Dentistry Today — March 2025

Inside this issue

Excerpts from the issue. Open the digital edition to read any page in full.

1. Page 6

   Your Smiling Face This issue has an interesting potpourri of cases and procedures covering a spectrum of patients. Last month, we covered 2-day-old infants with no teeth. This month, we start with some teeth that need treatment, and then move to adults who once again have no teeth. I guess this completes the circle of life. In our previous issue, Dr. Robert Convisssar started this life journey by describing his lingual frenum treatment of 2-day old infants, who, of course, have no teeth. We then travel along with Dr. Gregory R. Gillespie and the very talented technician Nelson Rogo who…

2. Page 8

   How AI is Changing the Game in Dental Marketing (and how you can use it too) If you've been hearing the buzz about artificial intelligence (AI) and thinking it might help your dental practice, you're right! I won't overwhelm you with tech talk, but I will dive into some practical, hands-on ways to use AI tools for patient targeting, personalized content, and analyzing phone calls. Let's unpack the good stuff, from creating patient avatars to getting a grip on chatbots that make patient service a breeze. Creating Your Ideal Patient Avatar (No Crystal Ball Needed) Did you ever wish you…

3. Page 10

   VIEWPOINT continued from page 8 Creating Content That Connects With Patients (Without Writing A Novel) Drumming up good ideas for your social media can be the time-consuming, but AI takes the guesswork out of it. For example, if you want to attract more patients for specific treatments (like implants), AI can whip up a social media calendar. You'll get a 30-day dental social media strategy with everything — post ideas, hashtags, and even visual suggestions. Prompt: "Create a 30-day social media content calendar to address pain points, objections, and decision-making criteria for this quarter. Specify objectives, platforms, media types, and…

4. Page 12

   Market Analysis Samantha Strain, a partner with a boutique investment bank focused solely on healthcare, shares insights into strategies for understanding the evolving landscape of dental service organizations (DSOs). Q: How has the DSO market changed over the past 2 years? A: The DSO market has undergone significant shifts that have impacted the acquisition landscape. Historically, DSOs commanded high valuations, but recent market corrections have led to more measured investments. The following trends have emerged: • Downward pressure on valuations. In the past, many private equity backed DSOs aggressively pursued acquisitions, often overpaying for practices. Today, buyers are far more…

5. Page 14

   The Art of Balance: Safeguarding Our Health With Bien-Air's Electric Handpieces Maggie Augustyn, DDS One of the greatest fears that we face as practitioners—and even more gravely as breadwinners—is losing the command of our dominant hand, our moneymaker. That kind of thought produces fear in most, and for me, it's simply a part of my past. I began to have pain in my right hand several years after graduation and then 5 years later needed surgery because of a radial nerve decompression. I was lucky enough to be in a business partnership when I didn't have to worry too much…

6. Page 16

   Ritter Dental Chair Ensures Effortless Patient Access SAN ANTONIO–The Vanguard Dental Unit is a game-changer in dental equipment that combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional value. It enables practices to elevate their operations with a unit designed to deliver performance and style. It stands out with its seamless electric lift, offering a sturdy build that supports more than 400 lbs. Its ambidextrous design, featuring a 30° swivel, ensures effortless patient access and greater flexibility for the dentist. This versatile unit comes with dedicated delivery systems for both the dentist and the assistant. The assistant's side boasts up to 4 instruments and…

7. Page 18

   Tokuyama Dental America Flowable Composite Suitable for Wide Range of Indications ENCINITAS, Calif.— OMNICHROMA Flow is the world's first and only single-shade flowable composite capable of aesthetically shade matching to any tooth color from A1 to D4. Its high strength and wear resistance make it suitable for a wide range of indications beyond cavity lining and minor restorations, giving clinicians the freedom of choice for any direct Class I to V restoration. With aesthetic properties ideal for seamless shade matching in the anterior and strong mechanical properties to hold up in the posterior, OMNICHROMA Flow offers clinicians the benefits of…

8. Page 21

   Milling Solution Features Upgraded, More Robust Spindle IRVINE, Calif.—The new 5-axis DWX 53D Dry Milling Solution is an innovative, easy-to-use dry dental mill that offers significant upgrades over DGSHAPE's previous flagship model, DWX 52D Plus, allowing for even greater productivity, stability, precision, and convenience. The launch of the DWX 53D represents an innovative advancement in dental restorations to deliver the best experience possible to DGSHAPE customers. It features an upgraded, more robust spindle with a 1.5x tool gripping power over the previous DWX 52D Plus model for more efficient, predictable milling of PMMA applications. It offers up to 20% faster…

9. Page 22

   SprintRay 3D Printer Delivers Efficiency, Enhancing Patient Outcomes LOS ANGELES–The Midas 3D printer introduces a groundbreaking era for dental restorations, offering dental professionals unparalleled speed, simplicity, and precision. Powered by revolutionary Digital Press Stereolithography (DPS) technology, Midas can handle viscous, ceramic-filled resins with ease—the resins were previously unmanageable in conventional 3D printing systems. The advanced resin capsule system, combined with Midas' patented DPS process, enables dentists to print lifelike crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers in less than 10 minutes, transforming chairside workflows. Its compact design eliminates the need for messy resin vats or complicated setups, making it an effortless addition…

10. Page 24

    Dental Plus USA Material Transforms Landscape of Restorative Dentistry SOUTH JORDAN, Utah–Every clinic has the same problems with zirconia. The material is extremely hard, brittle, and if the zirconia breaks, it's catastrophic for the patient. The solution is G-CAM, a revolutionary material that is transforming the landscape of restorative dentistry. With FDA approval for final restoration, this innovative, PMMA based material (nanoreinforced with graphene) offers a wide range of benefits for clinics, laboratories, and patients. The material's ease of use is another major advantage for dental clinics. G-CAM can be easily adjusted without the need for specialized tools, allowing for…

11. Page 26

    Pac-Dent Naturalizing Kit Designed for Surface Detailing Across Restorations BREA, Calif.–Rodin Glaze N2-Free and Rodin Palette N2-Free Naturalizing Kit are a groundbreaking resin characterization system set to redefine the staining and glazing procedure for printed dental restorations. This innovative system has been designed for surface detailing across a wide range of dental restorations, including hybrid ceramics, PMMA resins, and CAD/CAM composites, ensuring compatibility with various workflows. Rodin Glaze N2-Free offers a new level of restoration finishing by neutralizing the oxygen inhibition layer, ensuring complete polymerization without the tacky surface commonly caused by oxygen exposure during the curing process. Designed to…

12. Page 27

    INNOVATIONS 27 Glidewell Mouthguard Provides Unprecedented Access to Health Metrics NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.— ORB Sport Smart Mouthguard is a first-of-its kind protective oral appliance that also tracks physiology and biomechanics. Because ordinary fitness trackers can't be safely worn during many contact and combat sport activities, athletes are often unable to monitor key performance indicators when it matters most. The ORB Sport mouthguard enables these athletes to track heart rate, monitor movement, and measure head impacts while training or competing. Designed first and foremost for oral protection, the ORB Sport mouthguard is fabricated from the certified ERODENT brand FVA plastic materials…

13. Page 28

    Cleartooth Electronics X-Rays Offer Review and Comparison in Various Formats BOULDER, Colo.–Cleartooth Digital X-Ray redefines how dentists view x-rays. With unmatched image clarity and reliability, Cleartooth streamlines capturing, storing, and sharing of high-quality dental x-rays. Designed to flow with one's work, Cleartooth's simple yet powerful features, like its intelligent mounting system, make taking x-rays quick and easy. These versatile mounts adapt to changing needs, whether capturing bite wings, taking a full-mouth series, or PAs on the fly. Retakes and extra shots are flexible and convenient. One can review and compare x-rays in various formats with just a click. Cleartooth's advanced…

14. Page 30

    Advantage Dental Products Desensitizer Provides Daily Protection Against Microleakage LAKE ORION, Mich.–Hemaseal & CIDE Desensitizer eliminates postoperative sensitivity with its proven 4% chlorhexidine formula. Compatible with all dentin adhesives and soft tissue friendly, it can also significantly increase bond strength with providing as much as 2 times the antimicrobial capability compared to other desensitizers. Safe and effective, Hemaseal & CIDE provides daily protection against sensitivity and microleakage. It is available in a traditional bottle (10 mL) or single-dose delivery. For a free sample, visit the website located at advantagedentalinc.com/request-sample. tachments Help Revolutionize Aligner Treatment ST. PAUL, Minn.–Clarity Precision Grip Attachments…

15. Page 32

    Dental Savings Club Lightweight Intraoral Camera Produces Crystal-Clear Images MONTREAL–The Wolf Cam's combination of HD images (1,280 x 720p) and user-friendly features is a game-changer for dental professionals. Its slim design and automatic auto-focus are handy for finding those hard-to-reach areas. With its 105° view angle and automatic auto-focus capturing HD images (1,280 x 720p) sounds like a breeze. The slim, lightweight design is definitely a plus for maneuverability. And the freeze-before-capturing feature should help with getting the perfect shot without any blur. The Wolf Cam's sleeves allow it to produce a crystal-clear image at an amazing price point. It…

16. Page 34

    In First Impressions, George Freedman, DDS, gives readers a brief summary of products that have recently been introduced to dentistry, based on his clinical experience. Evanesce Silk Clinician's Choice The choice of a restorative material is a critical one for the practitioner; it affects the daily workflow of the practice, patient satisfaction, and, ultimately, the long-term success of the dental procedure. Evanesce Silk, recently introduced by Clinician's Choice, offers a nano-enhanced universal restorative composite that fulfills these important criteria. ria and more. It provides smooth handling at a softer consistency than Evanesce, making placement and sculpting fast and easy without…

17. Page 36

    Industry News TruAbutment Acquires Dentca TruAbutment has announced its acquisition of Dentca. The move marks TruAbutment's expansion into the rapidly growing 3D printing sector, reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation in dental technology. The acquisition includes Dentca's software and printing material expertise, properly positioning TruAbutment to thoroughly enhance its digital workflow solutions. The Dentca team and operations began the process of integrating into TruAbutment's Irvine, Calif, headquarters starting in February. Great Lakes Dental Technologies Announces Evergreen Recognition Great Lakes Dental Technologies is proud to announce the completion of a meticulous assessment process to earn designation as a Certified Evergreen company,…

18. Page 38

    ScanEdge: Digital Profitability Symposium The ScanEdge: Digital Profitability Symposium will take place from April 25 through April 26 at the Glidewell Clinical Education Center in Irvine, Calif. It will focus on helping dentists reap the benefits of incorporating digital dentistry into their dental practice. With hands-on workshops and fast-paced problem lectures from experts in the field, the symposium is designed to provide attendees with an up-to-date understanding of the current landscape of digital dentistry. Rotations through scanning, milling, and 3D printing stations will offer practical learning, including instruction on scanning for study models, aligners, dentures, crowns and bridges, occlusal appliances,…

19. Page 42

    DENTISTRY TODAY® 15th ANNUAL Top 25 Implant Products Dentistry Today's Readers' Choice Top 25 Implant Products, selected on the basis of lead generation, represent some of the profession's most innovative implant products. The products appear in no particular order. Aseptico The 7000 Series dental motor is one of the most powerful and comprehensive dental motor systems available. Its all-in-one platform provides specialists-level performance across oral surgery, implantology, rotary endo, and restorative applications. Features that set the 7000 Series dental motor apart include (1) the ability to place implants up to 80 Ncm; (2) an advanced dynamometer contra-angle calibration system; (3)…

20. Page 44

    Top 25 Implant Products TruAbutment Available in 3 lengths (short, medium, and long), ioConnect caters to each patient's anatomy and various implant placements. The 2 biggest conveniences with this full-arch scan body are that you can use your current intraoral scanner (IOS) and that the user only needs to focus on scanning the hexagonal zone without having to scan all the scant bodies, which will help reduce the scanning margin errors. This also helps the dental assistants, as well as patients because it significantly reduces the scanning speed. The scanned data of ioConnect then will be exported to the CAD…

21. Page 45

    Top 25 Implant Products Neocis Yomi is the first and only FDA-cleared, robot-assisted dental surgery system. It is a computerized navigational system intended to provide assistance in the planning (preoperative) and the surgical (intraoperative) phases of dental implantation surgery. The system provides software to preoperatively plan dental implantation procedures and provides robotic guidance of the surgical instruments. Yomi's unique haptic guidance allows the dentist to retain direct visualization throughout the dental implant procedure. The dental surgeon remains in control and in direct contact with the instruments and the patient. It offers top-of-the-line technology that can take one's talent and practice…

22. Page 46

    Top 25 Implant Products Bicon Dental Implants The SHORT Implant design comprises plateaus, sloping shoulders, and a bacterially sealed, 1.5° locking taper implant-to-abutment connection. With the plateau design, cortical-like bone forms around and between each plateau, which allows for the routine use of 5.0-mm short implants. The sloping shoulder provides the necessary room for bone to support interdental papillae that is gingivally esthetic. Bicon's 360° universal abutment positioning provides for the revolutionary cementless and screwless Integrated Abutment Crown, consistently offering a nonmetallic esthetic gingival margin. For more information, call (800) 882-4266. o provide a simple and efficient solution for clinicians,…

23. Page 47

    Top 25 Implant Products Ray America RAYFace is one of best AI-driven 3D facial scanners, set to revolutionize communication among patients, clinicians, and clinicians while seamlessly integrating patients' facial, intraoral, and CBCT data into a unified solution. The implications are clear, with a positive impact on a practice's return on investment, improved clinical outcomes, and reduced costs. With a simple mouse click, it effortlessly captures high-resolution 3D images, rendering traditional methods like custom impression trays and external scan body devices obsolete. The result is a comprehensive patient profile, allowing for a precise restoration design that perfectly complements the patient's facial…

24. Page 50

    Intraoral Photogrammetry: The Next Step in Full-Arch Implant Precision The dental industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological innovations that are transforming patient care, diagnosis, and treatment planning. The transformation from film to digital radiographs has greatly enhanced the clinician's ability to interpret caries and pathology while improving patient communication. Over the past 20 years, these 2D images have been augmented with 3D images made possible with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and interactive treatment planning software. Physical impressions for crown and bridge dentistry have now been modernized with intraoral scanning, creating the first digital workflows when combined with milling…

25. Page 52

    Intraoral Photogrammetry... continued from page 50 for digital workflows for many procedures, traditional intraoral scanners often fall short in full-arch dental implant cases, making these scenarios especially complex and prone to inaccuracies. Understanding the Limitations of Intraoral Scanning for Full-Arch Cases Intraoral scanners work by using a series of images taken in rapid succession, which, through the magic of computer software algorithms, are then stitched together to form a virtual 3D model. While this technique is effective for single tooth restorations, it is prone to errors when larger areas are scanned, especially when multiple implants are involved, such as for…

26. Page 53

    IMPLANTS 53 [IMAGE: Photo of HACS kit - a white and gold case containing various dental scan bodies and instruments] The resulting model can be directly transferred into CAD/CAM software (Figure 6b) for immediate use in designing restorations, eliminating the need for separate scans and manual data alignment. CONCLUSION The popularity of full-arch implant reconstruction has increased dramatically in the last decade providing aesthetic and functional solutions for patients who are missing teeth. In addition, due to advanced imaging capabilities, clinicians have improved methods of assessing the bone to allow for simultaneous procedures including tooth extractions, bone reduction, and implant…

27. Page 54

    Prepless 3D Printed Ceramic Nanohybrid Veneers: A Case Report Introduction During the past 25 years, patients have increasingly demanded aesthetic dental treatments that not only transform the appearance of their smile but also preserve and maintain as much of their natural tooth structure as possible. Fortunately, due to continuous material and technique developments, dentists and their laboratory partners can provide highly aesthetic and durable restorations that require little to no tooth preparation in the form of prepless, ultra-thin veneers.¹ What's more, technological innovations—combined with transformations of practice and laboratory dynamics—have broadened the scope of potential restorative considerations and patients' aesthetic…

28. Page 56

    Figure 1. Preoperative, full-facial smile view of a male patient presenting with short and retroclined maxillary right and left lateral incisors. Figure 2. Preoperative close-up view of the patient's natural smile emphasizing the "shadowed" appearance of bent nos. 7 and 10. Figure 3. Close-up view after healing of the gingivectomy at nos. 7 and 10. Note the enhanced balance of white/pink aesthetics across the maxillary arch. Figure 4. View of the intraoral impression scan captured after healing of the gingivectomy, which us used by the laboratory for designing the Rodin EnVision (Pac Dent) veneers. Figure 5. View of the digitally…

29. Page 57

    AESTHETICS 57 total etch technique. The etchant was placed on the air-abraded surfaces with a light brushing motion for 15 seconds and rinsed off. The teeth were then thoroughly air-dried but not desiccated. Then, using a microapplicator tip, the adhesive bonding agent (Rodin Bond [Pac Dent]) was brushed onto the etched surfaces of teeth Nos. 7 and 10 for 15 seconds (Figure 12). The adhesive was then dried with gentle airflow for 3 to 5 seconds per tooth until a thin, uniform coat was produced. Teeth Nos. 7 and 10 were then cured for 30 seconds each. To definitively seat…

30. Page 58

    Drs. N. Cory Glenn and Daniel Domingue present a FREE LIVE ∞ WEBINAR on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 expanding on this article's topic. Scan QR code or visit webinar to register. FP1 Full-Arch Implant Restorations INTRODUCTION The advancements in full arch dental implantology have provided dentists and their patients with tremendous advantages in restoring proper function and aesthetics when natural dentitions fail. Full arch implant prosthetics have been classified by McGarry¹ based on their aesthetic and functional demands into FP1, FP2, and FP3 restorations. The FP1 classified encompasses implant-supported prosthesis that aim to exactly replicate the appearance and function of…

31. Page 59

    CASE REPORT A young male adult presented with a failing maxillary dentition (Figures 3 and 4). The presenting factors and challenges with this case (Figure 5) included: 1. A high smile line 2. A gummy smile 3. Apical incisal edge position 4. Gingival asymmetry 5. Maxillary excess Upon collecting all the data, the planning stage begins. It is the authors' opinion that figuring out where the ideal teeth should be is the most critical step in any complex case. The pictures of the patient's face (Figure 6) are imported into PowerPoint, and lines are overlaid on the interpupillary line, the…

32. Page 60

    Figure 1. Comparison of FP1 (top) and FP3 (bottom). Figure 2. FP1 tissue type using a provisional to scallop profile. Figure 3. Preoperative maxillary arch failing dentition. Figure 4. Pre-op Panorex. Figure 5. Gummy smile for FP1 conversion. Figure 6. Full-face smile using PowerPoint to determine the new smile line. Figure 7. Two-dimensional smile simulation based on facial analysis. Transparency of the simulation over current teeth was used to guide the digital wax-up. Figure 8. Tooth measurements. Figure 9. How do we translate from the 2D to the 3D world? One very important step is to take the final simulated…

33. Page 61

    PROSTHODONTICS | 61 the post-op to the pre-op is the palatal anatomy, which will be distorted from surgical trauma and injection of anesthetic. By placing 2 implants first before removing the other teeth, an intermediate scan of the arch could be captured, which contained the first 2 implants placed as well as the existing teeth. This allowed it to be easily stitched back to the pre-op data by referencing the existing teeth. However, once all the teeth were removed and the last 2 implants were placed, the final scan was also easily stitched to the pre-op data using the common…

34. Page 62

    Figure 17. A stackable drill guide was used after bone reduction to place the remaining 4 implants. Figure 18. After placing the 3 distal implants and extracting teeth, the scallop guide was seated, and bone was contoured. Figure 19. A stackable drill guide was then used after bone reduction to place the 4 remaining implants. Figure 20. Intraoral scans and photogrammetry scans were imported into the pre-op plan, and implant connections were built into the wax-ups. Figure 21. FP1 delivered. of the ideal temporary, and there was no concern about developing black triangles since the bone had been precisely contoured…

35. Page 64

    Tooth Wear: A 3D Printing Approach To Re-Establish Function and Aesthetics INTRODUCTION Bruxism is a common occurrence observed in our patients. Frequently, those patients do not seek treatment until significant wear has occurred, often only when sensitivity presents, leading them to finally seek treatment. Clenching and bruxism are conditions that have been linked to stress levels, with an increase in incidence in individuals with greater stress levels. This becomes a habit that compromises the teeth and associated structures over time. As the clenching and bruxism become chronic in nature, wear of the teeth is frequently noted. Additionally, some patients may…

36. Page 66

    Tooth Wear: A 3D Printing... continued from page 64 was presented that would involve the placement of onlays on the maxillary posterior teeth and veneers on the maxillary anterior teeth utilizing a no-prep approach. The restorations would be fabricated utilizing 3D printing within restorations and completed in a single appointment. The patient agreed to treatment, and scans of the arches were Figure 1. The patient presented with significant wear on the maxillary arch related to bruxism. Figure 2. The wear was noted to be significant when evaluating the intraoral scan of the maxillary teeth, with the majority of wear on…

37. Page 67

    RESTORATIVE 67 Figure 11. (Left) Virtual facial view of the planned restorations on the arch, and (right) the virtual individual restorations. Figure 12. Some 3D printed restorations on the build plate following printing. teeth to receive the veneers for 30 seconds and then rinsed and dried. Monobond Plus adhesive (Ivoclar) was applied with a microbrush on the intaglio surface of all restorations after sandblasting (aluminum oxide). Variolink Esthetic DC adhesive resin cement shade neutral (Ivoclar) was placed into the veneers, and they were inserted intraorally. Excess cement was removed marginally with a brush and a clear matrix strip slid interproximally…

38. Page 68

    Virtual planning and 3D printing allows single-visit treatment of the tooth wear.... frequent occurrence in dental practice. This leads to tooth wear and a decrease in the VDO. Typically, the patient presents for treatment when either sensitivity is occurring on the teeth showing worn tooth structure related to that bruxism, or sometimes, they are unhappy with the anterior aesthetics and may not have sensitivity. Virtual planning and 3D printing allow single-visit treatment of the tooth wear, restoration of the lost VDO, and improvement in the aesthetics. This is especially true when tooth preparation is not required, and onlays utilized to…

39. Page 72

    The Evolution of Speed Sintering Dinesh Sinha, BDS, PhD, Senior Technical and Marketing Manager, Dental Division, Kuraray America Traditionally, zirconia restorations required several hours in a sintering furnace to achieve optimal strength and aesthetics. This long process limited the ability to provide same day restorations, a growing demand in modern digital dentistry. Many researchers from industry and institutions tried to develop zirconia material that could be speed sintered in conjunction with the development of speed fire sintering furnaces. Until recently, chairside zirconia was considered an opaque, non-aesthetic material that was limited to use in the posterior region. Even in posterior…