Align Technology to supply aligners for SmileDirectClub

Align Technology will supply non-Invisalign clear aligners for SmileDirectClub’s doctor-directed, at-home program, under terms of a supply agreement between the companies. The aligners will have about 20 stages without attachments or interproximal reduction and will be made to SmileDirectClub’s specifications for the minor movement of teeth, the company said. Invisalign-trained practitioners will continue to have the Invisalign system available exclusively for in-office treatment. Align also purchased a 17% stake in

Taub launches GoChx restorative cleansing gel

Taub Products has launched a new restorative cleansing gel. GoChx is a thin, nonalcohol-based gel that contains 0.08% chlorhexidine and is water-soluble, according to the company. The gel can be used for restorations, including implant crowns, abutments, and components. The gel stays in place and can be used on final restorations before insertion.

Dental groups back flossing after critical report

In the next days and weeks, dentists are likely to hear one question over and over again from patients: “Do I still need to floss?” But dental groups continue to support flossing in the wake of a critical report that questions the evidence backing the practice. In an August 2 report, the Associated Press (AP) cast into question the clinical evidence supporting the practice of flossing. The widely reported AP

LA program gets low-income kids to the dentist

A project designed to improve the oral health of children up to 5 years old succeeded in getting more kids to the dentist. The 21st Century Dental Homes Project achieved the goal by tackling common barriers to care for low-income families in Los Angeles “The learning from this program will help to address barriers that limit children’s access to necessary dental services.” — Kim Belshe, executive director, First 5 LA

How to Get Teeth Cleaned with the Air Flow System

The air flow system or polishing technique is the hot new trend when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. This new technology is considered to be traversing a new horizon when it comes to how dentistry is done. In layman terms, the system makes use of a machine that cleans out your teeth by polishing it with air. To be more specific, it uses compressed air, water, and fine power particles

How to Take Care of Your Gums Properly

Your chances for gingivitis and inflammation will increase the longer the bacteria hangs out on your teeth and gums. You don’t want your tooth pulp inflamed, causing intense and distracting pain that emanates all across your mouth with only temporary relief from brushing and gargling. You certainly don’t want bacteria to eat away at your gums either, which will eventually lead to tooth loss. You can also suffer from the

How Often You Should Go for Dental Checkups

Brushing and flossing is only part of the process of ensuring your dental health. Like when taking care of your body’s medical wellbeing, it’s imperative that you go visit the dentist regularly for dental checkups the same way you’d visit the doctor regularly for appointments and tests. Don’t do it like Santa Claus would and only get a checkup once a year or once every five years! A Look Back

Stem cell collection benefits patients and practice

Should a dental practice offer dental stem cell storage to its patients? This is a question that I found easy to answer with a resounding “yes.” My background might help explain the reasoning behind my answer. For almost 30 years, I have enjoyed owning and working in a busy dental practice. My involvement in dental stem cell technology started 10 years ago, when my oldest daughter was about to lose

Los Algodones: Dental Capital of the World 2023

Los Algodones, a little Mexican town, has more dentists per capita than any other place in the world, and every day more than 3,000 people cross the Yuma border to get dental treatments. But why has Los Algodones become so popular? In need of dental work, many people wonder where to begin their research. For example: what to do, how much to pay, and especially where to go. Mexico’s popularity has

Week in Review: Recreating the DSO model; first-day jitters; and patient-centered practice

Dear DrBicuspid Member, Is it possible to recreate the sometimes-maligned dental service organization (DSO) model and put the dentist and the patient first, not the organization? An industry veteran has launched a new DSO called Avitus Dental Management Solutions in hopes of changing the paradigm. Read Features Editor Donna Domino’s story here. What was your first day as a new dentist like? If it was anything like Dr. Jason Watts’ first

AAO partners with Shock Doctor for mouthguard campaign

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) has partnered with athletic protection brand Shock Doctor to increase mouthguard adoption among young athletes. During the partnership, both organizations will educate consumers about the importance of mouthguard use. Shock Doctor will use AAO’s logo on its sale displays and select packaging. The company will also attend AAO’s fashion week event on September 7 in New York City.

Endodontics Insider: Are your patients at infection risk after root canal?

Dear Endodontics Insider, When you perform a root canal, do you worry about your patient being at risk for a systemic disease such as infective endocarditis or even a stroke because of infection after the procedure? According to a new study, it’s a concern, but there are ways to minimize the risk. Read our Insider Exclusive. In other Endodontics Community news, dental tourism has been expanding, especially for pricey procedures