U.K. dentist denounces ‘porcelain pornography’

Patients who come in for cosmetic work are often seeking the perfect smile. But some dentists are compromising sound enamel and dentin to give patients unnecessary porcelain crowns and veneers, according to Martin Kelleher, BDS, MSc, a consultant in restorative dentistry at the King’s College London Dental Institute. In an editorial published this summer in Faculty Dental Journal (July 2011, Vol. 2:3, pp. 134-141), Dr. Kelleher discussed the dangers of

Survey: Younger kids still not seeing dentist enough

Although child health experts recommend that children begin oral healthcare by age 1 or when their first teeth emerge, most U.S. children ages 1 to 2 have not yet started seeing a dentist, according to a new report from the University of Michigan Health System C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. In May 2011, the National Poll on Children’s Health asked parents of children ages 1 to

3M ESPE launches educational website

3M ESPE’s new education microsite, www.3MESPEtemps.com, offers a spectrum of information about the company’s temporization materials, including an overview of indications, techniques, troubleshooting tips, and case studies. The site also features printable technique guides, examples of successful cases, and information on ordering, according to the company. The more than 20 clinical case examples range from pediatric to geriatric.

Straumann Q3 sales down 7%

Straumann saw a 6.7% decline in sales for the third quarter and said that ongoing economic uncertainty will continue to impact the dental implant business worldwide. The company reported sales of 151 million Swiss francs ($170 million U.S.) for the quarter (end-September 30), down 7% from 162 million francs ($184 million) for the same quarter a year ago. Revenue growth in North America rose to more than 11% in local

Fixed braces more effective in treating crossbite

Fixed braces yield superior outcomes compared with other orthodontic methods of treating posterior crossbite, according to a dissertation by Sofia Petrén, a dentist and orthodontic specialist at Malmö University in Sweden. In randomized studies, Dr. Petrén investigated four methods of orthodontic treatment: fixed appliance, removable appliance, composite construction on the molars of the lower jaw, and no action in the hope that the problem would resolve itself. A total of

U.S. advisers recommend Gardasil HPV shots for boys

(Reuters) – U.S. vaccine advisers on Tuesday voted to recommend that boys be routinely vaccinated with Merck & Co’s Gardasil vaccine to protect them from human papillomavirus or HPV infections, which cause genital warts and oral, penile, and anal cancers in males and cervical cancers in women. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which advises the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, voted unanimously to recommend routine use of

Calif. city struggles to fund fluoridation project

Following a lengthy battle to keep fluoride out of its public water supply, city officials in Watsonville, CA, last year voted to accept a $1.6 million grant from the California Dental Association Foundation (CDAF) to design and build a fluoridation system and operate it for two years. But the project may still get scrapped, according to a story in the San Jose Mercury News. Bids for the project are ranging

MIS Implants offers free PerioPatch samples

MIS Implants Technologies has launched a website where dentists can get free samples of its new PerioPatch wound-healing product. Perizoneonline.com provides dental professionals and patients with information about the hydrogel patch, an oral wound barrier that absorbs wound exudates and promotes the natural healing of gingival inflammation and irritated gums, according to the company.

Nobel Biocare stock rises on buyout rumors

Rumors that Nobel Biocare may be the target of an acquisition have pushed the company’s stock to its highest point in nine years. Nobel Biocare’s stock gained 14%, the biggest jump since October 2002, after the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag reported October 23 that EQT Partners and Bain Capital are each considering buying the dental implant maker, according to a report by Bloomberg.com. EQT — a private equity company

Durian fruit extract has antibacterial mouth rinse potential

Student researchers from Thailand are exploring the potential for a new kind of oral healthcare product gleaned from the spiky husk of the durian, a pungent, popular fruit in Southeast Asia. In a study conducted by Faculty of Dentistry students at the University of Chulalongkorn in Bangkok and presented at the recent ADA annual session in Las Vegas, a mouth rinse made with durian polysaccharide gel (DPG) gleaned from durian

Sun Dental names director of marketing, operations

Sun Dental Labs has promoted Stephanie Jones to director of marketing and operations/general manager. Jones has been instrumental in rolling out a new quality control system, introducing several new products, and ramping up digital marketing efforts, according to the company. In her new position, Jones will manage the marketing and dental lab operations for Sun Dental Labs’ U.S. office and will be responsible for helping other areas of the lab

CAO Group launches SheerWhite promotion

The CAO Group has two limited-time offers for dental professionals who purchase its SheerWhite teeth-whitening films. Through December 31, 2011, new and existing users can get these special offers: New users: Purchase one Sheer White 24-pack bulk kit and receive a free SheerWhite intro kit (six-pack). Existing users: Purchase three Sheer White 24-pack bulk kits and get one free. All SheerWhite films come with a money-back guarantee, according to the