Align Technology establishes new headquarters in Ariz.

Align Technology has established its new global corporate headquarters in Tempe, AZ, effective January 1, 2021. The company’s San Jose, CA, campus remains the hub for its global innovation, product, and marketing organization and will become home to its new digital innovation center, currently under construction. Many of Align’s senior officials will now be based in Tempe, and the company stated that approximately 150 employees, mostly in corporate general and

uLab reaches clear aligner milestone

Aligner technology provider uLab Systems said it has reached a milestone for its uSmile clear aligner system. The aligner system, which includes uLab’s artificial intelligence-based software, has now been used to plan more than 200,000 cases in the U.S., according to the vendor.

Surviving and thriving through the pandemic: Business insights for multipractice offices

Like the rest of the world, our business was not expecting 2020 to be a year of immense and immediate change. Despite the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our team has adapted in real-time and learned several key insights that have helped us make this one of our best growth years. Diamond Braces is a family-owned orthodontics practice, with 33 locations across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, the

Bola Technologies, Henry Schein One announce partnership

Bola Technologies has inked a partnership with Henry Schein One for distribution of its Voice Perio artificial intelligence-based speech recognition technology for hygienists and periodontists. Under the deal, Henry Schein One will distribute versions of Voice Perio that integrate with its Dentrix and cloud-based Dentrix Ascend practice management software. Dentrix-connected versions of Voice Perio will be marketed and sold in the U.S. and Canadian markets, while a Dentrix Ascend-connected version

Survey finds the most annoying sound has a dental connection

If you’re a dental professional, you want to do everything you can to ensure your patients can eat the foods they want to devour. The crunch of an apple, the chomp of a candy bar, or the snap of a fresh carrot signifies your patients have the necessary strong teeth and gums to enjoy these moments. Enjoying those moments when they start is one thing, but how your patients (and

Ormco releases Spark clear aligner update

Ormco has announced new features for its Spark clear aligner system, which it said represent a substantial upgrade and will give orthodontists greater control in planning and carrying out treatment. Release 10 of the aligner system comes with new features for clear aligner therapy and enhancements to the firm’s Approver software and case management portal, according to the company. Updates include the option of TruGen XR material for finishing and

Biolase, DCA expand access to dental lasers in new deal

Biolase is set to roll out its laser equipment across U.S. offices affiliated with Dental Care Alliance (DCA) this year per a new agreement aimed at boosting laser adoption. Biolase markets the EpicX and Epic Hygiene brand lasers. The company said that its products are useful for addressing early-stage periodontal disease and also for reducing aerosolization, a big concern for soft-tissue procedures conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. DCA has more

Nobel Biocare launches Xeal, TiUltra surfaces in U.S.

Nobel Biocare has launched its Xeal and TiUltra surfaces in the U.S. for dental implants and abutments. Image courtesy of Nobel Biocare. Xeal abutments feature new surface chemistry designed to promote soft-tissue attachment, according to the company. Dental professionals in the U.S. will be able to use the Mucointegration surface with the firm’s On1 base and multiunit abutment, Nobel said. TiUltra, which is designed to promote early osseointegration and support

How to avoid endodontic pitfalls — a road map to success

Endodontic procedures don’t have to be worrisome. They can not only be rewarding but also become a profit center to build your practice. This article will hopefully navigate you around the possible pitfalls of root canal treatments and place you on the road to success. Anatomy and case selection For the general dentist, case selection is one of the most important factors in success. Don’t try and tackle a severely

Public comment period set for Iowa pediatric dentistry potential benefits

The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) said it will hold public hearings on January 20 and 21 to amend the Iowa Wellness Plan (IWP) Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver to provide dental benefits for children through prepaid ambulatory health plans (PAHPs). The hearings, which will be held over Zoom, will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on January 20 and 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on January 21.

Can a common artificial sweetener treat gum disease?

Using an air-polishing powder containing a sugar alcohol commonly used as an artificial sweetener during nonsurgical periodontal treatment may result in positive outcomes for patients, according to a small study published on December 29 in BMC Oral Health. Those patients who had erythritol air-polishing powder applied with a nozzle system during subgingival instrumentation (SI) had significantly fewer sites with high probing depths than those who didn’t. The patients also showed

Podcast: What you need to know about serotonin syndrome

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Serotonin syndrome occurs when you take medications that cause high levels of the chemical serotonin to accumulate in your body.” “Serotonin is a chemical your body produces that’s needed for your nerve cells and brain to function,” the Mayo Clinic continues. “But too much serotonin causes signs and symptoms that can range from mild (shivering and diarrhea) to severe (muscle rigidity, fever and seizures).” So