How AI performed in malocclusion detection vs. orthodontists

Artificial intelligence (AI) not only detected malocclusions, specifically predicting angle classification, but it did so better than orthodontists. The study was recently published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. However, orthodontists outperformed AI in identifying overjet and overbite measurements, the authors wrote. “The system was proved to be more efficient in malocclusion classification using intraoral photographs compared to an expert orthodontist,” wrote the authors, led by Erfan

Why this dentist is drawn to 2 new products from Kuraray

I recently had the chance to sit down with Dr. Troy Schmedding, a practicing dentist in Walnut Creek, CA, to discuss a pair of new products from Kuraray Noritake: Clearfil Majesty ES Flow Universal and Clearfil Universal Bond Quick 2. These two new products were highlighted at the recent California Dental Association meeting in Anaheim, where I discussed the biggest issue in bonding with Dr. Richard Young. In this episode of

Organ transplant rejection drug may treat gum disease

A drug commonly used to prevent organ transplant rejection, rapamycin, may also treat inflammatory bone loss diseases associated with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), like periodontitis. This research was recently published in Cell. There may be a link between DNMT3A, the gene most mutated in CHIP, and the prevalence and severity of periodontitis, highlighted in animal models, the authors wrote. “Our study further suggests that rapamycin may represent an

Computer-assisted oral surgery faster but not less painful

Computer-assisted oral surgery may not lessen postoperative pain, but it does shorten the duration of the procedure compared to the conventional freehand method. The clinical trial was published on June 20 in the Journal of Dentistry. Moreover, virtual planning and static navigation are effective methods for the open exposure of palatally impacted canines, the authors wrote. “Computer-assisted surgery is a feasible method for open exposure of palatally impacted canines, which

Dental practice rescues NBA player’s smile before big day

Thanks to a Massachusetts dental practice, Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White really had something to smile about at the National Basketball Association (NBA) team’s victory parade through Beantown, according to multiple news reports. Dr. Joey Chang, an oral surgeon at Boston Dental, temporarily fixed White’s teeth just in time for the 2024 NBA champion Celtics’ parade through Boston on June 21 in celebration of winning the title over the

Prosthodontist helps ex-Philadelphia Phillies manager recover

A prosthodontist is helping former Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, who had a stroke in September 2023, with his recovery, including his speech, according to a story published on June 19 on CBS News. Manuel, now a Florida resident who guided the 2008 Phillies to their second World Series title, was in the City of Brotherly Love on June 19 to watch the team hold onto its No. 1 spot

Cosmedent introduces new dental materials

Cosmedent has introduced Renamel OPALITE and Renamel Flowable OPAL to its product line. Renamel OPALITE is a new enamel microfill designed to adapt to surrounding colors and is ideal as a final layer for anterior restorations. Renamel Flowable OPAL is a translucent, flowable microfill designed to produce orange or blue hues under a final enamel layer.

What’s stressing kids out at the dentist

Children undergoing invasive dental treatments often experience prolonged and intense stress primarily due to anesthetic injections, according to a pilot study conducted by the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. A device that tracks hand movements and sweating may help practitioners monitor kids’ stress levels, enabling them to break and take counteractive measures as needed, according to university news published on June 14. “This research aim is to increase practitioners’ sensitivity

Too little sleep tied to bone health? Researchers are studying it.

Chronic lack of sleep has been linked to osteoporosis, bone loss, and fractures, which is why researchers will study what mechanisms impair bone remodeling, which is critical for the success of treatments, including dental implants. Dr. Jeffery Toth. Image courtesy of Marquette University. Dr. Jeffery Toth, a biomaterials professor at Marquette University’s dental school and coinvestigator of the research, will study the mechanisms by which chronic sleep deficiency impairs bone

Increasing water fluoridation will reduce childhood caries

Expanding community water fluoridation (CWF) coverage may effectively lower the incidence of caries among children, according to a study published on June 21 in the Journal of the American Dental Association. CWF provides a protective and dose-dependent effect against caries, reinforcing the need to expand CWF coverage in states like Pennsylvania where the prevalence of cavities is high, the authors wrote. “Increasing CWF coverage will reduce caries burden among Pennsylvania

Supplement with these to speed up periodontitis treatment

Incorporating a diode laser and erythritol air polishing as supplements to scaling and root planing (SRP) may offer an accelerated periodontal treatment method, according to a study recently published in BMC Oral Health. Furthermore, this treatment effectively reduces bacterial presence and improves periodontal health, the authors wrote. “The supplementary use of diode laser and erythritol air polishing, alongside SRP, represents an expedited periodontal treatment modality,” wrote the authors, led by

Clinical tip: The secret to predictable occlusion with the CEREC virtual articulator

Are you tired of spending precious chair time adjusting occlusions on your CEREC restorations? Do you find yourself second-guessing the accuracy of those blue occlusal contact points? If so, Dr. Dan Butterman’s latest “Weekly Bytes” video is a must-watch for CEREC users looking to enhance efficiency and precision in posterior restorations. In this eye-opening presentation, Dr. Butterman challenges common misconceptions about occlusal indicators in CEREC software. He reveals why those