients, according to research recently published in BMC Oral Health. Furthermore, making small changes, including encouraging kids not to skip breakfast, having appropriate bedtimes, and reducing screen time, may help prevent cavities in children, the authors wrote. “Being a girl, having an undesirable lifestyle, and PIU were significantly associated with multiple

5 dentists give their take on fluoride’s future and its impact on dentistry

Editor’s note: With Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it is possible that the rumblings from November of fluoride being removed from public water systems, could come true. Using that as a potential backdrop, we asked five dentists for their opinions on the move and how it could impact dentistry. Here’s what they said. Over the last century, communities

How obesity can negatively affect orthodontics

A higher body mass index (BMI) may affect orthodontic treatment (OT) by altering craniofacial development and periodontal response. This review study was recently published in Seminars in Orthodontics. Additionally, obesity may be linked to increased oral proinflammatory biomarkers and may affect pain perception during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), the authors wrote. “Orthodontists and dentists should incorporate BMI evaluation in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning and educate patients regarding the negative

What the tooth fairy is shelling out for lost teeth

Money appears to be tight for the tooth fairy. For the second consecutive year, the average value of a single lost tooth in the U.S. in 2025 plummeted by 14%, according to results from the Delta Dental Plans Association “2025 Original Tooth Fairy Poll.” The average value of a lost tooth fell 83¢ from $5.84 to $5.01, which marks one of the most dramatic year-over-year declines in tooth fairy giving

Advancements in periodontal and peri-implant disease classification: Insights from Dr. Gustavo Avila-Ortiz

Dr. Gustavo Avila-Ortiz, a distinguished figure in periodontics, has an extensive educational and professional background. He obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and completed a PhD training program at the University of Granada in Spain. He furthered his education with an Master of Science degree and certification in periodontics from the University of Michigan. Dr. Gustavo Avila-Ortiz. Dr. Avila-Ortiz is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and

Dental Duets: 25 years of dental technology — hits, misses, and future winners

Dr. John Flucke was one of the first key opinion leaders I met when I entered the dental industry more than 20 years ago. He quickly became one of my go-to guys when it came to understanding the latest advances in dental technology. There’s a reason why he’s widely known as dentistry’s “technology evangelist.” For decades, he was the chief dental editor and technology editor for Dental Products Report. He’s

Poor oral health may hurt more than teeth

Poor oral health (OH) may contribute to higher pain levels in patients with bodily pain, highlighting a possible link between the oral microbiome and the nervous system. This study was published in Frontiers in Pain Research. Furthermore, certain oral pathogenic species may have a significant association with body pain and migraine headaches in women, the study’s authors wrote. “We report lower OH scores and higher abundance of a range of

What mouth rinses may do to some restorations

Extended use of certain mouth rinses may cause discoloration of CAD-CAM resin-based restorations, with the extent potentially affected by material and rinse type. This study was published recently in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. For example, CAD-CAM resin-based materials, especially resin nanoceramics (BRC), may show significant color change when exposed to alcohol-containing mouth rinses (LIS), the authors wrote. “When selecting mouth rinses for patients with these restorations, both the formulation

The future of noninvasive orthodontics may rely on this

The protein ATF6 may be a promising target for developing noninvasive orthodontic treatments by playing a role in triggering the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, or TNFα, in immune cells called macrophages, according to a news release. Furthermore, this process may hasten bone remodeling, potentially making orthodontic treatment more efficient, according to the story dated April 15. “This protein not only accelerates tooth movement by influencing inflammation but also