Reduced immunity, not HIV alone, ups caries risk in kids

HIV on its own does not increase the risk of children getting caries. Instead, a weakened immune system, stemming from other diseases, affects cavity prevalence, according to a study published on July 2 in Scientific Reports. Low levels of cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), a glycoprotein found on the surface of immune cells, persistently alter the oral microbiota during early development, regardless of HIV infection or exposure, suggesting that immune

OrthoFX launches clear aligner treatment model

Startup OrthoFX has unveiled a host of new clear aligner technologies along with its practice-friendly financial model. In addition to its aligners, which are made using FXTetra technology, OrthoFX offers a financial plan that eliminates lab bills associated with traditional clear aligner companies, allowing clinicians to get paid within days of initiating a case. The company also announced its FXOnTrack smart platform, which enables virtual consultations, remote treatment monitoring, concierge

Summus debuts class IV diode dental laser

Summus Medical Laser’s Horizon dental laser system, a class IV diode laser made for dentistry, is now available for purchase. It has 12 W of power and four different wavelengths, and it can be controlled independently. The system also offers real-time training and support, including a tablet with an interactive app, a live motion real-time camera, and a rechargeable, luxating cart design. Additionally, it comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty

A connection between proton pump inhibitors, COVID-19, and dental implants?

Recently, a study based on a population-based online survey showed that daily use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) was associated with increased odds of testing positive for COVID-19. In addition, the study, to be published in an upcoming release of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, showed that the risk was higher among those who took PPIs twice per day than in those who took PPIs just once daily. Tom Viola,

Calif. orthodontist to raise funds while riding bike across U.S.

An orthodontist in California is biking across the U.S. to raise money for Smile for a Lifetime. Over the next five to six weeks, Donald Montano, DDS, will bike a 3,400-mile trek across the country in the hopes of raising $50,000 for the nonprofit organization, according to a report from 23ABC News Bakersfield. He will leave on September 12 from Santa Monica.

Georgia School of Orthodontics awards free care

The Georgia School of Orthodontics plans to provide four more Atlanta-based children with complimentary orthodontic care through its Gift of a Smile program. Gift of a Smile is part of the school’s effort to provide $100,000 in complimentary orthodontic care to children who need braces but can’t afford them. Since its inception in 2016, the program has provided free care to 13 children. Children can be nominated through August 31;

Ormco offers on-demand 3-part webinar series

Ormco is offering a three-part webinar series with Michael Bicknell, DDS, on the use and benefits of its Damon system passive self-ligation brackets. Michael Bicknell, DDS. Image courtesy of Ormco. The series will demonstrate treatment planning approaches through case examples and will include the following topics: ul.editorialList li {margin-bottom:6px;} Reasons for passive self-ligation and its advantages Fundamentals and mechanics Challenging cases and practice differentiation

More on tooth position and the 2nd deadly sin of smile design

Last week on the 7 deadly sins of smile design, we journeyed through incisal edge position. Well, we dealt with half of it. Today, let’s talk about what else matters. Knowledge is power, and the more you have, the more patients will show up at your practice asking you for big case dentistry. If you really want to know how to transform your practice, here’s the secret: having more qualified

Rate of Decay game now available as app

A U.K.-based dentist has launched a children’s dental game to create awareness about dental decay and ways to prevent it. Dentist Dr. Buds developed the game — called Rate of Decay — with a specialist team of game developers so children can learn and play in a safe and fun way. The game has a knowledge board to teach about tooth decay and multiple-choice questions that can be answered independently or

OrVance, GC Orthodontics partner on dental wax initiative

After more than 100 Michigan dentists and orthodontists signed an appeal to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) calling for the end of misbranded dental wax, OrVance is working with GC Orthodontics America for the company to buy back all traditional dental wax from its orthodontic clients and replace it with the hygienically packaged, tamper-evident OrthoDots Clear. According to the company, this is the

Biolase touts Repair Perio clinical results

Dental laser firm Biolase is highlighting data published on July 2 in the Journal of Periodontology demonstrating that its Repair Perio protocol is more effective for treating periodontitis than conventional procedures, with shorter times and less bruising, swelling, and postoperative bleeding. The study was conducted at the McGuire Institute, and co-author John Gunsolley, DDS, and colleagues compared Biolase’s Repair Perio process with the conventional minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) treatment

The EPA amalgam rule: 16 years in making, 3 years to comply — so what now?

Due to 40 CFR Part 441 (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] amalgam rule), July 15, 2020, became the first day in U.S. history that any dental office that removes amalgam mercury in the ordinary course of patient restorations is required, by federal rule, to have an amalgam separator capture the mercury particulates before they go down the drain. In all honesty, and despite the fact that I have dedicated