As we look ahead to 2024, it’s always interesting to predict which technologies and techniques will become a regular part of the dental industry in the near future. Among the candidates for 2024 is third-molar tooth bud ablation, a process we covered back in 2022. During the recent American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) meeting in Las Vegas, I had the chance to interview Dr. Leigh Colby about how far
A TikTok user, whose smile was compared to that of actor Tom Cruise, has shared an update on TikTok after her earlier post about a dentist who gave her a third front tooth to close a gap went viral. Layla Muntas has finally ditched the extra chopper, according to a story published on November 18 in the U.S. Sun. Layla Muntas said in an updated TikTok video, ”RIP fake third frontal
The University of New England (UNE) College of Dental Medicine, led by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), has received a $4.4 million grant to study pain development after oral procedures. Saliva samples collected from patients will be used to track their pain levels during the recovery process after oral procedures, including tooth extractions and root canals, according to a press release dated November 15 from UNE. Students and faculty
Digital dental material manufacturer Myerson has launched the new denture system Trusana. It includes a 3D tooth resin, a 3D denture base resin, and a bond denture adhesive. Trusana’s patented chemistry aims to deliver flexibility, fracture toughness, and wear resistance. Henry Schein’s U.S. dental lab business, Zahn Dental, is the exclusive distributor of Trusana resins.
Aligner technology provider uLab Systems has enabled direct-to-patient shipments for its uSmile aligner product line. Orthodontic offices will have the option to designate where they want orders shipped after the first fit has been confirmed in an office visit as part of the treatment plan. The option eliminates the need for an additional office visit.
Using intermaxillary elastics with clear aligners in adults may cause temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) or worsen symptoms or pain associated with them. The study was published recently in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. Clinicians should use the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD)-Axis II Evaluation Forms to thoroughly evaluate and examine pain-related disorders and psychosocial status to help decide whether TMD will develop in clear aligner patients, the authors wrote.
The New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry has received a $1 million award to bring its cavity prevention program, CariedAway, which includes oral health screenings and treatment, to three New Hampshire school districts. CariedAway aims to improve children’s quality of life and attendance at school. The program prevents up to 80% of cavities and keeps 50% of existing cavities from worsening, according to a press release from the university.
Dental manufacturing technology company Carbon has released three new resins. The Pac-Dent Rodin Sculpture resin contains over 50% ceramic filler and is designed to provide greater precision, aesthetics, and strength. The Desktop Health Flexcera Base resin is designed for creating high-impact denture bases, combining fracture resistance with aesthetic quality. The Keystone Industries KeyGuard resin enables dentists to design sports mouthguards digitally with custom variable wall thicknesses.
Of the nearly 60 interventions or combination of treatments available to treat chronic jaw pain, only a few like exercises and psychotherapy were likely the most effective in patients. The guidance was published December 15 in BMJ. Several interventions commonly used to treat chronic pain associated with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) — including occlusal splints, injectable muscle relaxers, and pain relievers — were supported by low or very low evidence, according
Scoliosis may predispose patients to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The study, which was published in early December in Clinical Radiology, is believed to be the first to explore the link between the spine deformity and ultrasound-based temporomandibular joint (TMJ) screening. Additionally, patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type of spine deformity that occurs with no known origin, experience increased masseter muscle stiffness. Therefore, patients with idiopathic scoliosis should be
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is encouraging SmileDirectClub (SDC) customers who have been left scrambling in the aftermath of the immediate shutdown of the clear aligner company to book an appointment with a local licensed orthodontist. With multiple mail-order teeth-straightening companies approaching these customers, the AAO said that having an in-person visit with a clinician is the best approach to continue their ongoing orthodontic treatment, the organization stated in
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent to Balanced Pharma for its dental anesthesia cartridge technology. BPI-001, the company’s new drug candidate, is a local anesthetic cartridge intended for dentistry. The proposed product has a buffered lidocaine/epinephrine formula that will not contain acid. Research has shown that removing the acid from local anesthetics produces faster onset, less injection pain, and increased reliability. Currently, the products are in
