Essential Dental introduces ultrabright mirrors

Essential Dental Systems has introduced a new line of mirrors that the company says offer improved reflection, sharpness, and contrast. The C-Mor ultrabright front surface mirrors give the practitioner the highest reflectance, light, and definition available, according to the company. The C-Mor mirror, with a 113% reflection factor, is currently available in a four-pack of #5 stainless steel mirror heads. The company is also offering a stainless steel mirror handle.

Orthodontic residents view treating poor more positively

Orthodontic residents have more positive attitudes than orthodontists when it comes to treating poor and underserved patients, according to a study in the Angle Orthodontist (November 2011, Vol. 81:6, pp. 1090-1096). Even so, their attitude didn’t indicate an increased willingness to provide care for these patients, according to the study authors. Brett Brown, DDS, an orthodontist practicing in Lebanon, OR, and Marita Rorh Inglehart, PhD, an associate professor in the

Hydrogel patch aids in healing mouth wounds

What can you do for a patient whose braces are shredding the inside of their mouth? Dental implant maker MIS Implants Technologies has created a product called the PerioPatch that the company claims can help wounds in the oral cavity heal more quickly. The PerioPatch, a hydrogel barrier, is the first nonimplant product launched by PeriZone, MIS Implants Technologies’ new oral care products division. One part barrier, one part exudate

Researchers suggest link between bacterium, colon cancer

A bacterium that has been associated with the development of periodontal disease has been detected in colon tumors, according to new research that suggests it may set the stage for colorectal cancer (Genome Research, October 18, 2011). Scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute found an abnormally large number of Fusobacterium in nine colorectal tumor samples, a sign that it might contribute to the disease and potentially

New whitening gel relies on free radicals

White Smile Global has introduced a teeth-whitening gel specifically designed for use with light-emitting diode or ultraviolet (UV) teeth-whitening lamps. The system microencapsulates a proprietary activator within a teeth-whitening gel that generates free radicals when the microcapsules come in contact with saliva, according to the company. The product is self-contained and can be applied to the teeth by either dental professionals or consumers. The whitening system is made of a

New toothbrush reaches below the gum line

A new toothbrush developed by a husband and wife dental team in the U.K. features a unique design that they say could revolutionize the treatment of periodontal disease. The Gumsaver toothbrush removes bacteria, food debris, and plaque by brushing the tooth below the gum line, thus helping to prevent infection and decay, according to a story on dexigner.com. The toothbrush enables users to employ a unique brushing action by utilizing

DenMat launches smile makeover website

DenMat has launched smilecentral.com, a patient-focused website for consumers seeking information about smile makeovers. Introduced with a television advertising campaign featuring Snap-On Smile, Cerinate one-hour permanent veneers, and Lumineers, the site features an interactive avatar named Kim who helps prospective smile makeover patients request an appointment with a participating dentist in their area, according to the company. Dentists can register for one of three dentist locator listings available per ZIP

New screening questionnaire streamlines TMD assessment

A team of U.S. researchers has developed a screening questionnaire designed to enable dental practitioners and other healthcare professionals to quickly and cost-effectively identify patients with pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMDs; Journal of the American Dental Association, October 2011, Vol. 142:10, pp. 1183-1191). Early identification of TMD for these patients would have a significant effect on diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, the authors noted. But existing screening methods for TMDs have limitations,

Planmeca, Materialise partner on 3D

Planmeca and Materialise Dental have formed a joint effort that will allow Planmeca ProMax 3D users to order Materialise Dental SurgiGuide drill guides directly from Planmeca Romexis software. This will enable Planmeca’s cone beam users to transfer their implant planning from the Planmeca Romexis software to the patient’s mouth using the SurgiGuide drill guides, according to the companies. Various implants can be planned in Planmeca Romexis, the companies noted. This

Univ. of Ill. gets $14M for tobacco studies

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has received $14.2 million from the National Cancer Institute to study how mass media and also tax and pricing affect tobacco use and behavior. The two five-year studies, to be conducted by researchers from UIC’s Institute for Health Research and Policy, build on previous tobacco research conducted by the institute to better understand what factors influence smoking behaviors. In one study, senior research

Surfer teams with Ormco to promote orthodontics

Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton has signed on as the official endorser of Ormco Orthodontics’s Damon System, an orthodontic treatment that combines patented “tieless” braces with memory wire. Known for overcoming a horrific shark attack in which she lost an arm, Hamilton has partnered with Ormco to promote the Damon System and encourage teens, children, and adults of all ages to smile through adversity, regardless of the challenges life throws their

SomnoDent products gain Medicare code

SomnoMed’s entire line of SomnoDent sleep apnea therapy products is now eligible for Medicare reimbursement. The official registration and assignment of U.S. Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding (PDAC) code 0486 will allow Medicare-registered dentists to receive reimbursement for the treatment of their Medicare-covered patients. To be designated code E0486, the oral appliance must be used to reduce upper airway collapsibility, be adjustable, and be custom-fabricated. A custom-fabricated oral appliance is