Align updates iTero for restorative, orthodontic procedures

The iTero imaging system from Align Technology is now available as a single hardware platform with software options for restorative or orthodontic procedures. The new iTero has been engineered with new optics and algorithms that increase the speed of capture to reduce the overall scanning time, noted Timothy Mack, Align Technology vice president and general manager of iTero, in a press release. The new scanning wand and fiber-optic cord are

Quest divests OralDNA Labs

Quest Diagnostics has sold substantially all the assets of its OralDNA Labs salivary diagnostics business to Access Genetics, a clinical laboratory with advanced molecular diagnostics test development and information technology capabilities. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The divestiture of OralDNA represents a step in the company’s ongoing strategy to refocus its resources on its core diagnostic information services business for physicians and hospitals, drive operational excellence, and restore

Study: Bleaching changes teeth at molecular level

There has been a steady proliferation of whitening products for dentists and consumers, with some in-office products containing high concentrations (35%) of hydrogen peroxide. In a recent study, Brazilian researchers set out to bolster the lack of published data regarding how bleaching can impact the mechanical properties of dental tissues (Journal of Dental Research, December 14, 2012). They took a molecular-level approach and found that high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide

FDA issues abuse-deterrent opioid guidelines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued a draft guidance document to assist pharmaceutical companies in developing new formulations of opioid drugs that have abuse-deterrent properties. The document, “Guidance for Industry: Abuse-Deterrent Opioids — Evaluation and Labeling,” explains the FDA’s current thinking about the studies that should be conducted to demonstrate that a given formulation has abuse-deterrent properties, how those studies will be evaluated by the agency, and

Ask Marty: How do you fabricate in-office indirect restorations?

Q: What is your technique for indirect restorations in your office, without sending it to a lab? A: There are many ways to fabricate indirect restorations in the office. The high-tech answer is to use CAD/CAM technology with either Cerec or E4D. You take a digital scan of the prepared tooth, then you can easily mill either a composite or porcelain restoration. This is probably the easiest way to fabricate

HPV-related cancers on the rise

The rising incidence of cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) shows a need to increase HPV vaccination coverage levels, according to a report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (January 7, 2013). Despite the decline in cancer death rates in the U.S., the rate of HPV-associated cancers has increased, the report noted. The American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute,

New toothbrush touts brushing sensor, smartphone app

A Kentucky start-up has developed a manual toothbrush with an embedded sensor that maps brushing behavior and sends the data to an associated smartphone app via Bluetooth. The free app, developed by Beam Technologies for Android or Apple iOS, tracks brushing habits, including frequency and duration, as well as time spent in each quadrant of the mouth. Users sync data to the smartphone app by pushing a button on the

NIH grant funds NYU diabetes screening research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Shiela Strauss, PhD, a professor of nursing at the New York University Colleges of Nursing and Dentistry, a two-year, $336,433 grant to study diabetes screening in dental patients. The R15 grant builds on Dr. Strauss’ earlier work of assessing the accuracy, acceptability, feasibility, and consequences of using oral blood to screen patients with periodontal disease for diabetes in periodontal practices, according to

Bay Area dental clinic gets sleep apnea accreditation

The Bay Area Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Center has received program accreditation from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). Accreditation means that the center has passed the AADSM’s standards of proficiency, practice, and professionalism. It is the first clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area to gain AADSM accreditation, according to the center.

Mont. Dental Association disputes F sealant grade

The Montana Dental Association (MDA) is disputing a failing grade by a new Pew Center on the States report examining what U.S. states are doing to provide dental sealants to keep costs down and prevent caries, according to an article in the Billings Gazette. Montana was among five states and the District of Columbia to receive an F grade. Only five states earned an A grade. MDA Executive Director David

Oral CDx developer merges with licensee

Oral Cancer Prevention International and CDx Laboratories have combined forces as CDx Diagnostics. The two companies are focused on developing diagnostic systems designed to help prevent cancer by detecting precancerous cells. CDx Laboratories was founded in 1997 to develop tools to detect dysplasia in tissues for which no practical and accurate tests were available, according to the companies. Oral Cancer Prevention International was founded in 2007 and licensed the CDx

Study finds persistent oral bacteria after ECC treatment

In a follow-up to a study conducted one year ago, researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Dentistry have determined that certain genetic strains of bacteria are dominant in children one year after treatment for microbial-caused plaque and tooth decay (Journal of Oral Microbiology, December 14, 2012). Six new previously undetected minor strains also were identified, according to the university. In addition, the research team found