Dentistry Today — September 2024

Inside this issue

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

1. Page 6

   Can't Smile Without You This month, we have a special section featuring DENTAL ADVISOR. To quote them, "for a year, DENTAL ADVISOR has supported the dental profession as an independent, third-party research organization with a seasoned team of researchers and clinicians in reporting evidence-based data relating to clinical and laboratory properties of dental products and development. DENTAL ADVISOR has more than 300 clinical advisors nationwide and a state-of-the art biomaterials research center with the ability to review products and equipment preor post-market, and extensive marketing capabilities to promote these innovations." I hope you are all familiar with their work. Their…

2. Page 8

   The True Power of Dentistry is an Untold Story The true power of dentistry is an untold story, and so is the devastation caused by chronic oral disease. In 2017, standing before a panel of industry leaders and dental professionals at Speaking/Consulting Network Conference's Spotlight on Speaking (SOS) competition, I recounted my brother Tony's tragic story of oral neglect, disease, and eventual death. I said what I knew to be true:"We are physicians of the oral cavity. When we diagnose and treat oral diseases, we save lives." From that day on, I knew I had found my voice in dentistry.…

3. Page 10

   VIEWPOINT continued from page 8 sicians treating Williams had noted and understood the significance of his oral condition, might they have taken some measures to protect him from the invasion of oral pathogens? Would they have taken him off the ventilator and pulled the decayed teeth? At that point, what can be done? pathogen-induced blood infection. He also developed bacterial endocarditis. Within a week, a gangrenous infection led to a bilateral foot amputation. After dozens of tests, medical specialists were baffled. One told me, "Dr. Glasper, we cannot figure out where his infection is coming from." I told them I…

4. Page 12

   Experience Revolutionary Dental Air Purification Technology The Unhealthy Reality Dental professionals, the unsung heroes of oral health, deserve a spotlight on the air they breathe. Shockingly, their work environment has earned the title of "most unhealthy" in North America. Brace yourself for some eye-opening statistics: 74% of North Americans suffer from indoor air quality anxiety (data on file), and 6 of 10 employees quit over poor indoor air quality in their places of business (data on file). But worry not; we're here to revolutionize their indoor air quality and transform their work environments, aligning with the latest guidelines advocating for…

5. Page 14

   Bien-Air Handpiece Ensures Unparalleled Visibility and Access IRVINE, Calif.–The Nova Contra Angle 1:5 Micro Series Handpiece sets a new benchmark for dental precision and comfort. As the smallest, lightest, and shortest handpiece in its class (data on file), this tool is designed with the modern dentist's needs in mind. Its compact head—the smallest available with a 4-port spray—ensures unparalleled visibility and access, allowing for meticulous attention to detail in even the most confined spaces. Constructed from stainless steel, the Nova is not only incredibly lightweight but also remarkably durable. The Micro Series version, which is the shortest, offers exceptional maneuverability…

6. Page 16

   Ritter Dental Chair Delivers Performance and Style 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 tilt, 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

   Solmetex Evacuator Provides Clinicians With Isolation Technology to Maximize Comfort and Productivity MARLBOROUGH, Mass—Dry-Shield combines a high-suction evacuator, a bite block, a tongue shield, a cheek retractor, and an oral pathway protector in one device. It streamlines procedures, saving 25% to 40% of one's time, and improves outcomes. Work on 2 quadrants simultaneously with optimal retraction, moisture control, and visibility. DryShield offers hands free isolation, replacing traditional tools, while its high volume suction reduces airborne pathogens. Available in autoclavable and single use options, DryShield provides clinicians with isolation technology that maximizes comfort, and productivity. For more information, call (877) 207-1551…

8. Page 21

   TECHNOLOGY 21 SPOTLIGHT NSK Dental Handpiece Provides Maximum Protection, Optimal Cooling HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL—The Ti-Max Z95L with switch functionality is NSK's newest 1:5 increasing electric handpiece. Instantly switch between a water spray or a water jet with the world's first 2-way spray technology. When extra safety is needed, just the water jet provides maximum protection while offering optimal cooling. Infection protection comes standard. The DualDefense system offers a clean head system that prevents vents cross contamination of the air lines, and anti-retraction valves in the high-speed handpieces and electric micromotor to prevent cross contamination of the waterlines. For more information,…

9. Page 22

   My glidewell.io Experience K. T. Dao, DDS, and her team run Elite Dental Studio in Dallas, where she brings more than 25 years of experience in dentistry to offer comprehensive general, cosmetic, and orthodontic dental care. Dentistry Today took the opportunity to talk to her about her experience using the glidewell.io In-Office Solution at this stage of her career, and how she's leveraging CAD/CAM technology to save money and gain a competitive edge. Q: What was your experience with digital dentistry prior to acquiring a glidewell.io mill? A: My initial experience with digital dentistry was about 10 years ago in…

10. Page 23

    That saves so much time! I'm eagerly anticipating the launch of Obsidian NOW to be able to provide even more treatment options to my patients. Q: What's the financial benefit of being able to fabricate your own restorations without a lab? A: Handling restorations in-house has so many financial perks. I save a lot on lab bills by making restorations myself, which is much cheaper than sending them out. Plus, I can see more patients in less time. Patients love the convenience and quality so much that they often refer others, which means more revenue for my practice. Q: What…

11. Page 24

    Dentsply Sirona Universal Adhesive Overcomes Surface Tension of Water CHARLOTTE, NC–Prime&Bond active Universal Adhesive is designed for all etching methods and indications. It features patented Active Guard technology, which is a significant advancement in adhesive chemistry that actively controls moisture on the prepared surface. Even if dentin is very wet or dry, Prime&Bond active is simple to use and provides consistent results for a strong, reliable bond. With Prime&Bond active, dental professionals can focus on the treatment with confidence, knowing that their performance and efficiency are optimized. Patented Active Guard technology balances hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties and helps achieve optimal…

12. Page 26

    Directa USA Pediatric Crowns Mimic Anatomy of Primary Teeth NEWTOWN, Conn.–Ceramir Pediatric Crowns set a new standard in restorative dentistry for children. Utilizing patented laser sintering technology, these crowns feature a homogeneous, glass-like structure, providing natural translucency and a high-gloss surface. The crowns mimic the anatomy of primary teeth in color and shape, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The advanced technology used in Ceramir Pediatric Crowns allows for the creation of crowns with very thin walls. These crowns can be easily repaired chairside with additional composite material, enabling minimally invasive procedures and preserving as much tooth structure as…

13. Page 28

    Kerr Universal Adhesive Delivers Excellent Penetration Into Dentinal Tubules BREA, Calif.–Powered by Kerr's patented GPDM technology and now enriched with MDP, OptiBond Universal 360 is a single-component universal adhesive effective on virtually all common substrates. One bottle is used for etching, priming, and bonding. This universal adhesive is effective with as little as one coat and delivers exceptional bond strength to direct and indirect substrates, including dentin, enamel, zirconia, metal, ceramic, and composite. Kerr's patented Ternary Solvent System technology and optimal balance of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity deliver excellent penetration into dentinal tubules for extraordinary bond strength and protection against microleakage…

14. Page 30

    GuidedSMILE Surgical/Restorative Guide Produces Metal-Guided Bone Reduction INDEPENDENCE, Ohio—CHROME GuidedSMILE is the market-leading, patent-protected All-on-X surgical/restorative guide that has been adopted by doctors and specialists nationally and internationally. It delivers toothor tissue-anchored bite verification, metal guided bone reduction, secure site drilling, and accurate prostodontics. It only takes 2 to 3 appointments to transfer restorative information for the final restorative conversion. The team provides full support through the records phase, expert tooth and implant placement replanning, live online implant planning and approval, and on-demand chairside services. For more information, call (800) 228-6663 or visit roedentailab.com/chrome. Sensor Holders Provide Ultimate Patient Comfort…

15. Page 32

    Restoration Success Using OptiBond Universal 360 Adhesive Ryan Savage, DDS When it comes to restorative dentistry, a versatile, strong, and durable dental adhesive that bonds effectively to enamel and dentin and seals the margins is all a critically important factor for long-term restoration success. In my practice, we perform many different types of dental restorations, so access to a universal adhesive that delivers superior results and is easy to work with is a key consideration. In a recent case, a patient scheduled a visit to evaluate 6 older porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns on teeth Nos. 6 to 11 in the…

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. Pre+Post+Probiotic Kit StellaLife The dental profession recognizes the impact of healthy oral and gut bacteria on oral and systemic health. The difficulties lie in finding suitable products to recommend to patients, and in motivating patients to take them regularly. Rather than trying to enforce a complicated regimen, it is easier to suggest a comprehensive, easy to use system. StellaLife's natural Pre+Post+ Probiotic Kit combines oral and gut probiotics that enhance the digestive microbiome, reducing halitosis…

17. Page 36

    Q & A G-CAM is the Zirconia Alternative Patients, Clinics, and Labs Have Been Waiting For Hyrum Anderson, of Dental Plus USA, discusses this revolutionary new material. Hyrum Anderson Q: What is G-CAM? A: It is a millable, dental biopolymer restorative material that is FDA-cleared for definitive restorations. It is indicated for All-on-X arches, crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures. Q: Who manufactures G-CAM? A: Graphenano Dental is the manufacturer of G-CAM. It is a graphene manufacturing company located in Spain. The company created a way to use graphene to improve products in many different industries, including health, beauty, dental, industrial,…

18. Page 38

    Lasers DIODE BIOLASE Epic Hygiene is the only hygiene-only laser FDA-cleared for laser bacterial reduction. It is the total solution to meeting your patients' early-stage periodontic needs, helping to minimize aerosols and increase practice revenue. Premium features include a handpiece tailored to fit hygiene usage, an intuitive interface with procedure presets, and an industrytry-leading battery with more than 8 hours of operation. Add Epic Hygiene LBR and increase revenue significantly while improving patient care. For more information, call (833) BIOLASE (246-5273) or visit biolase.com/epichygiene. Reasons to Buy: • Epic Hygiene laser is a reliable partner, built to last, and designed…

19. Page 40

    Shofu Dental DentaLaze is a cost-effective, wireless diode laser with superior performance and a compact, modern design. It delivers 3 W of constant and 5 W of pulsed, infrared power at 808 nm with a distinctive green aiming beam for enhanced visual clarity during procedures. It is effective for a multitude of intraoral, soft-tissue procedures, such as gingivectomy, frenectomy, and impression troughing. It is perfect for the dental practice looking for greater patient comfort for soft-tissue procedures. For more information, call (800) 827-4638 or visit shofu.com. r curing light (866) 999-2635 | amdlasers.com soft-tissue diode laser (877) 877-1500 | caogroup.com…

20. Page 45

    Why Learn Supragingival Minimally Invasive Adhesive Dentistry? Because when used properly, adhesive dentistry breaks every rule, and it makes dentistry more minimally invasive, healthier, faster, and easier than ever before. Most dentists don't use adhesive dentistry to its true potential and continue to spend time treating proximity boxes, retentive walls, and other geometric preparation efforts and packing cord and fighting bleeding gums. Also, supragingival adhesive dentistry and occlusal management go hand in hand on every restorative procedure, from a simple composite filling to a minimally invasive veneer and onlay rehabilitation. When you implement these techniques, you can say goodbye to…

21. Page 46

    Industry News Transform Your Dental Practice with DS Core's Comprehensive Digital Dentistry Platform DS Core is an open platform solution that helps dental labs and practices unlock the power of digital dentistry. It offers easy order acceptance, communication of design proposals with the dentist in real-time, and seamless integration of data into the lab's choice of preferred software. Since its launch, DS Core inspired many users around the world. As an open ordering and collaboration solution, it connects dentists and dental labs in a broad network for efficient collaboration. On top of all, DS Core is open for numerous data…

22. Page 48

    COMPANY PROFILE DENTAL ADVISOR: An Industry-Disrupting Service Provider DENTAL ADVISOR has been a pioneering force in the dental industry, offering unbiased, evidence-based, and clinically relevant information on dental restorative products, infection control products, and equipment since 1983. The company started as a small group of dental professionals aiming to share accurate, tested information, and has since grown into a global leader with more than 300 clinical advisors and a state-of-the-art biomaterials laboratory equipped with advanced testing capabilities. DENTAL ADVISOR is an industry-disrupting service provider that challenges dental professionals and dental product distributors to push their limits on improving product quality…

23. Page 50

    2024 Top Award Winners BONDING AGENT: UNIVERSAL Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive 3M | (800) 634-2249 | 3m.com/dental COMPOSITE: HIGHLY FILLED FLOWABLE CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow Kuraray America | (800) 879-1676 | kuraraydental.com Top Features: • Highly Aesthetic: Restorations are lifelike and polish to a high shine. Material is very blendable with excellent optical properties. • Ideal Viscosity: Placement is simple without running or slumping, and the material adapts well to cavity walls, as well as flows into undercuts and narrow areas. Evaluator Comments: • "The material blended so well with the tooth structure that you had to really look to…

24. Page 60

    Direct Composite Veneers Using a Predictable Technique INTRODUCTION Achieving porcelain-like veneer results using more conservative treatment options is now more possible than ever. With composites as an alternative to more costly veneer materials, patients can affordably enhance their smiles without compromising enamel of their dentitions. This approach allows clinicians to avoid some of the major disadvantages of indirect restorations, such as excessive preparations of teeth and damage to surrounding tissues.1 There are several direct restorative techniques that have been modified to achieve aesthetic anterior composite veneers, such as freehand layering, silicone index techniques, injection molding, and composite filling using a…

25. Page 62

    First, the gingival margin was created using a flowable composite in shade A2 (Filtek Supreme Flowable Restorative [3M]) (Figure 7) to improve the seal between the matrix and the tooth. Once the gingival margins were filled, the doors of the Filtek Matrix were closed, ensuring excess material was removed around the door and gingival margin, and the composite was light cured for 20 seconds. Next, the incisal edge was built up using shade A1B (Filtek Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative [3M]), increasing the vertical dimension of occlusion and creating a better shape where the patient had chipped teeth. It is recommended…

26. Page 64

    Large Restorations Using a Direct-Indirect Resin Technique INTRODUCTION Light-cure resins provide predictable results when restoring small and medium-sized cavities. Large cavities, however, present a unique set of challenges that can be more difficult to solve with resin-based composites. In large cavities, clinicians are concerned about the polymerization stress and shrinkage of composites, and they know that it can be difficult to achieve anatomic form, proper contours, interproximal and occlusal contacts, and marginal adaptation with resins. As a result, indirect ceramic restorations are often the preferred treatment, but if a dental clinic does not have the digital workflow to offer patients…

27. Page 65

    restorations, light curing after each layer (Figures 7 to 9). Whenever possible, I prefer to use dynamic, biomimetic materials that can provide benefits to patients. For this case, I used ACTIVA Presto (Pulpdent). Presto is a bioactive resin enriched with Crysta MCP (methacrylate-functionalized calcium phosphate) technology. Crysta is an MCP additive that supports remineralization of tooth structure with release and recharge of calcium and phosphate. Presto also contains fluoride and a rubberized resin component that distributes occlusal forces, transmits the least amount of stress to the dentition, and provides toughness and resistance to chipping and fractures. The viscosity allows for…

28. Page 68

    Simplified Smile Enhancement and Implant Placement Using 3D Printing INTRODUCTION Until recently, CAD/CAM technology was the latest advancement in dental technology. Now, 3D printing is quickly becoming the next step in the digital revolution. The dental industry has quickly adopted 3D printing both chairside and in dental labs. Dentists, dental assistants, and technicians can accurately and efficiently produce study models, smile design models, implant surgical guides, occlusal guards, clear aligners, dentures, custom trays, provisional restorations, and permanent restorations. Dentists implement 3D printing technologies in-house because of their efficient turnaround time and accessibility. According to Dental Tribune, between 2023 and 2025,…

29. Page 69

    Figure 1. Full face view of the 16 year old patient seeking cosmetic restoration of missing permanent teeth and a retained primary molar. Figure 2. Intraoral view of the 16 year old patient. Note: The patient is missing his upper left lateral, lower right, and left lateral incisors. The lower right and left lower canines have been orthodontically moved into the lateral incisor positions. Figure 3. Intraoral view of the now 20 year old patient. The patient had received restorative treatment that he and his parents did not feel acceptable so he sought a second opinion. There were Maryland bridges…

30. Page 70

    Figure 10. The STL file acquired for the surgical guide. This file was uploaded to the printer software. The supports were generated for the print, and the guide was then printed. Figure 11. The surgical guide in the mouth for the fully guided surgical implant placement. The guide was fabricated from V-Print SG printing resin (VOCO). Figure 12. Intraoral view of the printed provisionals in the mouth 16 weeks after placement. Note the health of the gingiva and papilla around all the restored teeth, especially around the upper left lateral incisor implant. Figure 13. Smiling view of the final layered…

31. Page 72

    Using Facial Imaging to Help With Cosmetic Cases INTRODUCTION As technology becomes a more significant part of the modern dental practice, the question often raised is "What do I really need?" True scenarios in the market a few years ago and have become more enhanced and accessible to the practitioner, but what is their role, and where do they shine? At this point in time, one can consider this technology a luxury rather than a necessity, but there have quite a few scenarios where a face scanner has definitely helped enhance the outcomes, treatment planning, and communication necessary to provide…

32. Page 74

    Using Facial Imaging to Help With... continued from page 72 Knowing that porcelain would have to be fabricated over the soft-tissue void, it was beneficial to be able to view the tissue utilizing a face scan superimposed over the jaw scan to determine how much it could be bulked out with porcelain without impinging on the lips (Figures 3 to 5). Utilizing design software (cad), virtual gingiva can be designed to communicate to the ceramist the placement and thickness of the pink porcelain needed to mask the defect CASE 2. (Figures 6 and 7). The desired wax-up can be simultaneously…

33. Page 76

    TECHNOLOGY CASE 3. Figure 32. Pre-op smile photo. Figure 33. Pre-op magnified view. Figure 34. RAYFace smile design studio (Ray America). Figure 35. Smile design with 4 anterior teeth (Nos. 7 to 10). Figure 36. Smile design with 2 anterior teeth (Nos. 8 and 9). Figure 37. Smile Figure 38. Digital design of 4 anterior shell temps. Figure 39. The 3D printed shell temps. Figure 40. Shell temporaries inserted in smile. Figure 41. Final ceramics for Nos. 7 to 10, magnified view. Figure 42. Final ceramics for Nos. 7 to 10, close-up smile. Using Facial Imaging to Help With... continued…

34. Page 78

    From Implant Placement to Emergency Intervention INTRODUCTION When I opened my Philadelphia dental practice in 2011, one of the first pieces of equipment I purchased was a cone beam unit, described below. Recently, it detected a serious, life-changing abnormality in a patient, something a standard panoramic x-ray would not have been able to find. CASE REPORT Not a Routine New Patient Appointment A few months ago, a new patient in her early 20s visited my office for a routine hygiene appointment. She reported no oral discomfort or preexisting health conditions. During the examination, it was noted that the patient had…

35. Page 80

    From Implant Placement to... continued from page 78 hospital surgeons and ENT specialists. The patient is just beginning the early stages of sinus reconstruction, which will require multiple surgeries and bone grafts to close the hole between her sinus and oral cavity. The bone grafting required cannot be performed with the bone matrix commonly used in implant dentistry. Hospital surgeons will most likely have to take bone tissue from her She came into the office for a routine cleaning and dramatically changed her life. ribs or hip. Ultimately, the patient will probably be unable to have traditional implants placed. One…

36. Page 84

    Speed Sintering Zirconia Dinesh Sinha, BDS, PhD, senior technical and marketing manager, dental division, Kuraray America In the last decade, dentistry has witnessed a remarkable evolution with the introduction of innovative materials and technologies. Among these advancements, the speed of sintering zirconia has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the fabrication of zirconia restorations. Zirconia, a robust ceramic material known for its strength, has gained aesthetic appeal and is fast becoming the preferred choice in dentistry. However, the traditional sintering process was time-consuming, and most zirconia restorations were fabricated by dental technicians at their dental labs. The advent of speed sintering…