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 bite-sized look at all the latest dental product launches. 

Product Bites – August 16, 2024

Welcome to Product Bites a weekly podcast from Dental Products Report providing you with a rundown of recently launched and updated dental technologies, materials, instruments, and everything else you might use with patients or while running your practice.

I’m your host for this week, DPR Editor Kellie Nock, and on this week’s podcast we’ve got 5 new products with launches from ZimVie, W&H, Flight Dental Systems, and Align.

So, let’s get to it and learn about these newly launched dental products.

ZimVie has officially launched its GenTek Genuine Restorative Components in the U.S. market. After gaining FDA clearance, this product line expands ZimVie's prosthetic offerings. First introduced in Europe in 2019, GenTek has been a success and is now available in the U.S. The portfolio includes a variety of restorative components like Ti-Bases, pre-milled abutment blanks, and screws—all designed for seamless integration with ZimVie implant systems, ensuring a proper fit and long-term durability.

Next, we have W&H's Synea Power Edition handpieces. These new tools are designed for demanding tasks like removing zirconia crowns and bridges. Key features include a robust design with optimized gear ratio, a 20% longer service life, and higher cutting efficiency. Plus, the new push-button design makes bur changes easier while HeatBlocker technology keeps things cool. If you’re looking to reduce wear and tear on your handpieces, the Synea Power Edition offers extra durability and precision.

ZimVie has also rolled out the RealGUIDE® 5.4 software update, now available globally. This update introduces one-click nerve detection and automated bone and tooth segmentation, significantly speeding up complex case planning. New CAD workflows empower dental labs to create sophisticated designs for full-mouth rehabilitation, and the update also features cloud-based design libraries for improved accessibility. If you’re looking to enhance your implant planning and design, RealGUIDE® 5.4 could be a game-changer.

Flight Dental Systems has launched the Clave45+ Steam Sterilizer. Designed for efficiency, this 45-liter stainless-steel chamber sterilizer is perfect for larger facilities. It offers quick cycle times and customizable settings, ensuring consistent and rapid sterilization. The Clave45+ combines durability with high performance, making it a valuable addition to any busy dental practice.

Finally, Align has introduced the iTero Design Suite, a new software that allows dental professionals to design 3D printed models, bite splints, and restorations directly in their practice. The suite uses exocad™ CAD/CAM software and is part of the Align™ Digital Platform. Currently available through an early access program, the iTero Design Suite promises to improve efficiency and enhance patient care by reducing the time to treatment.

That does it for this week's Product Bites from Dental Products Report. Stay up to date on all the latest dental product news by visiting dentalproductsreport.com/newdentalproducts.

I'm Kellie Nock saying thanks for listening. And we'll be back next week with all the latest new dental products on Product Bites from Dental Products Report.

Videos

A bite-sized look at all the latest dental product launches. This week's episode features products from ZimVie, W&H, Flight Dental Systems, and Align Technology. [3 minutes]

Stan Goff is a Managing Editor with MJH Life Sciences, which includes Dental Products Report, Dental Practice Management, Dental Lab Products, Modern Hygienist, and Dentist's Money Digest. He has covered the dental industry since 1999 and can be reached at sgoff@mjhlifesciences.com.  

Planmeca’s Mobile Scanning Station Wins Red Dot Award | Image Credit: © Planmeca 

When the Planmeca Imprex™ was first introduced at IDS 2023, Planmeca described it as a sleek and slim mobile scanning station designed to fit any clinical environment, with a tripod construction said to make it easy to use in any clinical setup, as the station can be moved around and rotated freely.

The product’s design has now won a Red Dot in this year’s Red Dot Award: Product Design competition, meaning the jury of renowned Red Dot officials seem to agree it’s a well-designed system. The medical-grade device is optimally suited for treatment rooms and can be disinfected with wipes.

Planmeca Imprex is a mobile medical-grade computer system which allows dental professionals to capture digital impressions with a Planmeca Emerald® 

 intraoral scanner and easily communicate treatment data to patients using a touch screen. The screen is mounted on a 50 cm monitor arm, which can be adjusted to an optimal angle to suit ergonomic working positions, regardless of whether the user is sitting or standing or right- or left-handed.

The system’s scanning station comprises an integrated high-performance PC, which resides within a rounded cover designed to ensure an optimal flow of air for efficient cooling of the system and a compact appearance. The computer is designed with plenty of calculation power for carrying out digital workflows. According to Planmeca, this eliminates the need for a separate laptop, which streamlines intraoral scanning and allows dentists to engage patients by visualizing clinical data on the touch screen.

“Planmeca Imprex has been crafted in line with Planmeca’s design philosophy to create products that are functional, durable and beautifully designed. In addition to having the same recognizable and timeless esthetics as other Planmeca products, Planmeca Imprex fits seamlessly into any clinical environment thanks to its unique tripod construction,” says Pontus Degerlund, CAD/CAM director at Planmeca, in the press release announcing the design award. “I am extremely delighted by the acknowledgment from Red Dot, as it confirms that our focus on innovative design aimed at enhancing the daily work of dental professionals is indeed the right approach.”

The system comes with a pre-installed Planmeca

Romexis® software suite and is ready for immediate use after unboxing. The tripod construction and wheels allows Planmeca Imprex to adapt to various clinical environments—it can be moved and rotated freely close to any dental unit. The scanning station can also be easily shared between treatment rooms.

Since each dental professional using an intraoral scanner is different, the Planmeca Imprex design enables it to cater to an even wider range of user needs. Some clinicians prefer using a laptop or desktop computer in the treatment room, while some want to use the scanner plugged into a Planmeca dental unit, or even a cart. This solution provides the versatility to address each need.

Planmeca Oy is one of the world's leading dental equipment manufacturers, with a product range covering digital dental units, CAD/CAM solutions, world-class 2D and 3D imaging devices, and comprehensive software solutions. Privately owned and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, the company offers a portfolio of products distributed in over 120 countries worldwide. Planmeca USA Inc. has a facility in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

Articles

The Planmeca Imprex™ streamlines capturing digital impressions and visualizing treatment data for dental patients.

 Planmeca’s Mobile Scanning Station Wins Red Dot Award

Aqua Flosser from Aquasonic Aims for Effective Interdental Clean. Image credit: © Aquasonic

The Aqua Flosser by Aquasonic reportedly offers a more efficient alternative to traditional flossing. Its 360-degree rotary tip can reach areas that regular floss can't, providing a deeper clean in half the time. Clinically proven to be up to 5 times more effective than traditional floss, it also massages gums to boost circulation, according to Aquasonic.

This cordless, rechargeable device uses a lithium-ion battery to produce water jets that gently remove food and plaque, cutting flossing time by 90%. It comes with 3 usage modes and various attachments, including standard tips, a periodontal tip, an orthodontic tip, and a tongue scraper.

Priced at $39.95 USD, the Aqua Flosser is available on Amazon now. The device also includes a hygienic travel bag, making it easy to maintain dental hygiene on the go.

The Aqua Flosser by Aquasonic aims to offer a more effective and quicker alternative to traditional flossing, using water jets and a 360-degree rotary tip to clean hard-to-reach areas and massage gums

Aqua Flosser from Aquasonic Aims for Effective Interdental Clean 

Fast and Safe PureFX Line of Cleaning Products Well Suited for Dental Practices | Image Credit: © Jensen Chemical & Remediation

Jensen Chemical & Remediation offers a variety of safe cleaning products including its PureFX line of chlorine dioxide cleaning products designed to be effective against unwanted microbes, and to be safe in any environment. The product can rapidly disinfect and sterilize dental instruments, dental equipment, dental impressions, dental operatories, and surfaces of all kinds.

PureFX clears air and surface areas of bacteria, mold, and spores (including the coronavirus), and does not require sponges, wipes or mops, according to the manufacturer. Simply spray and walk away.

The patented formula is EPA-certified and safe, alleviates odor while eliminating bacteria, and it kills E. coli, MRSA, staph, influenza, and more, Jensen Chemical & Remediation states

Additionally, the mixing process is simple—open the cap, fill the bottle with water, and allow 20-30 minutes to mix. Once the ClO2 mixture is stored in the 2.5-gallon container, users purchase a pack of chlorine dioxide testing strips. After 3 weeks, measure the mixture’s potency by following the directions on the test strip’s packaging.

PureFX ships dry for easy handling, and can be used on any type of hard, non-porous surface, and in the air. It also serves an effective deodorizer, and is very light and portable. PureFX’s chlorine dioxide mixture packets last 2 years on the shelf when stored in a cool, dark place, the company states. The ClO2 formula will last for up to 30 days after it’s been mixed.

Additionally, the company offers PureFX Ultra Pure CLO2 which used to clean dental unit water lines, and ActivePure-XL for air and surface disinfection, a product that is effective at removing harmful aerosolized methyl mercury from dental amalgam.

More information on the company’s products is available at 

Jensen Chemical & Remediation offers products designed to rapidly disinfect and sterilize instruments, equipment and surfaces of all kinds.

Fast and Safe PureFX Line of Cleaning Products Well Suited for Dental Practices

New Digital Drug Handbook Designed to Offer Dentists Fast, Reliable Medication Insights | Image Credit: © MedAssent DDS

Designed to provide a fast, safe process for medication information in the dental practice, the new Digital Drug Handbook by MedAssent DDS is described as a game-changer for dental providers.

Founded by dentists and pharmacists, this innovative tool delivers instant, reliable medication insights up to 10X faster than traditional methods, the company states. With two-thirds of U.S. adults on prescription medications, dentists often face long and unfamiliar medication lists. Now, with the Digital Drug Handbook, clinicians can quickly access concise, dental-specific information, including anesthetic warnings, dosing guidelines, and dental implications.

Users can save time and enhance patient care with this intuitive and integrated software, which is designed to transform a lengthy 10- to 30-minute process into under 1 minute per patient. With MedAssent DDS, you can Create Med Reports in seconds. The next time the patient comes in, simply search their name to pull their last med list. It's so easy, the staff can create Med Reports without extra training, according to MedAssent DDS.

Dental providers can gain valuable tips for evaluating patients for occlusal guards or frequent checkups, all linked to specific drug side effects.

As an added benefit, the drug handbook can reduce liability with timestamped and saved records, and help practices stay updated with the latest guidelines from the FDA, ADA, and other regulatory bodies.

With MedAssent DDS’ Digital Drug Handbook—your pharmacist-in-your-pocket for medication management in dentistry—you can elevate your practice's workflow efficiency and patient safety.

The Digital Drug Handbook by MedAssent DDS delivers clinicians quick access to concise, dental-specific information, including anesthetic warnings, dosing guidelines, and dental implications.

New Digital Drug Handbook Designed to Offer Dentists Fast, Reliable Medication Insights

Health Plan of San Mateo Partners with Dentistry.One to Provide Virtual Dental Care. Image credit: © MouthWatch

Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM), the largest non-profit public health plan in San Mateo County, has teamed up with Dentistry.One, a virtual-first dental care service introduced by MouthWatch. This collaboration will provide virtual dental care to nearly 150,000 Medi-Cal and dual eligible members, complementing HPSM Dental, the first fully integrated dental plan for Medi-Cal members in California, according to a press release from MouthWatch.

HPSM members will gain access to Dentistry.One's network of dentists and Care Advisors. These professionals are said to offer personalized oral health advice and patient care coordination, addressing a wide range of dental issues, from emergency tooth pain to understanding available benefits. The service includes live video consultations and photo uploads for remote diagnosis, with a personalized Oral Health Report provided within 24 hours.

With nearly 2% of emergency department visits being dental-related, per numbers cited in the press release, Dentistry.One aims to offer a more time-efficient and cost-effective alternative. This service is particularly beneficial in "dental deserts" like San Mateo County, where access to dental care is limited.

"Partnering with Dentistry.One exemplifies our 35-year commitment to the vision that Health is for everyone, which extends beyond solely addressing medical needs by integrating dental care," said Carolyn Brown, DDS, Health Plan of San Mateo Dental Director. "Offering our members access to Dentistry.One virtual dental services underscores our recognition that oral health is vital to overall wellbeing. The service will provide a tangible solution for increasing access to the oral health care our members need and deserve.”

This initiative is especially important for members with chronic conditions, as better dental care can improve overall health outcomes. Studies have shown that untreated oral diseases can worsen conditions like diabetes, underscoring the importance of integrated dental care services.

Health Plan of San Mateo has partnered with Dentistry.One to provide virtual dental care to 150,000 Medi-Cal and dual eligible members, enhancing access to dental services in the county. 

Health Plan of San Mateo Partners with Dentistry.One to Provide Virtual Dental Care 

New Dental Health Award Now a Part of Digital Health Awards

Dedicated to recognizing innovation in oral-systemic health, the new Dental Health Award is now part of the Digital Health Awards, hosted by the Digital Health Hub Foundation.

The Digital Health Hub Foundation, in partnership with HLTH, announced Tuesday that it will be debuting the inaugural Dental Health Award this year. These awards, hosted by the Digital Health Hub Foundation, highlight the most impactful digital health companies worldwide. The grand finale is held during HLTH2024, a large global digital health convention, which celebrates both market leaders and promising startups. The event takes place October 20-23, 2024, in Las Vegas.

The application deadline is fast approaching—August 19th, 2024

. For additional information and to apply, 

Winning the Dental Health Award offers a unique value proposition to participants, including $500,000 in grant money and unparalleled access to healthcare and oral health investors, as well as the vibrant HLTH and Digital Health Hub Foundation community. This initiative aims to spotlight the critical importance of oral health to both the economy and overall health, the foundation says, with awareness of the importance of oral-systemic health constantly on the rise.

"Investing in dental health innovation is investing in the future of comprehensive healthcare," Mariya Filipova, Dental Health Award Champion and Systemic Health Investor, says in a press release. "We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on innovators who are driving significant advancements in this essential part of health."

Mark H. Goldstein, founder and chairman of The Digital Health Hub Foundation and Digital Health Awards, adds, "This year, for the first time in our history, we are celebrating Dental Health innovators at the 6th Annual Digital Health Hub Foundation Awards at HLTH2024. This award underscores our commitment to fostering innovation across all facets of health and wellness."

"Dental health is often overlooked in the broader healthcare landscape, yet it plays a crucial role in overall health," says Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, and CEO at Cellerant Consulting. "We are excited to see this new award bring much-needed attention and investment to the field."

The Dental Health Award is significant for several reasons, but none bigger than the impact of oral-systemic health and the critical need for people to focus on oral care. Studies have shown that poor oral health can lead to severe economic consequences, including lost productivity and increased healthcare costs, amounting to billions of dollars annually. Additionally, the links between oral health and systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions highlight the vital role dental health plays in overall health management.

At this fall’s event, there will be a new Oral Health Pavilion, an immersive experience that provides a longitudinal view of a patient's health journey, illustrating how medical and dental professionals collaborate to enhance patient outcomes, according to the HLTH website.

The Digital Health Hub Foundation Awards have a strong track record of recognizing and advancing innovative healthcare solutions. Now, with the addition of the Dental Health Award, the event continues to expand its influence, encouraging groundbreaking developments in oral-systemic health.

 Apply now to be recognized as Best in Class or a Rising Star in Dental Health at the awards event. This is a chance to gain recognition, connect with key investors, and secure a substantial grant that could propel your next big breakthrough, the foundation states.

The Digital Health Hub Foundation is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the most innovative digital health solutions globally. By fostering connections between startups, investors, and industry leaders, it aims to accelerate the development and adoption of technologies that improve health outcomes.

HLTH is a leading event for healthcare innovation. It brings together senior leaders from across the health ecosystem to solve the industry's most pressing challenges and realize the most promising opportunities to improve health. HLTH creates a marketplace for health tech and innovation through its annual conference, showcasing the latest trends and technologies in healthcare.

Cellerant Consulting, founded by Dr Shuman, is a consultancy firm specializing in dental and healthcare innovation. The company provides strategic guidance and support to organizations looking to advance their technologies and services in the dental industry. Each year Cellerant selects a Best of Class Technology Awards and last September 

17 dental products and technology were named as winners of the 2023 Cellerant Best of Class Technology award

The Digital Health Hub Foundation, in partnership with HLTH, is adding dental health and oral-systemic awareness to its digital health convention. 

Chairside CAD/CAM Materials: What Are the Pros, Cons, and Indications. Image credit: © andrey gonchar – stock.adobe.com

Recent research indicates the material chosen affects the success of the treatment, so a familiarity with the strength and esthetic properties of the various available materials is essential. We explore the pros, cons, and indications of today's chairside CAD/CAM materials.

A Brief History of the Evolution of Chairside Materials

Materials have been changing since CAD/CAM first started producing restorations. For example, in September 1985, Mörmann placed the first chairside ceramic restoration using the CEREC 1 system with CAD/CAM technology at the University of Zurich Dental School. The initial material, Vitablocs Mark I, was a fine particle feldspar-based ceramic. It was replaced in 1987 by Vitablocs Mark II, a high-glass content ceramic, which remained the sole material until 1997. That year, 3M ESPE introduced Paradigm MZ100 blocks (3M ESPE), made of highly filled ultrafine silica ceramic particles in a resin matrix. Then, in 1998, ProCAD evolved into IPS Empress CAD, composed of 40% infiltrated leucite glass, enhancing strength and esthetics. In 2003, 3M ESPE launched Paradigm C, a 30%-by-weight leucite block. Three years later, Ivoclar Vivadent introduced IPS e.max CAD, a lithium disilicate ceramic known for its structural and aesthetic properties. In 2007, Sirona Dental Systems released CEREC Block, similar to Vitablocs Mark II, but with varied shading options.

So, what does that mean to you today? You have options for your chairside CAD/CAM restorations. Restorative chairside options now include:

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based materials

Zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics

Following is a summary of the types of materials available today that includes some of their advantages and disadvantages:

A Breakdown by Class of Chairside CAD/CAM Materials

Feldspathic Ceramics and Leucite-Reinforced Ceramic Blocks

 are the first generation of chairside CAD/CAM materials used before 1990, such as the Vitablocs Mark II mentioned above and CEREC Blocs. Known for their high translucency and esthetic appeal, this class of materials is popular. However, Feldspathic and leucite-reinforced ceramic blocks also require significant tooth preparation and are weaker than newer materials.

Lithium Disilicates and Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicates

 represent advanced glass ceramics with improved resistance qualities. Lithium disilicate, such as IPS e.max CAD, offers high resistance (over 350 MPa) and excellent esthetics. It requires a 2-stage firing cycle to reach full strength (over 440 MPa). Zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) is a newer generation of materials, introduced in 2012, that features smaller crystals and added zirconia for enhanced strength, making it suitable for various restorations.

 has exceptional strength (500–1200 MPa) and biocompatibility. Zirconia is ideal for crowns, implant abutments, and small bridges due to its minimal plaque retention and low wear on opposing teeth. Despite its advantages, zirconia requires specific processing techniques due to its resistance to conventional acid etching.

Hybrid Ceramics or Resin Matrix Ceramic Materials

 combine the esthetics of ceramics with the strength and flexibility of composite resins. These materials include nanoceramic resin blocks, which have a high ceramic filler content (up to 80%), and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN), which combines ceramic (86%) with composite resin (14%). Hybrid ceramics are easier to mill, require fewer heat cycles, and offer good bending resistance, making it possible to use them at thinner thicknesses.

Acrylic Resin, specifically polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),

 is pre-polymerized without fillers. Some clinicians value it because it produces fewer voids, reduces shrinkage, and shortens chairside time, making it an efficient choice for creating long-term temporary prostheses.

A 2023 review of the evolution of CAD/CAM materials in prosthodontics examined the properties of the different materials in the literature. Their findings are summarized below:

Fracture Toughness of Chairside CAD/CAM Materials: 

Materials with high Fracture toughness (KIC)are more resistant to fractures and last longer. Researchers found that fired or crystallized glass ceramics have the highest KIC values. Non-fired glass ceramics have much lower KIC. Other researchers noted that thermocycling, or repeated heating and cooling, reduces the fracture toughness of resin-based materials but does not affect leucite and lithium disilicate ceramics.

Impact of Toothbrushing on Surface Properties

CAD/CAM composite materials are flexible, which helps them absorb stress and resist fractures. These materials are made under high pressure and temperature, making them more uniform and less porous than regular resin composites. This manufacturing process makes them easier to machine and repair. However, abrasive particles in toothpaste can increase surface roughness and reduce gloss, affecting their appearance and longevity. Some composites showed higher wear resistance and gloss and lower roughness after brushing. Rough surfaces can lead to bacterial build-up, which can cause cavities and gum inflammation.

The edges of dental restorations can wear down and lose support, leading to fractures, sensitivity, plaque build-up, and cavities. Edge force tests measure how stable the edges are. Researchers found significant differences in edge strength between 1-mm and 2-mm thick plates, with failures like cracking and chipping. The researchers noted that LiSi Block had high resistance to chipping due to its fine, dense crystals.

Smooth and polished surfaces reduce bacterial build-up, prevent chipping and fractures, and improve strength. Researchers found that roughness after polishing was similar, whether done chairside or in a lab. Ceramics wore down less than resin composites but caused more wear to opposing teeth. Polishing increased surface roughness and hardness more than glazing. Manual finishing and polishing with glazing paste were the most effective for reducing roughness and achieving high gloss in glass ceramics.

Elastic constants like bulk modulus, Poisson's ratio, shear modulus, and Young's modulus describe how materials respond to stress. These properties depend on the material's structure and composition. Researchers found higher Poisson's ratios for zirconia and glass ceramics, while Enamic had Young's modulus three times higher than Lava Ultimate. Increased load affected stress distribution in crowns made from polymer-matrix composites more than those made from glass ceramics.

Staining & Aging Dependent Changes in Color

Surface finishing affects texture and roughness, which impacts color stability when exposed to colored drinks and aging. Researchers found that coffee caused the most significant color changes, with these changes increasing over time. There were substantial differences in color stability between resin-based and lithium silicate/disilicate materials. Lithium disilicate or feldspar-based ceramics had the best color stability because of their high density, while polymers were more prone to absorbing pigments from staining solutions.

Research Indicates Different Materials Succeed in Various Ways

Various dental restorations, including anterior teeth inlays, onlays, veneers, and posterior crowns, require different chairside CAD/CAM materials. Each one in the assortment offers distinct advantages for where clinicians use them in the oral cavity.

For example, feldspathic ceramics are primarily used in the anterior arch because they look good. In contrast, lithium disilicate and zirconia are ideal for the posterior region due to their ability to endure significant occlusal forces.

With all of these options for chairside CAD/CAM dentistry available, knowing the indications for each class of materials is helpful.

 include feldspathic and leucite-reinforced ceramics, known for their excellent esthetics. They are ideal for high-impact esthetic restorations such as veneers, crowns, partial crowns, and cavitary restorations.

Lithium disilicate, zirconium oxide, and lithium silicate-reinforced ceramics

 offer high optical properties with various shades and translucency levels. They work for monolithic restorations like veneers, inlays, onlays, endocrowns, and crowns for both anterior and posterior teeth. Lithium disilicate is also suitable for small bridges in the anterior region. One can also use them for implant abutments despite limited clinical evidence. Lithium disilicate and zirconia are not ideal for bridge infrastructures but can be esthetic layers over ceramic or metal frames.

 restorations can be milled chairside for crowns or small bridges (up to 3 units). Polished zirconia is less abrasive than other ceramics but has limited esthetics due to low transparency. Its microstructure impacts translucency and mechanical properties, with smaller grains enhancing translucency but reducing resistance to low-temperature degradation.

 is great for temporary restorations lasting six months to one year. It is easy to mill and suitable for all types of temporary prostheses, including veneers, inlays/onlays, crowns, and bridges.

 is easy to mill and offers greater mechanical resistance than standard PMMA. It is suitable for veneers, inlays/onlays, crowns, and bridges and has a flexural strength of 80 MPa.

 mimic natural tooth characteristics in flexure, compression, and abrasion, making them suitable for single-tooth restorations or small bridges, especially in the posterior area. They are indicated for veneers, inlays/onlays, crowns, and bridges. However, their polymer matrix wears faster than ceramic, making them more abrasive to antagonists.

, a mixture of resin and ceramic, represent a new category of chairside CAD/CAM materials. These polymer-containing materials result in smoother crowns and less chipping at the margins after milling. The microstructure and crystalline phase of the material significantly influence its clinical performance, mechanical properties, and esthetics.4Additionally, hybrid ceramics provide good flexural resistance and support more conservative treatment approaches.

 works for veneers, inlays/onlays, crowns, and implant prostheses, particularly in the posterior area due to limited gradient shades, with esthetics achieved through make-up.3Nanoceramics offer advantages over conventional blocks, such as superior mechanical properties, better machinability, and smoother milled margins.

The bad news is that there is no universal chairside material that you can pick up for all restorative cases. Instead, you choose from several available materials, and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. If you like definitive evidence about clinical performance, there is more bad news; all the materials have limited, long-term clinical data, so they need more studies, per multiple researchers.

The good news is that you have choices that will enhance the restoration and your clinical outcomes—and a lot of information is available to help you choose the right one for the job.

Paulsos, B. et al. (2023) Evolution Of CAD/CAM Materials In Prosthodontics: A Review, IOSRJournals.org. Accessed June 3, 2024. https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jdms/papers/Vol22-issue9/Ser-5/E2209053542.pdf

Jivanescu, Anca & Ille, Codruta & Rotar, Raul. 2024. Chairside CAD/CAM Restorations. 10.5772/intechopen.114090

Lambert H, Durand JC, Jacquot B, Fages M. Dental biomaterials for chairside CAD/CAM: State of the art. 

Eskandarion S, Neshandar M, Rokhshad R. Classifications and Properties of Materials for Chairside Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing Dentistry: A Review. 

What materials you use for restorative work affects your results. We explore the pros and cons of the types of materials available and the indications of today's chairside CAD/CAM materials. 


Chairside CAD/CAM Materials: What Are the Pros, Cons, and Indications 

Wellfit Technologies may have gotten its start serving dental service organizations (DSOs), but the company serves practices of all sizes, and its goal is to provide streamlined patient financing, dental plan management, and payment processing.

The Dallas, Texas company’s CEO Fulton Collins explains that Wellfit’s technology was designed to ensure access to frictionless dental financing through its Financing MarketPlace, dental plans, and payment processing. And while it was originally developed to serve a large DSO, it quickly became apparent that all dental practices could benefit from these services.

“I was brought in by the board which has extensive experience in the dental industry,” Collins says. “Wellfit is a company that was originally incubated in a large DSO, and the idea was that the products we offered, while beneficial to that specific DSO, would also benefit the dental industry as a whole. So, [we thought] let's really create a dental industry company that can help all dental offices, whether they're part of a DSO or independent channel and offices.”

Originally started in Orange County, the company moved to Dallas about three and a half years ago. Wellfit currently works with dental practices in 36 states with plans to continue to expand.

announced a new partnership with Patterson Dental

 to launch its new CarePay+ solution. CarePay+ is a payment manager and patient care platform that will integrate directly with Eaglesoft practice management software.

“Actually, we had an investment made in the company by Patterson Dental a few years ago, and we partner with them and their Eaglesoft offices,” Collins states. “So, we have the opportunity to go into a lot of offices that are running the Eaglesoft legacy practice management system, and we're fully integrated into that product, which you know, obviously is beneficial to the offices and to us.”

By now, most people are aware of the importance of good oral health and how it can be critical to one’s overall health. Most know they should see a dentist regularly and that taking care of needed treatments can prevent more serious and more costly problems down the road.

That said, not everyone has the necessary funds and sufficient insurance benefits to follow through with their dental needs. That’s where companies like Wellfit can have an impact.

“When I describe what I do, the question always comes up: what benefit is that?” Collins explains. “The number one thing I always throw out is that 60% of diagnosed dental work does not get done, and the biggest reason there is financial. If you look at that, you can say there's a great number of people out there who are really foregoing what I would say is healthcare because they can't afford it.

“That's the number one reason that an office should be offering finance. Now, I could get into greater granularity and say, ‘Well, it's good for the office because they increase their revenue.’ But I think, when you talk about offices in terms of services they will offer to their patients, if you can be full service, across the spectrum of what I'll say financial service products to your patients/customers, I think it just makes it much better for the offices.”

It's also much more efficient and convenient for all parties involved to be able to provide the needed treatments on the spot, without having to make a return visit later after figuring out finances. This is especially important in the case of a dental emergency, as not everyone can “just, put it on their credit card, or write a check, or whatever it might be,” he says.

“We want to give patients and the doctors the most help we can by providing them with choices. It's really about case acceptance and choices for the patient and building that doctor patient relationship,” Collins says.

Wellfit’s services also look to provide patients with convenience when it comes to making payments. He sees similarities in the medspa industry as well as dermatology and eyecare. Consumers and patients have needs and often need options when it comes to finances and payments.

“There’s a real need today, for consumers to be able to afford healthcare. The same thing is holding true in dentistry today that if you look at patients, there's really a need driven by multiple factors,” Collins says. “The first factor, there's a need to provide treatments and ability to pay for those treatments. Another factor is that the connection between your oral health and your overall health is not only becoming more important, it's becoming where the medical community as a whole is acknowledging it.”

Plenty of research in recent years has illustrated the oral-systemic link, with more patients aware that poor oral health can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases and more.

“I think what you're seeing is people who may have kicked the can down the road on getting dental treatments done and are now recognizing that their physical health is somewhat dependent on their oral health,” he says. “So, as you look at that, how does the dental industry provide more opportunities for patients to get treatments done? I think that's probably the primary reason, from my perspective, for Wellfit.”

Also, people today are offered a variety of ways to pay for products and services, and many of them expect these convenient options. Because of this, payments options are changing with the adoption of more technology and the access to those financial opportunities that have changed, and it will continue to change at a rapid pace, he adds.

The goal, again, is to help patients get the care they need and to help practices be more efficient and more successful by increasing case acceptance.

“What I would say is, Wellfit is really a partnership with the office. We help the clinician, whether it be in terms of their staff that they have, and help them do their jobs more efficiently and we create an environment that the patient is comfortable in,” Collins says. “I'm going to draw a parallel between going into a car dealership. If you needed to buy a car, you would meet with a finance and insurance person and then you would send an application individually to each of these finance companies. What Wellfit does today is provide a marketplace—and that's what we call it, our financing marketplace—that is an opportunity for a patient to fill out a single application. We can send it to the different financial institutions and allow them to get multiple answers in a much faster manner. That helps the physician, in many cases, do the treatment the same day that the diagnosis is made. And that's historically not how it was done. It's evolved.”

Technology has driven many of these advances and Collins expects this to continue.

“Obviously, technology is helping that evolution, but I do think that's going to continue to evolve and make things much more real time, and then the dentistry can get done,” he says. “The clinician feels good because they know they've helped the patient. Hopefully the patient feels good because they got the treatment done, and then they can have the opportunity to pay that over time.”

Having the financing and the payments taken care of up front not only leads to more timely case acceptance and the delivery of needed care, but the whole experience is better for the patient and the dental practice.

“I think it is a more dignified experience than historically, because we enable them to do it through an application. The patients don't have to interact directly with the benefits coordinator in an office or the front desk manager,” he concludes. “They can do it in the office, take care of it, get it done, and then move on down the road. It allows patients some privacy and dignity.

“We want to make a positive experience for everyone involved, and then increase efficiency. So that's really some of the main things we offer from a financing standpoint.”

Wellfit Technologies streamlines patient financing, payment processing, and dental plan management solutions designed to benefit practices of all sizes as well as their patients.

Financing and Payment Plans that Help Patients and Practices Alike

Patterson Companies, the parent company for Patterson Dental, today announced the release of its fiscal year 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report. The report focuses on the company’s effort as an organization to promote an inclusive workplace, reduce Patterson’s carbon footprint, and execute a diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) strategy.

Patterson, which was founded back in 1877, is a trusted partner for the dental and animal health markets. The company says initiatives highlighted in the responsibility report allow it to hold itself accountable and align back to the company values.

“I’m proud of our company as we continue to challenge ourselves to get better year by year,” Patterson Companies Chief Executive Officer Don Zurbay says in a press release. “Over this past year we developed and advanced our environmental, social and governance efforts with the help of various leadership teams. Our work touches the lives of thousands of customers and numerous communities, and I believe our efforts lay a strong foundation to drive future progress on this journey.”

The company says the latest report align’s with its core values, including:

Always advancing: We seek to advance our performance concerning issues that are meaningful to our stakeholders, to create long-term value.

Focused: Patterson strives to operate its business with integrity and strong governance practices.

We are people-first: We invest in our team members and are committed to cultivating a collaborative, responsive, and inclusive workplace.

Passion: The company is dedicated to serving the communities where its team members live and work, both through its products and services, and corporate giving and volunteerism.


Additional information on Patterson’s full Corporate Responsibility Report can be found at

Patterson Companies Inc. connects dental and animal health customers in North America and the U.K. to the latest products, technologies, services and innovative business solutions designed to enable operational and professional success.

Patterson Dental provides everyday dental supplies, time-saving software, the latest equipment, practice-changing technology, and remodeling plans through a team of trusted experts who can guide and support clinicians looking to modernize and grow their practices and keep them running smoothly.

Parent company of Patterson Dental is focusing on environmental sustainability, employee welfare, and inclusion.