Kellie Nock is the assistant editor for Dental Products Report. She graduated from Kent State University in 2018 with a Bachelor's in Journalism. Kellie enjoys multimedia content creation with a focus on audio and video storytelling. 

A probiotics kit comprised of oral and gut probiotics to restore flora and maintain a healthy mouth.

Patients can take 1 lozenge of Oral Pre+Probiotic or 1 capsule of Spore Probiotic either at home or at the dental practice. 

Microorganisms in the human body play a large role in health, and cultivating a healthy microbiome for those microorganisms is important for overall health. Prebiotics and postbiotics boost oral and gut flora, creating a healthy microbiome.

The StellaLife Pre+Post+Probiotics Kit contains 2 varieties of probiotics for both the oral microbiome and gut microbiome. It deploys 6 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of 9 essential strains in the oral probiotic and includes vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc in the prebiotic. In the gut spore kit, StellaLife has deployed 7.5 billion CFUs of 5 essential strains and 10 billion CFUs of necessary postbiotics in an easy-to-digest vegetable capsule. Spore probiotics are hardier in stomach acid, lasting longer to help the gut. This kit contains each of these components necessary for building both a healthy oral microbiome and gut microbiome.

Articles

StellaLife has compiled a convenient kit of prebiotics and postbiotics to maintain healthy flora in both the oral microbiome and the gut. 

5Ws* StellaLife Pre+Post+Probiotics Kit 

Convergent Dental, maker of the Solea All-Tissue Dental Laser tabbed a quintet of experienced laser dentists to form its new Clinical Advisory Board.

The five dentists selected for the board are among the most experienced with the Solea laser, a 9.3-micron CO

 laser that can be used for virtually anesthesia-free, blood-free, and pain-free hard and soft tissue procedures. The new board is tasked with supporting the adoption Solea lasers and helping to steer the development of future applications for the laser.

"Solea is a multiplier at the center of the practice. It enables dentists to streamline current procedures and expand to new procedures, while complementing adjacent technologies," says Convergent Dental CEO Robert L. Gershon in a press release. "Our new clinical advisors have years of experience with Solea and understand firsthand the multitude of ways Solea can benefit patients and practices. We look forward to the insights they will bring to our growth strategy as we continue to drive the broad-based adoption of Solea."

The following 5 dentists are the members of the new Convergent Clinical Advisory Board: Tim Anderson, DDS, Jeff Rohde, DDS, Christopher Blair, DDS, Jenny Jackson, DMD, and Jared Poplin, DMD.

Based in Bismarck, ND, Dr Anderson focuses his practice around dental technology and lectures on topics including CAD/CAM, CBCT imaging, 3D printing, and CO

 dental lasers. He also serves as a faculty member at 3D Dentists.

Dr Rohde practices in Santa Barbara, California, where he focuses on innovative restorative and surgical technologies. He founded Dentalcompare, the online dental product database, and currently serves on the 

Clinical Advisory Board. An international speaker, Dr Rohde shares his expertise in topics including laser dentistry, digital dentistry, and clear aligners.

Dr Blair practices in Oakville, Ontario where he spends free time cycling. This hobby is also his main vehicle for charitable fundraising, an area where he has helped raise thousands of dollars to benefit charities supporting children with cancer.

Dr Jackson practices pediatric dentistry in Asheville, NC, is the immediate past president of the North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and serves as an adjunct assistant professor at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Dental School.

Dr Poplin also practices pediatric dentistry, and is known for his knowledge of nitrous oxide, general anesthesia, and dental trauma. Dr Poplin has provided volunteer dental care in Haiti.

Five dentists with extensive laser experience have been tapped with helping to guide the direction of this breakthrough dental laser company.

Convergent Dental Names 5 Dentists to New Clinical Advisory Board

US Endo Partners Now Known as Specialized Dental Partners: Credit: © Specialized Dental Partners


Specialty dental service organization (SDSO) US Endo Partners has announced it is changing its name to Specialized Dental Partners, a move that reflects the organization’s inclusion of periodontists and oral surgeons earlier this year.

At the core of the change is the doctor-led, doctor-driven organization's decision in early 2023 to welcome periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons to their growing community as part of a revolutionary move in the industry to be the first SDSO to offer practice support services for interdisciplinary, integrated oral health care. US Endo Partners also was the first SDSO for endodontists.

"We wanted our company name to be an accurate reflection of the entire group," says Vladana Bacbic Tal, DMD, Specialized Dental Partners Chief Clinical Officer and endodontist partner, in a press release. "Our name may have changed but our mission remains the same: To drive meaningful opportunity and growth for our teammates as we pursue excellence together. Just like when the company began in 2018, we are committed to our core values and to reaching great heights through innovation, communication, sharing best demonstrated practices, and an unrelenting focus on patient-centered care."

As US Endo, the company grew rapidly after its 2018 inception by partnering with top-tier specialists across the country and providing expert business support so that clinicians could focus solely on delivering outstanding patient care.

Concurrent with the name change, the organization, which began with 4 partner practices, celebrated crossing the threshold of partnership with more than 200 practices. Specialized Dental Partners now supports more than 300 clinicians in 34 states across the country.

"Our goal is to unwaveringly support our clinicians and their teams so that they can provide better access to care to the communities they serve. Our continued growth will accelerate by aligning endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery, so that patients have a convenient and cost-effective way to access specialty dental care when they need it," Scotte Hudsmith, Specialized Dental Partners Chief Executive Officer adds in the press release. "We have no doubt that the integrated oral health care model is the best way forward."

Specialized Dental Partners, founded in 2018 with a focus on endodontics, provides comprehensive operational support services to its clinicians, facilitates peer-to peer accountability, leadership, and mentoring, helps to apply best demonstrated practices, fosters innovative new technologies, and reinvests resources to improve practice performance, according to the organization.

Name change reflects organization’s addition of periodontists and oral surgeons to the specialty dental service organization.

US Endo Partners Now Known as Specialized Dental Partners

Medit to Premiere CAD Software at Online Innovation Day 2023. Image: © Medit


This year’s Medit Innovation Day will feature the debut of Medit’s newest technology offering–ClinicCAD. This free, virtual event will feature the new, artificial intelligence (AI) - powered CAD software from Medit, as well as 5 sessions hosted by dental KOLs.

“Medit Innovation Day 2023 marks an important moment as we get ready to introduce Medic ClinicCAD,” CEO of Medit, GB Ko says in a press release from the company. “This unveiling shows how committed we are to helping dentists with new solutions that make their work easier, faster, and improve patient care. It reflects our strong drive to reshape dental technology.”

Medit Innovation Day will take place on October 5, 2023, wherein they will show off ClinicCAD’s scan-to-design technology indicated for the design of crowns, bridges, inlays, and temporaries, per the press release. The AI in ClinicCAD allows clinicians to accurately and efficiently design dental prosthetics, touting an ease-of-use as well as the added benefit of Mac-compatibility. This will make ClinicCAD the only Mac-compatible dental CAD software available, per the press release.

“Medit Innovation Day 2023 highlights our commitment to merging AI capabilities with dental expertise,” Medit CTO Michael Lee says in the press release. “MeditClinicCAD, the spotlight of this event, not only revolutionizes design but also seamlessly integrates with 3D fabrication technologies. This integration bridges the gap between imagination and creation, showcasing the future of dental innovation.”

Medit aims to show off its new CAD software at its free, virtual Innovation Day on October 5, 2023. 

Medit to Premiere CAD Software at Online Innovation Day 2023 

TBS Dental Teams Up with Wounded Warrior Project. Image: © TBS Dental © Wounded Warrior Project


TBS Dental and the Wounded Warrior Project will team up in an effort to support wounded veterans by fundraising for services like mental health support, rehabilitative care, and more initiatives. TBS Dental will support these efforts through the previously mentioned fundraising as well as volunteering and special events, according to a press release from the company.

“TBS Dental is passionate about giving back to the communities we serve, so teaming up with Wounded Warrior Project and supporting the life-changing programs they provide for wounded veterans was a no-brainer,” CEO Haseeb Sajid says in the press release. “We know many of our customers, the dentists and hygienists we serve, have a deeply personal connection to armed services or they know someone directly impacted by Wounded Warrior Project. That connection makes this partnership truly special for us and we are honored to stand together alongside Wounded Warrior Project and the important work they do.”

This partnership was officially kicked off at RDH Under One Roof, the Dental Hygienist Conference & Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee. With tangible support from companies like TBS Dental, the Wounded Warrior Project is better equipped to serve and support wounded veterans, according to its vice president of business development Brea Kratzert Todd.

“The support we receive from TBS Dental helps Wounded Warrior Project honor and empower warriors in their communities,” Kratzert Todd says in the press release. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, warriors and their families never pay a penny for our programs.”

Wounded veterans will receive support from dental equipment manufacturer TBS Dental through this new partnership. 

TBS Dental Teams Up with Wounded Warrior Project

Caitlin Parsons is a RDH of 15 years and chronic pain survivor turned Certified Yoga Therapist and Ergonomic Consultant for dental professionals. Caitlin helps dental professionals prevent, reduce and overcome workplace pain, manage stress, and optimize their health so they can thrive in and out of the office. She is passionate about helping dental professionals and teams optimize their health to provide better patient care and become better clinicians through her in-person and online programs, speaking, writing team experiences, and her podcast, The Aligned Hygienist (

Beyond the Mask: Prioritizing Well-Being and Resilience for Dental Hygienists: © Dikushin / stock.adobe.com

The world of dental hygiene is one that gleams with bright smiles and promises of oral health, but behind those radiant grins lies a profession battling a silent menace: burnout. As the demand for dental care grows, so does the stress and strain on dental hygienists. From the incessant pressure of meeting quotas and maintaining a full schedule to the physical toll of sitting for extended periods of time and in awkward postures, dental hygienists are facing an alarming prevalence of burnout that’s taking a toll on their well-being.

In this article, we delve into the intricacies of burnout in the dental hygiene profession and explore strategies to prioritize well-being and foster resilience.

The Harsh Reality: Burnout Among Dental Hygienists

Statistics paint a ghastly picture of the state of well-being among dental hygienists. Studies have shown that dental hygienists report higher levels of stress, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), chronic pain, and burnout compared with other health care professionals.¹-³ In fact, a distressing number of dental hygienists are leaving the field altogether because of these issues. One study shows that 74% of dental hygienists who left the profession at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic voluntarily chose not to return to the profession.⁴ This alarming trend affects not only the individuals involved but also the quality of care provided to patients and the dire need to improve oral health awareness.

The Underlying Factors: Unmasking the Causes of Burnout

Why is burnout so rampant in the dental hygiene profession? It’s a question that requires a multifaceted answer. The nature of the job itself demands meticulous attention to detail, often leading to time constraints, pressure to meet production targets, and, therefore, mental overwhelm. The repetitive motions, awkward postures during procedures, and sitting for extended periods of time contribute to physical strain, which can translate into chronic pain and discomfort. Add to this the emotional toll of patient interactions and navigating challenging coworkers and offices, and it becomes clear why dental hygienists are vulnerable to burnout.

Creating Lasting Change: Preventing Burnout Through Self-Care

Before we started our careers as dental hygienists, we took an oath to provide the best quality care for our patients. What we don’t often realize is that in order to provide that care, day after day, we need to prioritize taking care of ourselves first.

The path to preventing burnout requires a holistic approach that encompasses both mind and body wellness. Prioritizing self-care is not an option; it’s a necessity for maintaining a thriving career in dentistry. So often dental hygienists experience pain, stress, and exhaustion yet continue to show up day after day for their patients. Over time, this leads to burnout. So, what do we do?

An individualized approach to self-care is vital to understand and integrate for every dental hygienist. While this requires a level of self-awareness and the ability to check in with oneself, it’s crucial for hygienists who want to maintain a long-lasting career. Many hygienists experience varying degrees of pain, stress, and burnout, and each scenario is unique to the individual. What works for one person may not work for everyone. Dental hygienists should focus on an individualized and multifaceted approach to mind-body health.

Protecting Your Most Valuable Tool: Your Body

As dental hygienists, our body and our health are our most valuable tools. Without a healthy body, we cannot practice hygiene. Prioritizing our health, both inside and outside the dental office, is paramount. Practicing good posture and implementing proper ergonomics during procedures can significantly reduce the risk of MSDs and chronic pain. Dental hygienists should ensure that the clinician and their patients are both in the proper position throughout the appointment. Ergonomics in dentistry also includes the setup of the dental operatory and utilizing proper tools and equipment that not only promote better alignment but also reduce the strain on our bodies.

Beyond ergonomics, hygienists should consider incorporating chairside stretches and exercises at work to help maintain their physical well-being. Chairside stretches can reduce muscular tension throughout the day, minimizing the amount of recovery time required at the end of the day. At home, hygienists should focus on exercises that help release tension from tight, overworked muscles, build strength and stability for proper posture and alignment, and bring the body back into balance after sitting for long periods of time and in awkward positions. In order to maintain our well-being in dentistry, we must focus on a multifaceted approach to physical health.

The dental office environment, with its fast-paced appointments and high-pressure situations, can be a breeding ground for stress. Dental hygienists constantly feel the weight of providing the best quality care for their patients while trying to balance the increasing number of tasks given in the same appointment time. Dental hygienists are constantly faced with anxious, unhappy, and challenging patients, which can take a toll on our mental health over time.

There is a clear connection between stress and pain, making stress management an integral part of preventing burnout.⁵ Prioritizing mental wellness through mindfulness practices, meditation, or even seeking professional support can significantly enhance resilience. Simple breathing exercises can easily be incorporated during the patient appointment or throughout the day to reduce stress levels and support the nervous system.

Maintaining energy and focus is crucial in dental hygiene, but it can be extremely challenging to achieve when feeling overwhelmed, undervalued, and unsupported at work. Energy levels will likely improve when hygienists prioritize their physical and mental well-being. In addition to that, there are multiple other factors that can contribute to low energy and focus among hygienists, including the environment in which we practice.

At a baseline, hygienists should consider seeking out dental offices that resonate with their values. Hygienists can focus on establishing clear boundaries at work and ensuring their work schedules align with personal needs and the season of life they are in. Recognize that saying no is not a sign of weakness but necessary for career longevity. In order to maintain vitality over the years, we must consider where we are practicing and who we are practicing with.

A Lifelong Journey to a Long-Lasting Career

Beating burnout in the dental hygiene profession is not a quick fix; it’s a lifelong commitment to well-being. It’s about understanding that caring for oneself is not a selfish act but rather a prerequisite for delivering exceptional care to patients. Beyond the mask that dental hygienists wear, their own well-being deserves regular attention and care.

The prevalence of burnout among dental hygienists is a concern that requires a deeper discussion, new tools, and better solutions for each individual and dental practice alike. By addressing the root causes of burnout and prioritizing self-care, dental hygienists can pave the way for a fulfilling and long-lasting career. Let’s unmask the truth and embrace a future where dental hygienists not only preserve smiles but also their own well-being.

1. Harris ML, Sentner SM, Doucette HJ, Brillant MGS. Musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienists in Canada. Can J Dent Hyg. 2020;54(2):61-67.

2. Saccucci M, Zumbo G, Mercuri P, et al. Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession. Int J Dent Hyg. 2022;20(3):571-579. doi:10.1111/idh.12596

3. Haslam SK, Wade A, Macdonald LK, Johnson J, Rock LD. Burnout syndrome in Nova Scotia dental hygienists during the COVID-19 pandemic: Maslach Burnout Inventory. Can J Dent Hyg. 2022;56(2):63-71.

4. Why the Great Resignation offers opportunity for young dentists. American Dental Association. June 8, 2022. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://www.ada.org/publications/ada-news/viewpoint/my-view/2022/june/my-view-why-the-great-resignation-offers-opportunity-for-young-dentists

5. Abdallah CG, Geha P. Chronic pain and chronic stress: two sides of the same coin? Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks). 2017;1:2470547017704763. doi:10.1177/2470547017704763

Burnout, stress, and injuries are all too common in the dental hygiene profession.

Beyond the Mask: Prioritizing Well-Being and Resilience for Dental Hygienists

Viax3D from Viax Dental Technologies

OraQ from OraQ AI

LunaLite Dental from LunaLite

Kettenbach USA’s new Profisil Fluoride Varnish

Phantom Sports Frame from Orascoptic

A new fixation impression material from Kettenbach USA.

VXSE One from Kettenbach

New Prods 8/28-9/1

A look at all the newest dental product releases from August 28th, 2023 through September 1st, 2023. 

New Dental Products August 28 - September 1

Grinding It Out: The Best Material for Bruxers. Image: © RFBSIP - stock.adobe.com


You delivered beautiful dentistry to your patient, but now it’s gone. What happened to it? Bruxism.

Here are what materials our research says you should use for patients who will grind their teeth all over your beautiful work.

Bruxism can happen during sleeping and waking hours. However, some research suggests that daytime bruxism is easier to manage because the patient knows they are doing it. Bruxism that happens while sleeping might be harder to identify and manage because many people don’t realize they grind their teeth while they sleep.

The Cleveland Clinic asserts that bruxism is a common sleep disorder, affecting approximately 10% of adults and 15% of children.

the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 

 The Sleep Foundation suggests slightly lower numbers for the adult population at 8% but a 50% rate for children.

Whatever the incidence rate of bruxism, it’s reasonable to assume some of these people sit in your dental chair. Research published in 2022 in 

 suggests the following when you identify patients who grind their teeth and have damaged their dentition

Practicality is of the essence in treatment planning and the complexities of damaged tissue reconstruction.

Dentists can choose a conformative or reconstructive approach depending on the patient’s grinding style. In other words, the reconstruction should work with the patients’ patterns, not against them.

Tissue preservation is paramount, so directly placed bonded composite materials are an excellent option. The materials are biocompatible, easy to fix, and inexpensive, and they absorb the stress of the patient’s bruxism.

The failure rate is high when the restoration is a complex fixed prosthetic or an implant-supported bridge. Use occlusal splints in these cases. Furthermore, reconstructive options with retrievability and removable features are the most effective prosthetics.

Like any restorative case involving a crown, choosing the right materials for the job is essential to facilitate the best possible outcome. But which is best is a matter of perspective, the bruxism’s severity, the restoration’s location, and the patient’s preference.

For example, clinicians usually restore lost enamel in the anterior, adding material to fix short and flattened teeth. In contrast, posterior repairs usually fix chips, breaks, and fractures.

 Additionally, the esthetic concerns in each area of the mouth differ, which can also affect what you choose.

One suitable option for materials is gold, particularly in the posterior. The most robust material for a crown, gold can be an excellent choice for patients who grind their teeth. It withstands the force of bruxism even better than other materials and is less prone to breaking. It wears similarly to enamel and is easy on the opposing.

Speaker and educator Jeffrey Lineberry, DDS, AAACD, owner of the Carolina Center for Comprehensive Dentistry in Mooresville, North Carolina, says that if the patient is willing to, he suggests gold when bruxism is an issue.

However, gold isn’t immune to the effects of bruxism; patients can destroy that too. Dr Lineberry says that while zirconia, porcelain, and lithium disilicate restorations break, patients usually wear a hole through the gold restoration.

That said, Dr Lineberry says that many patients do not like the idea of gold. Therefore, in cases where gold is the best option for their restorative case, clinicians should explain the benefit of it.

“My simple way of saying it to patients is, ‘Well, I can tell that you don’t enjoy coming to the dentist frequently. If I could put material in there that is not going to fracture and will be the longest-lasting material, would you be interested in doing that?’” Dr Lineberry says. “That’s different than saying ‘I want to put gold in your teeth.’”

Part of the problem is that when some people hear gold, they think it will be too expensive. Dr Lineberry says that when you present it to patients as an investment in staying out of the chair as often, it can help them overcome their anxiety about cost.

However, he also says that before you launch into a new treatment plan, it is essential to consider why the restoration broke or wore down in the first place. Is it a premature contact? Is the damage to the cuspal because of wearing down the front teeth, and now the back teeth are dragging? If you fix the problem but not the cause, you aren’t fixing anything.

“It is essential to look at the big picture,” he says.

However, the best presentation might not overcome the patient’s objection to gold. Another great option when it comes to materials to choose from is zirconia. DDS Lab suggests that zirconia crowns, particularly those made of solid zirconia, are the best option for posterior crowns and bridges.

 also suggests that monolithic zirconia crowns with 1.0-mm thickness had high fracture resistance and low-stress values when subjected to 800 N of loading.

There are a few reasons zirconia works. First, its strength and monolithic nature mean solid zirconia is an excellent choice for patients with clenching or grinding problems. Also, zirconia requires less tooth preparation, so clinicians do not have to remove as much tissue.

In a continuing education course, experts at Dentalcare.com agree that solid zirconia is an excellent option for restoring teeth in the posterior for patients with bruxism because of its substantial strength and the material’s natural translucency. Also, it causes minimal wear on the opposing. However, they suggest layered zirconia for the anterior over the monolithic type because it is still strong but has improved esthetics due to its increased translucency and opalescence.

Another option in the anterior is porcelain fused to metal. It is another esthetic material that is durable and long-lasting. However, it can cause more wear on opposing teeth than zirconia.

Dr Lineberry also likes bonded lithium disilicate in these cases and sometimes monolithic zirconia for single units on back molars. He reaches for these materials when he has a good idea of what the patient is doing with their bruxism and can explain to patients what can happen if they grind on it. Setting proper expectations is critical, Dr Lineberry says.

“I tell patients if they can destroy what Mother Nature put there, they can destroy whatever is man-made,” Dr Lineberry says. “Bottom line, when you have a patient who can clench and grind hard enough to where they fracture a virgin tooth down the middle, that takes an immense amount of force to do that.”

Moreover, Dr Lineberry says it’s not a one-time issue but a cyclical force. If a person is biting and squeezing a thousand times a day or more, that’s a lot different from a person who chews only on a restoration.

“The other critical thing regarding indirect restorations is ensuring you have adequate retention and resistance, but also clearance,” Dr Lineberry says. “The material will not perform ideally if it’s too thin. You want to ensure all those things are right because when we see these numbers on how strong certain porcelain or zirconia is, it’s based on specific parameters. If you have less than that parameter, you will get less than that performance.”

Complications with dental implants are often related to bruxers. Per a 2018 study published in 

, the “excessive occlusal overload” that bruxism results in is the leading cause of implant failure. These failures include implant fracture, screw loosening, screw fracturing, and porcelain fracture.

Assessment of Survival Rate of Dental Implants in Patients With Bruxism: A 5-Year Retrospective Study” found that out of 640 implants, a total of 275 had complications, including 145 screw-type and 130 cemented-type implants. There were 45 complications in single crowns, 125 in partials, and 105 complete prostheses. The failure rate was nearly 42.9%. Between the sexes, the survival rates were relatively similar on a year-by-year comparison and had a 70% rate of survival after 5 years.

the International Journal of Biomaterials

 suggests that night guards are essential to protect the prostheses in these cases. Also, night guards for the maxillary teeth can help clinicians see what’s happening in the occlusal scheme when patients grind their teeth at night. This information can help design the implant case to prevent overloading on the implant in the bone from lateral stresses. Moreover, an acrylic resin night guard can prevent these stresses by distributing the force differently in the mouth.

For example, if the appliance keeps the occlusal contacts in centric occlusion, it can prevent fractures. Also, the colored acrylic resin can show the wear inflicted by bruxism. If it is not worn through, the researchers suggest, the patient’s teeth grinding isn’t generating excessive force on the prosthesis.

The design of the night guard protects the implants, too. By hollowing out the night guard at the implant sites in the mandible, no force is transmitted to the prosthesis. By relieving the occluding surface of the night guard for implant sites in the mandible, the occlusal force from bruxing isn’t transferred to the implants. Additionally, putting soft material around the crowns relieves the stress and decreases the impact of teeth grinding on the crown.

In addition to using a night guard, the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation recommends finding another way to treat the case that doesn’t involve implants or attempting to address the reasons behind bruxism before placing implants. It also makes suggestions for treatment considerations as follows

determining the distribution and number of implants needed to adjust to the specific biomechanical and clinical requirements of the individual case;

choosing a solid connection, particularly internal or conical; and

changing and reinforcing the prosthetic’s superstructure or design to withstand bruxism force, like splinting through bars, using a removable-only restoration, using flat occlusion, using shortened or no extensions, and being careful with full-ceramic construction.

Dr Lineberry agrees that implants and bruxism have problems. He thinks paying particular attention to occlusion is essential in these cases. Implant occlusion differs from standard occlusion because the implants don’t have the periodontal ligament present, so the teeth compress, and the implants don’t. So, getting that implant-adjusted occlusion right is essential. Also, he designs stress breakers in the restoration.

“Some people may want to make them as strong as possible, but if something is going to fail, I would much rather it be the restoration and not the implant,” Dr Lineberry says. “The implant is more challenging to replace than [to] put another crown on it or to recement.”

So, What Implant Materials Hold Up Best to Bruxism?

The 2012 information on selecting the material for dental implants that can withstand the forces of bruxism was not definitive. Instead, the researchers say that clinicians at the time preferred metal to porcelain to protect the implants, especially for second molars in the maxilla. However, more research was needed at the time to support this preference.

Ten years later, the research is still unclear about what materials to use for implants subjected to bruxism. 

 suggests a few materials that might help diminish the effects of bruxism on the prosthesis. However, it also says successful management has a “poor evidence base.” Moreover, clinicians can try to reconstruct severely damaged dentition, but there are several caveats about how and each requires a lot of maintenance.

 Cleveland Clinic. Updated May 7, 2021. Accessed August 3, 2023. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism

Osses-Anguita ÁE, Sánchez-Sánchez T, Soto-Goñi XA, et al. Awake and sleep bruxism prevalence and their associated psychological factors in first-year university students: a pre-mid-post COVID-19 pandemic comparison. 

. 2023;20(3):2452. doi:10.3390/ijerph20032452

Suni E, Truong K. Bruxism: teeth grinding at night. SleepFoundation.org. Updated August 8, 2023. Accessed August 31, 2023. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bruxism

Thayer MLT, Ali R. The dental demolition derby: bruxism and its impact - part 3: repair and reconstruction. 

. 2022;232(11):775–782. doi:10.1038/s41415-022-4293-8

James L. Bruxism: the grind of the matter, restorations.

. Updated February 10, 2023. Accessed July 28, 2023. https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce485/restorations

Abreu, M. PFM vs zirconia: which material is better? DDS Lab. April 23, 2018. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://blog.ddslab.com/pfm-vs-zirconia-which-material-is-better

Lan TH, Pan CY, Liu PH, Chou MMC. Fracture resistance of monolithic zirconia crowns in implant prostheses in patients with bruxism. 

. 2019;12(10):1623. doi:10.3390/ma12101623

Chitumalla R, Halini Kumari KV, Mohapatra A, Parihar AS, Anand KS, Katragadda P. Assessment of survival rate of dental implants in patients with bruxism: a 5-year retrospective study. 

. 2018;9(Suppl 2):S278-S282. doi:10.4103/ccd.ccd_258_18

Komiyama O, Lobbezoo F, De Laat A, et al. Clinical management of implant prostheses in patients with bruxism. 

. 2012;2012:369063. doi:10.1155/2012/369063

Parafunction. Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation. Accessed August 1, 2023. https://www.for.org/en/treat/treatment-guidelines/edentulous/patient-assessment/risk-assessment-special-high-risk-categories/parafunction

Here are what materials our research says you should use for patients who will grind their teeth all over your beautiful work. 

Grinding It Out: The Best Material for Bruxers

Joining the Sanders Sisters is public health dental hygienist Leslie Reilly whose career took her to the jail system. This month, they will discuss the social determinants of jail inmates, discussing the key role of a jail-system dental hygienist.

, obtained her MPH-Dental Emphasis from A.T. Still University. Following the completion of her dance education degree at University of the Arts, she altered her dreams of high kicking at Radio City Music Hall to combine her passion for artistry and patient care, in dental hygiene. Concentrating on public health dentistry, Leslie has worked with incarcerated populations in numerous facilities. Presently a health services administrator and public health dental hygiene practitioner for federally qualified health centers supported by the health department, she continues to provide effective, culturally competent, accessible whole person health care to patients.



Floss and Flip-Flops with the Sanders sisters features hosts dental hygienist and speaker Katrina M. Sanders, RDH, and podiatrist Dr Elizabeth Sanders, DPM. Together, the sisters discuss the oral-systemic link and its impact—from your teeth down to your toes. The podcast is produced monthly by 

®, in partnership with The Sanders sisters.

For additional content for dental professionals visit DPR and MH at 

.

Katrina Sanders, RDH, can be reached at:

Podcasts

Joining the Sanders Sisters is public health dental hygienist Leslie Reilly whose career took her to the jail system. This month, they will discuss the social determinants of jail inmates, discussing the key role of a jail-system dental hygienist.


Floss & Flip Flops Episode 21: Dentistry Behind Bars

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CS 9600 from Carestream Dental

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SprintRay Ceramic Crown Image Gallery

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RE-GEN™ Universal Adhesive Image Gallery

RE-GEN™ Universal Adhesive from Vista Apex

Yapi Image Gallery

Yapi™

Simplify Image Gallery

Amplify from Simplifeye

Guided Biofilm Therapy Image Gallery

Guided Biofilm Therapy®  from EMS Dental

QASi™ particles from Nobio

Retraction Paste Image Gallery

Retraction Paste from VOCO

DGSHAPE DWX-42W Plus Image Gallery

DGSHAPE DWX-42W Plus from Roland DGA’s DGSHAPE

DTX Studio Clinic Image Gallery

DTX Studio Clinic from DEXIS

Second Opinion Image Gallery

Second Opinion® from Pearl

Dragonfly from Orascoptic

2023 Cellerant Best of Class Technology Awards

Take a look at the 17 dental products and technology named as winners of the 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Technology award.