Align Technology has added a new tool to its treatment planning software that allows patients to see what their smiles may look like after Invisalign treatment. ClinCheck Pro 6.0 includes the new “In-Face” Visualization tool, which is an enhanced doctor-facing digital clinical tool that combines a photo of the patient’s face with the person’s 3D treatment plan, creating a personalized view of how he or she could look. The updated
Artificial intelligence (AI) can locate mandibular canals with high levels of accuracy, which may make the dental implant restoration process easier for dentists, according to a recent study published in Scientific Reports. A deep-learning model that is based on artificial neural networks was able to locate mandibular canals as well as humans can in simple cases that did not involve abnormalities, such as tumors. Automating this process may give clinicians
Neocis has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a Yomi component that reduces the CT scanner field-of-view requirements. This will broaden the market for its Yomi robot-assisted dental implant surgery system, making it compatible with a wider variety of scanners across a larger range of fields-of-view, according to the company.
SmileSnap, a virtual consultation and appointment platform for dentists and orthodontists, has closed a seed financing round. The funds will be used to hire additional software engineering and product personnel to enhance SmileSnap’s product portfolio, the company stated. In other news, SmileSnap recently launched SmileSnap Pro, which is, according to the company, a more advanced application that gives dental professionals the ability to continue providing care to patients beyond initial
A wearable, fluorescent mouthguard can detect early signs of tooth decay and periodontitis by ferreting out the secretions of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the oral cavity, according to a recent study published online in Advanced Materials. With the help of imaging, the zinc oxide-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (ZnO-PDMS) nanocomposite device was able to highlight the locations of hidden dental lesions, according to the authors. “The mouthguards successfully uncover the precise locations of
Align Technology has launched two new virtual tools to keep patients and doctors connected in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Invisalign Virtual Appointment allows doctors to schedule and host video appointments with patients to discuss Invisalign treatment. Invisalign Virtual Care is part of the My Invisalign app and can be used for remote consultations, for treatment progress assessment, and to discuss adjustments, the company said; patients can submit pictures,
New research shows that antibiotics may change how the gut-brain connection works in rats dependent on opioids. The use of antibiotics altered the way the rats’ brains responded to opioid use and withdrawal, according to the findings of a study published on April 27 in ENeuro. The research was inspired by the life experiences of lead author Sierra Simpson, PhD, a newly minted doctoral scholar from the University of California,
The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry and Millennium Dental Technologies have partnered to create a new podcast featuring dentists who have used lasers to treat periodontitis and peri-implantitis in their practices. The “Dentistry for the New Millennium” podcast contains conversations around the clinicians’ passion for dentistry, patient experience, and the impact of laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) protocols and laser-assisted peri-implantitis procedure (LAPIP) protocols on dental practice. New episodes are
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) officially launched its annual Save Your Tooth Month celebration on May 1 with some modifications. Typically, the month is marked with creative decor, donated services, and even state proclamations, according to the association. However, this year, the AAE is encouraging association members and patients to submit stories highlighting the work of endodontists. The stories will be shared on the AAE Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and
Entamoeba gingivalis, a parasite found in the mouth, may be an underestimated source of oral inflammation that causes destructive forms of periodontitis, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Dental Research. Eliminating the parasite, which penetrates gum tissue and feeds on host cells, may improve treatment effectiveness and long-term outcomes in patients with gum disease, according to the authors. “In conjunction with abundant colonization
A man’s incisor migrated to an unusual space — the deep tissue below his chin. It required surgical removal, highlighting the need for secondary reviews and scans of facial trauma, according to a case report published online April 18 in Trauma Case Reports. The case shows the importance of clinicians performing a second exam and panoramic radiograph, which is an x-ray of a patient’s entire mouth, including the upper and
We’re back! We missed you and your beautiful smile. Following Gov. Mike DeWine’s guidelines, we reopened our offices to all patients May 1. We couldn’t be happier! It’s been a long couple of months, but we understood the Governor’s orders to shut down for a few weeks. This not only kept our staff and community safe, but ensured you stayed healthy. We’re committed to doing everything we can to slow