DDS Lab’s OrthoVault stores patient study models online

DDS Lab has launched its OrthoVault service, which allows dentists to store their orthodontic patient study models securely online and access them at any time. Traditionally, study models are created for each orthodontic patient out of fragile plaster and physically stored for a minimum of seven years. With OrthoVault, models or impressions are scanned to create a digital file that the practitioner can recall from OrthoVault’s Web portal. OrthoVault meets

Bacteria in 1,000-year-old plaque similar to current oral bacteria

An international team of experts has discovered disease-causing bacteria in a German Medieval population that are the same or very similar to inflammatory disease-causing bacteria in humans today. The team analyzed the dental calculus or plaque from teeth preserved for 1,000 years. Christina Warinner, PhD, from the department of anthropology at the University of Oklahoma assembled an international team to build a detailed picture of people from the Medieval period

Pulpdent launches bioactive restorative and base/liner

Pulpdent has launched its new Activa restorative and base/liner at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting. The bioactive restorative makes it possible to create restorations that actively release and exchange calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions, while being dynamic with the tooth function, according to the company. Activa products are also the first bioactive dental materials with an ionic resin matrix, a shock-absorbing resin component, and bioactive fillers that mimic the

Hu-Friedy launches high-definition mirrors

Hu-Friedy has launched its new high-definition (HD) diagnostic mirrors, which provide an enhanced view of the intraoral cavity. With a proprietary coating, the HD mirrors have a 113% reflection factor and are 39% brighter than standard rhodium-coated dental mirrors for image clarity, color, and brightness during exams and procedures, according to the company. The HD mirrors are also scratch-resistant. The mirrors are available in standard mirror sizes (Nos. 3, 4,

Hu-Friedy, EMS sign distribution deal

CHICAGO – Hu-Friedy announced a strategic partnership with Switzerland-based Electro Medical Systems (EMS) this afternoon at the Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting. The Air-Flow Master Piezon and the Air-Flow S2. Images courtesy of Hu-Friedy and EMS. The Air-Flow Master Piezon and the Air-Flow S2. Images courtesy of Hu-Friedy and EMS. Hu-Friedy is now the exclusive U.S. and Canadian distributor of EMS’ Piezon power scaling technology and Air-Flow air polishing products.

Ivoclar files patent-protection complaint against Dentsply

CHICAGO – Ivoclar Vivadent announced this morning at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting that it has filed a complaint against Dentsply International and affiliates with the U.S. International Trade Commission, asking that Dentsply’s Celtra products “be excluded from importation” into the U.S. and that any such products already in the country have sales and distribution stopped. Ivoclar claims that the Celtra products infringe on its U.S. patents that protect

A case of counterfeit dental materials

The federal case against a person convicted of counterfeiting dental materials highlights the need for dental practitioners to be aware that the materials you purchase might not be all that meets the eye. In U.S. District Court, the Kerr Corporation prevailed over Tri Dental and Ahn Tuan Luu in a civil action involving counterfeiting of dental materials on March 11, 2013. Court records indicated Luu was a former employee of

NC court allows negligence case to continue

A North Carolina appeals court has overturned a previous decision in the case of a negligence lawsuit filed after man’s death following dental surgery in 2008, according to an Associated Press news story. Two of the three judges on the Court of Appeals panel did not side with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, two dentists, and others in the case of Robert Webb III. Wake died two days after

Mild fluorosis? Pair microabrasion with bleaching

Dental fluorosis may not have a significant impact on the functionality of teeth, but it can be a major issue in patients’ minds. The treatment options for nonsevere cases of fluorosis should be both minimally invasive and cost-effective, according to the researchers of a new study. To help clinicians decide which treatment to employ that fits these criteria, researchers at the Federal University of Paraiba and the Federal University of

ADA: Use fluoride toothpaste when 1st tooth appears

The ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs has updated its guidance for caregivers on the use of fluoride toothpaste for children. Now, the organization is stating that children’s teeth should be brushed with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes in. This new guidance expands the use of fluoride toothpaste for young children. The new guidance is intended to provide children with the full benefit of cavity protection while

America’s Dental Health Crisis

Today, I came across this news article from CNN.com that restated something most dentists are already aware of. Most American’s do not have easy access to dental care either through geography or financially. Opinion: The Real Crisis in America’s ER’s by Dr. Charles H. Norman Dr. Charles Norman authored this in depth and well written article about the epidemic of dental emergencies that are adding unnecesary work loads to our

Study: Alarming increase in oropharyngeal cancer in young adults

The rate of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased alarmingly among young adults, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) may be to blame, according to a new study in Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery (January 22, 2014). Between 1973 and 2009, OPSCC — which includes the base of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and pharynx — increased by 60% among people younger than age 45, according to researchers at