Study finds new evidence on how fluoride fights caries

German researchers have found new evidence that fluoride affects the adhesion force of bacteria that stick to teeth and produce the acid that causes caries, according to a study in Langmuir (April 4, 2013). Despite a half-century of scientific research, controversy still exists over exactly how fluoride compounds reduce the risk of tooth decay. The caries-preventive effect for teeth is often traced back to effects on demineralization. Research established long

AAP/EFP reports confirm perio-systemic link

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), in collaboration with the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), has published a series of consensus reports that analyze the scientific evidence linking periodontitis to other systemic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (Journal of Periodontology, April 2013, Vol. 84:4-s). The reports also outline clinical recommendations for dental professionals to use when treating patients at risk for, or presenting with, certain medical

Syneron debuts at-home teeth-whitening system

Syneron Beauty, a division of Syneron Medical, has launched the Pearl Brilliant White teeth-whitening system. The system is the first new at-home teeth-whitening technology to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in more than a decade, according to Syneron. Using the company’s patented iconic gel, Pearl has been shown to provide maximum whitening results of up to 10 shades after only 50 minutes of treatment with virtually

Magnusen Orthodontics now a Vita-certified shade lab

Magnusen Orthodontic Laboratory has completed comprehensive shade training in Vita shade management and communication and become an official Vita-certified shade laboratory. To achieve this designation, Magnusen underwent Vita-specific training to increase its shade management proficiency. As part of this new certification, Magnusen can provide Vita shade devices directly to its clientele and utilize Vita’s shade-taking products and materials, including the Vita Easyshade Compact, Vita Classical shade guide, Vita 3D-Master shade

Komet expands crown-cutting instrument portfolio

Komet USA has added the H35L Carbide to its line of crown-cutting instruments. The Komet H35L crown cutter features a special blade symmetry that cuts through nonprecious alloys and gold with minimal effort, the company noted in a press release. Its tip-transversing blade facilitates penetration into the metal crown, and the instrument’s slim neck permits use along the entire length of the working portion. Effective chip spaces reduce heat generation

Study: Chocolate compound hardens enamel better than fluoride

Theobromine, an organic compound found in chocolate, remineralizes and hardens tooth enamel at a greater rate than fluoride, according to a new study in Caries Research (2013, Vol. 47:5, pp. 399-405). The peer-reviewed study was performed by researchers in the department of comprehensive dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. They investigated the enamel strengthening potential of theobromine by examining its ability to repair or

Blood testing for Okla. dentist’s patients nears $700K

The cost of blood tests for thousands of patients treated by a Tulsa, OK, oral surgeon who has been accused of potentially exposing his patients to blood-borne pathogens is nearing $700,000 and will likely go much higher, according to an Associated Press (AP) story. The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry launched an investigation of W. Scott Harrington, DMD, on March 15 after being notified that health officials were looking into a

ClearCorrect increases production capacity by 30%

ClearCorrect has added a number of Objet-line 3D printing systems from Stratasys to its production facility and is increasing capacity by another 30%. The investment will help ClearCorrect become more efficient and responsive in the manufacture and delivery of custom-made orthodontic aligners on a mass scale, the company noted in a press release. The manufacturing center in Houston is already supported by a large number of Stratasys Objet Eden-line 3D

Which endodontic sealers have the best antibacterial properties?

Bacteria living in the root canal system are the enemy in the course of successful endodontic therapy. Consequently, some endodontic sealer manufacturers have created products with antimicrobial properties. Now a team of German researchers has compared the antibacterial effect of eight different sealers and two temporary sealers on three endodontologically detectable species of bacteria and found that one comes out on top (Dental Materials, May 2013, Vol. 29:5, pp. 542-549).

Biolux study highlights intraoral orthodontic treatment

Biolux Research has released preliminary results of its pilot clinical study utilizing OrthoPulse iO prototypes for accelerating orthodontic treatment. The company has developed extraoral photobiomodulation technology and devices for dental applications involving bone regeneration, and is now focusing on an intraoral approach for orthodontics. The main benefits of intraoral photobiomodulation are increased clinical efficacy and shorter daily treatment sessions (a few minutes per arch), according to Biolux. The pilot study

Is ortho treatment OK in low-risk bisphosphonate patients?

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw has been a topic of much discussion in dentistry, but the altered bone metabolism as a result of taking this medication and its effect on orthodontic treatment remain unclear. Now a new study has found that while orthodontic tooth movement under bisphosphonate medication is possible, especially in low-risk patients, the treatment is still not predictable (Head & Face Medicine, April 4, 2013). Study author Elena

Straumann to cut 200 jobs

In the first three months of 2013, the Straumann Group generated revenue of 175 million Swiss francs ($187 million), down 6% from revenues of 185 million francs ($197 million) for the same quarter a year ago. While revenue developments were stable in North America and positive in China and Latin America, the large European and Japanese markets suffered further from the weak economy and competition from lower cost players, the