Diagnodent finds caries under composite restorations

The Diagnodent can be used to detect carious lesions under composite resin restorations, according to a study in Clinical Oral Investigations (December 16, 2012). In the study, which compared the Diagnodent with digital radiography, researchers from Khon Kaen University in Thailand selected 100 extracted third molars, 50 with and 50 without carious lesions, and prepared any class I occlusal cavities. In the carious group, caries were left on the floor

Glidewell launches glass ceramic for full-contour crowns

Glidewell Laboratories has introduced Obsidian lithium silicate ceramic, a new glass ceramic material indicated for the fabrication of monolithic single-unit restorations, including full-contour crowns, three-unit anterior bridges, veneers, inlays, and onlays. Obsidian ceramic restorations are resistant to chipping due to their monolithic composition and average flexural strength of 373 megapascals (MPa). They exhibit an ideal combination of aesthetics and strength with translucency that mirrors the vitality of natural teeth, according

3Shape launches Trios Ortho

3Shape has released a digital scanner that bundles the company’s Trios system with its Ortho Analyzer software. 3Shape Trios Ortho provides intraoral scanning, clinical scan-validation, and seamless communication with the orthodontic lab, according to a company press release. The software gives orthodontists tools for creating digital study models from the impression followed by advanced tools for treatment planning and case analysis. Integrated communication tools allow orthodontists to discuss cases and

NCI answers common HPV-cancer questions

Recognizing that the number of people being diagnosed with cancer linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV) is on the rise, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has issued a detailed response to three of the most commonly asked questions about HPV-related cancers. In 2009, more than 30,000 people in the U.S. learned they had cancer linked to HPV, according to the most recent National Report on the Status of Cancer (Journal

Canadian group calls for more attention to kids’ oral health

The Canadian Paediatric Society has issued a detailed position statement that is a plea for stakeholders across the country to make children’s oral health a bigger priority. The authors of the statement decry the fact that public funding for dental care has been decreasing during the last 30 years, and that 50% of families in the lower income brackets do not have dental insurance. They also note that members of

New Cosmedent brochure gives free dental advice

Cosmedent has released “Problem Solvers,” a free brochure that offers dentists solutions to some of their most common clinical problems. The brochure covers issues such as composite wear, covering dark stains, gouging or slumping of core material during prep, polishing hard-to-reach areas, misdiagnosing decay on an x-ray, replacing lost or defective gingival tissue, and manipulating sticky composites. Call 800-621-6729 to receive a free copy.

Kettenbach introduces BPA-free composite

Kettenbach has expanded its line of composites with Visalys Temp, which is designed to ensure stronger temporaries that are aesthetic, fracture-resistant, and made without bisphenol A (BPA), according to a company press release. The product is a two-component BPA-free resin based on a multifunctional acrylic composite, the company said. It can be used to make temporary crowns, partial crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers including long-term provisionals. Visalys Temp can

Align Technology to release new aligner material

Align Technology will release SmartTrack, the next generation of its Invisalign clear aligner material, on January 21. SmartTrack is a proprietary aligner material that delivers more constant force to improve control of tooth movements with Invisalign, according to the company. It is intended to be the new standard Invisalign aligner material for Invisalign clear aligner products in North America, Europe, and other international markets. The flexible SmartTrack material is designed

Atlantic Precious Metal expands online presence

Atlantic Precious Metal Refining has unveiled a redesigned corporate website and created a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The website has an updated look and includes intuitive navigation links and improved functionality, according to the company. Added features include tips on efficient scrap recovery and collection, information to help dental professionals maximize their return on dental scrap materials, photos and videos of the refining process, and step-by-step instructions for

Adult xylitol study yields surprising results

Daily use of xylitol lozenges did not result in a statistically or clinically significant reduction in caries among adults with an elevated risk of developing caries, according to a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (January 2013, Vol. 144:1, pp. 21-30). A team of researchers from several U.S. academic institutions conducted the three-site, placebo-controlled, randomized study, dubbed the Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial (X-ACT). It was designed

Dental crisis looms for Calif. Medi-Cal kids

The Children’s Partnership (TCP) has released an issue brief and action plan addressing the challenges Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, faces in providing dental care to children in the state. The issue brief also stresses the impact that newly enrolled children will have on the state’s strained dental care system. With the transition of children in the Healthy Families Program over to Medi-Cal, coupled with the implementation of the Patient Protection

Texas legislator targets Medicaid dental fraud

A Texas lawmaker has introduced another piece of legislation intended to address Medicaid dental fraud in the wake of the ongoing controversy about millions of dollars the state has spent on orthodontic care for children. Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) said SB 8 would address the ongoing Medicaid scandal, particularly such tactics as solicitors that offer gifts and cash to parents of Medicaid children to coax them into getting orthodontic