Danielle Toth

 is said to provide the best CAD/CAM technology with high speed scanning for perfect restorations that exceed patient expectations.

 From scan to design to milling, GALAXY BioMill uses 

 Dental System™ Full Contour and CAMBridge™
	software, said to be one of the best CAD/CAM software tools available.  With flexible software tools that adapt to each specific practice, designing and creating immediate restorations for patients is a snap.

 is designed to capture vivid, accurate and interactive digital impressions. TRIOS reportedly combines thousands of 3D images per second to create a dazzling, interactive 3D impression based on real images rather than interpolated data. 

More from BIOLASE: BIOLASE Epic X diode laser is a complete solution for the whole dental team

 The digital design tools for the GALAXY BioMill System are said to feature an extensive set of dental indications and templates for building and designing the perfect restoration.
	
	

 The GALAXY BioMill System is designed to take advantage of the full power and automation of 3Shape’s CAMBridge software to detect margins, suggest insert directions and automate many other labor-intensive tasks in the design and output process for greater productivity.
	
	

 Design files reportedly can be easily sent to the GALAXY BioMill and manufactured in moments. Deliver same-day restorative dentistry and reap the rewards of exceeding patients’ expectations.
	
	

 With a small footprint, onboard computer, accessible touchscreen and other user-friendly controls, the GALAXY BioMill reportedly is optimized for dental practices seeking to fulfill the vision of delivering lab-quality chairside restorations in a single patient visit.

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The GALAXY BioMill is said to provide the best CAD/CAM technology with high speed scanning for perfect restorations that exceed patient expectations.

Applying GALAXY BioMill in your practice

, dental professionals reportedly can access more than 280 patient education multimedia presentations featuring 3D animation, full-motion video, narration and colorful images.

	These presentations are said to cover an extensive range of dental topics­-from hygiene to restorative and esthetics to periodontal disease-so patients can quickly understand their treatment options and make informed decisions.

 Benefits reportedly include regular new content, low monthly start-up and subscription fees and multiple licensing options. The technology is said to optimize staff time, eliminate the fatigue of repeating explanations and increase case acceptance rates. The presentations are available in both English and Spanish, designed to help dental professionals communicate with a diverse pool of patients.

 Dental professionals simply sign up for the service at 

. All they need is an Internet connection. Once signed up, users can access the full library of patient-education presentations.

Users can connect with CAESY content from multiple locations and on multiple devices, including tablets and smartphones, throughout the dental practice at the same time and link to CAESY videos directly from their practice website. The tool is compatible with both PC and Mac.

 CAESY Cloud is set up and fully supported by the Patterson Technology Center. 

These presentations are said to cover an extensive range of dental topics­-from hygiene to restorative and esthetics to periodontal disease-so patients can quickly understand their treatment options and make informed decisions.

Applying CAESY Cloud in your practice

	A closer look at this high tech intraoral scanner from Align Technology, Inc.

The iTero Element Intraoral Scanner is designed to fit your practice even better than before.

	Whether you are a general practitioner or orthodontist, the iTero Element is designed to deliver speed, reliability, intuitive operations and outstanding visualization capabilities.

 iTero Element scans are engineered to work with the Invisalign system, the exclusive Invisalign Outcome Simulator, OrthoCAD® and OrthoCAD Viewer. It’s also designed to connect to restorative and orthodontic labs and third-party treatment planning, custom implant abutment, chairside milling and lab CAD/CAM systems.

 The redesigned wand features built-in controls, including side buttons and a touchpad for user interface control. Integrated gyro technology lets you rotate models on screen. The plug-and-play wand cable quickly connects and disconnects to the base unit, and the patent-pending ITO defogging system defogs instantly without needing air or extended warming.

With the iTero Element, you can fit high precision scanning power almost anywhere. Choose between two form factors for the option that best fits your practice.

 Move the iTero Element intraoral scanner easily between operatories.

Industry-leading, open-choice imaging lets you view images in 3D. Easy visualization is said to improve visibility and chairside communication with patients.

 Scanned images appear instantly with crisp definition on the 19” high definition, multi-touch display. The display also works with latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves.

 Intuitive operation reportedly can transform clinical workflows. Spin, pinch zoom and process images with a touch.

The iTero Element Intraoral Scanner is designed to fit your practice even better than before.
Whether you are a general practitioner or orthodontist, the iTero Element is designed to deliver speed, reliability, intuitive operations and outstanding visualization capabilities.

Applying the iTero Element in your practice

 features a homogeneously dissolved fluoride source said to ensure immediate availability of the fluoride.

The entire dose of fluoride contained in Fluor Protector S is available in a very short time. As a result, dental enamel is reportedly directly and effectively supplied with fluoride. The low viscosity of the varnish is responsible for its optimum flow and wetting properties.

 The varnish is immediately ready for use with instant fluoride availability. It is designed to provide a controlled, dosed topical fluoride application. The 7700 ppm fluoride is an approximately four times higher concentration after setting. It has a mint flavor and smell and is available in multi- or single-dose units.

 The varnish hardens to a thin, transparent layer that is only visible close up. It is formulated to feel smooth and virtually non-existent so patients leave the dental office with clean and great-looking teeth.

 After Fluor Protector S has been applied, the saliva activates the calcium and fluoride ions to combine and form a protective calcium fluoride coating that is designed to remineralize and strengthen the enamel. The teeth are no longer under direct attack by acids and reportedly receive long-term protection.

Fluor Protector S is said to be the only fluoride varnish composed of ammonium fluoride, which is an innovative and completely homogenous formulation. Therefore, it evenly and effectively distributes fluoride. Application is designed to be fast and easy because it does not need to be mixed or stirred prior to application.

The innovative varnish system of Fluor Protector S features a homogeneously dissolved fluoride source said to ensure immediate availability of the fluoride.

Applying Fluor Protector S in your practice

Health care credit cards can be used for a variety of expenses, including dentistry.

	However, many consumers don't understand their options or how they work.

	More than half of consumers surveyed in a recent 

 study paid for care with a credit-based product (33 percent used a general purpose credit card, 13 percent used a medical credit card and 12 percent used provider financing to pay for procedures). However, about 70 percent were unaware financing is available through a health care credit card and more than half were unhappy with the payment options available to them.

	"Although CareCredit has been available in the dental segment since 1987, many patients learn about CareCredit health care card primarily while they are in the practice through materials provided by the dental team," says Cindy Hearn, senior vice president, branding and communications, CareCredit. "It’s important for patients to be aware of accepted payment options through every interaction with the practice."

Related reading: 4 ways to make it easier for your dental patients to pay for treatment

	Study findings also underscore this need, as 32 percent of patients said they would be very likely to apply for or use CareCredit financing for care or procedures as low as $200. That percentage increases to 49 percent for care or procedures of $1,000.

Lois Banta, a dental consultant and CEO of Banta Consulting, Inc.

, says there is a lack of awareness and training for both dentists and their team members about financing.

	"Many make presumptions about financing, such as processing fee charges, and don't have the correct information," she says. "They form an opinion that is not based on the whole truth. If you create a thought process of offering patient financing as the cost of doing business, and adjust your fees so it is an overall part of your overhead, there is no additional cost. You can keep the cost to a level that works for your budget. And the fees vary depending on the type and length of financing." 

More on financing: 7 ways to make your dental practice easy to do business with

	When making decisions on dental procedures, the survey found consumers take, on average, 70 days to conduct research, and the average amount spent was $1,177.00. Fifty-eight percent researched the procedure and 67 percent researched finances.

	In addition, 70 percent of respondents sought information offline, while 50 percent went online and 40 percent gathered information from family and friends.

	However, patients should receive this information at the source: the dentist's office.

	"Patients listen two different ways: with their eyes and ears," Banta says. "Promote that knowledge and information visually and audibly. Have signs that say, 'Ask us about our flexible payment options' with the CareCredit logo. Have information, such as brochures, readily available. And verbally create awareness. You can use a health care credit card for other expenses, such as the eye doctor, chiropractor or plastic surgeon. This frees up their other credit cards for personal spending."

More on patient communication: 9 ways to improve your dental practice's customer service skills

	Hearn says to be prepared to answer two key questions: “Should I get this care?” and “Can I pay for this care?” 

	"The first question relates specifically to the patients’ clinical need, the recommendation of the provider and the value the patient perceives in that recommendation," she says. "The second question focuses on cost and payment options that enable them to get the care they desire without delay."

	The study found 47 percent of noncardholders would consider financing if it enabled them to get care immediately.  For many patients, it may not be the total cost of care that is the concern; it is fitting payments into their family’s lifestyle and household budget, Hearn says.

	"Our experience is that when dental teams present the cost of care along with all payment options (cash, check, debit card, health care financing and provider-based financing), and include the estimated monthly payments with CareCredit, it helps patients focus more on the value of care," she says.

Related reading: 50 Shades of Great: The keys to unlocking your dental practice's phone success 

	In addition, all payment options should be shared with patients as early in the conversation as possible, Hearn says.

	"This helps patients plan their care and set financial expectations," she says. "We recommend all payment options be included in a written financial policy and that patient education information on financing with CareCredit be given to new patients at the beginning of the relationship with the practice, placed in the reception area and be available where financial conversations happen in the practice."

	Twenty-four percent of patients in the study searched online for information, which means providers should also include payment option information on their web and social media sites, Hearn says.

Related reading: 5 reasons to collect patient email addresses

	"Dental teams across the country have told us when they consistently and proactively introduce CareCredit, it makes for a better patient experience," she says. "Patients may not ask about financing or payment options; they may just delay or decline care. The study found that of the respondents who previously used CareCredit, 29 percent would have found another provider who accepted CareCredit and 39 percent would have not had the dentistry performed had this payment option not been available."

	Of health care credit cardholders, 90 percent say they feel financing is a tool to help them prepare for unplanned health expenses, and 47 percent say they would not have made the purchase or would have sought another provider if financing was not available. In addition, nearly 80 percent said financing makes it easier to budget for their healthcare purchase.

	"Our cardholders tell us they like having a credit card specifically for health, wellness and beauty needs, and we also see that existing cardholders use the card repeatedly as credit becomes available and as long as they remain in good standing as a cardholder," Hearn says. "Seventy-five percent of CareCredit cardholders are likely or very likely to use their CareCredit health, wellness and beauty card again."

E-book: Simple ways to boost your practice image

	Banta says she recommends practices promote health care credit card options because they help patients fit dentistry into their budgets, a win-win for both the practice and the patient.

	"It's all about facilitating knowledge," she says. "Educating both your front-office staff on how to present the information and patients on the availability of options helps the patient receive the best quality care without the barrier of inflexible financial arrangements."

	The study was conducted by Rothstein Tauber, Inc., on behalf of CareCredit, and included an online survey of nearly 2,000 consumers who had made an elective health care purchase in the past 12 months or who were likely to make an elective health care purchase in the next 12 months.

Related reading: What value-added services can do for your practice and patients

Health care credit cards can be used for a variety of expenses, including dentistry.
However, many consumers don't understand their options or how they work.

Health care financing options can help patients navigate unplanned dental expenses

Do you screen your patients for illegal drug use?

Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health

	It also found that more than half of dentists (54 percent) believe it is their responsibility to conduct these screenings.

	"There are a sizeable number of people whose visit to a dentist represents their sole interaction with the health care system, highlight the significance of the dental visit as a key opportunity to identify substance use disorders," Carrigan Parish, DMD, associate research scientist in the Department of Sociomedical Sciences, said in a press release. "However, our findings underscore a significant barrier in dentists' attitudes that may limit the potential of the dental venue to play a role in screening for substance misuse."

Related reading: Retired dental surgeon becomes oldest person charged with drug trafficking

	Screening for drug abuse is important as these substances can cause tooth decay, wear and loss and gum disease, the researchers said. In addition, dentists are the second-largest group to prescribe narcotic pain medicines like Vicodin and OxyContin, according to the study. Substances abusers may go to these professionals hoping to obtain these prescriptions.

	"Because dental care routinely involves treating pain and emergencies, dentists may encounter substance-seeking patients who complain of pain more severe than anticipated based on the nature of their dental condition,  report lost prescriptions for opioid pain medications or who only seek dental treatment sporadically," Parish said.

More on drug use: Study finds link between alcohol consumption and gum health

	Dentists who feel illegal drug screening is part of their professional duty were more likely to screen patients (86 percent) compared to those who do not (68 percent), according to the study.

	In addition, dentists younger than age 53 were more likely than older dentists to believe that it was their responsibility to conduct drug screening (62 percent vs. 47 percent). Women were also more likely than men to say dentists should screen for illegal drug use (61 percent vs. 52 percent).

	The survey did not ask dental patients feel about these screenings.

Related reading: New discovery could increase protection against dental infection

	"While surveys have shown that patients are amenable to receiving medical screenings by dentists chairside for such conditions as HIV, heart disease and diabetes, further studies directly addressing patient attitudes on substance misuse screening are key in determining patients' acceptance of such services," Parish said.

	Many of these patients seek cosmetic treatment, such as whitening and veneers, which provides an excellent opportunity for dentists to discuss any suspected illegal drug usage, the researchers say. 

	Survey results were published online recently in the journal 

. More than 1,200 dentists nationwide responded to the survey.

More research: Survey discovers shocking number of patients lie to their dentists about flossing

A new study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found 77 percent of dentists do.
It also found that more than half of dentists (54 percent) believe it is their responsibility to conduct these screenings.

Many dentists now ask patients about illegal drug use

A Panama City, Fla., woman was arrested on child neglect charges for reportedly allowing her 4-year-old child's teeth to blacken, rot and decay, 

	21-year-old Catlyn Haley reportedly ignored doctor recommendations to get treatment for her daughter's unhealthy smile for more than a year.

	The police report states numerous health care professionals had told Haley her child needed surgery to remove the teeth, which were rotted to the gum. A doctor with the Department of Children and Family Services said the child needed immediate attention for “terrible dentition” and “severe cavities.”

From 1 to 50: The top dental crimes in every state

	Haley reportedly did not take her child for treatment.

	The report names the girl’s father, Kenneth Haley, as a codefendant, although he has reportedly not been arrested. The report states he was present during at least one of the doctors' visits.

	The child's parents are said to have scheduled surgery but then canceled because they had not taken her for a physical, a requirement for the surgery.

	The girl reportedly told officers she cannot brush her top teeth because they hurt too much.

More weird dental news: Dental team members reveal the top 9 worst at-home dentistry mistakes

21-year-old Catlyn Haley reportedly ignored doctor recommendations to get treatment for her daughter's unhealthy smile for more than a year.

Mom accused of allowing 4-year-old's teeth to rot to the gums

An increased demand for both elective and implant-based dental treatments has also created a rising demand for temporary restorations. Many dentists use provisionals to prevent deterioration while patients wait for their final restoration.

	These temporaries are often needed for anywhere from two weeks to a year or more so strong and durable provisional materials are necessary to keep the restoration stable so the patient can function in the meantime.

	Additionally, advances in millable metals like CoCr mean that casting metal isn’t always a necessity for those labs specializing in PFMs. Together, these two material types are revolutionizing what dental technicians can do in their milling machines.

	We wanted to give you a quick roundup of some of the leading PMMA and CoCr materials out there. Whether you’re a small lab, large lab or somewhere in between, here is a snapshot of the top temporary material companies and products.

Ceramill TEMP Multilayer is a stained acrylic for long-term temporary restorations with an in situ time of up to 12 months. The blank consists of multiple shade layers that correspond to the shade gradient of a natural tooth. They are available in sizes between 13 mm and 20 mm and various dentin shades. Conventional cutters, trimmers and polishing pastes can be used for finishing and polishing. Restorations can be fabricated fully anatomically and veneered with conventional crown and bridge resins. Crowns and bridges of up to 14 units can be fabricated using Ceramill TEMP Mulitlayer. Customized, esthetic gingival forming with implant restorations is also a possibility.

ArgenPMMA discs are said to offer the highest quality and most esthetic temporary material in a wide selection of shades and sizes to meet your laboratory’s PMMA demands. It is 100 percent FDA approved, easy to polish and can be stained and layered for maximum results. ArgenPMMA discs are available in 16 Classic VITA shades, one monochromatic bleach shade, ultra-clear, pink and seven multi-shade discs, including bleach, in a range of sizes to fit most mills.

	Empire Dental Solutions introduced CopraSintec K, a CoCr alloy from White Peaks that can be milled in any open milling system (wet or dry). Designed to effectively eliminate the need for outsourcing and allowing technicians to utilize the same milling process for both zirconia and metal, this high strength alloy is said to allow for up to 14 unit bridges and is sintered in an argon sintering furnace for 4.5 hours. With the ability to mill and finish NP metals in-house using the current milling system and burs, a lab is able to provide quicker turnaround. In addition, it is said to reduce the need for remakes, increasing the profit margin.

	We have been working with White Peaks’ CopraSintec K for more than six months. This product is incredible. It does not bubble, is nonporous and works with any porcelain. CopraSintec K is very easy to work with. We have done more than 1,000 crowns, and all of them were perfect.

- Sergey Myastkovskiy, owner of Smile Tech Solution Dental Lab and Milling Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Telio® CAD for Zenotec, part of the Telio system of laboratory and clinical temporary materials, is said to enable the fabrication of temporary anterior and posterior crowns or bridges with a maximum wear period of 12 months. Telio CAD for Zenotec is available in six shades and multiple thicknesses. Combine Telio CAD with Telio Lab LC (light curing) staining and layering materials to provide extensive characterization options. High production, excellent polishability and true-to-nature gloss are said to provide outstanding results. High flexural strength and shade stability reportedly make Telio CAD a great choice for the extended wear periods that may be encountered for complex cases. Clinicians can use the esthetic Telio CS cementation and relining products to ensure reliable results.

Jensen Dental-Jensen PMMA Millable Provisional Material

Jensen Dental has released Jensen PMMA Millable Provisional Material, a frame-based product for use with the Preciso Digital Dentistry Solution’s M200 Mill and other 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ materials approved mills, including the Lava Form and Preciso M500 (formerly the CNC 500). Jensen PMMA joins a portfolio of other materials available through Jensen Dental’s Preciso solution, including 3M ESPE’s Lava Plus High Translucency Zirconia and Lava Ultimate Restorative, Jensen HT and XT Zirconia and Jensen WX Millable Wax. Jensen PMMA is available in 20 mm thick frames and in shades A1, A2, A3 and B1.

	Trim® Plus is a long-term PMMA-formula chairside tooth shade resin for use in fabricating temporary crowns, bridges, partials and splints and in the laboratory for denture teeth. It is color-stable for extended life and available in shades B1 (59), B2 (61), A1 (60), A2 (62), D3 (65), A3 (66), B3 (67), 68, C2 (69), B4 (77), A3.5 (81) and A4 (87) for greater selection. The shades are said to provide a natural appearance when matching patient requirements.

PREMIOtemp is a new multilayered PMMA material from Primotec. This ultra-esthetic temporary material combines five-plus layers of colors into one disc, giving the restoration the most natural look possible. The top of the gradient disc is lighter and very translucent (incisal) and gradually shades down to the bottom, which is darker (cervical). The discs are composed of special acrylic resins combined with organically modified ceramics for increased translucency and superior mechanical properties. Due to the strength and esthetics, PREMIOtemp is designed for long-term cemented or screw-retained temporaries. The discs come in a variety of shapes for different types of milling machines and heights up to 25 mm. The material is FDA-approved and available in most VITA shades.

Available in multicolor and monocolor blocks, VITA CAD-Temp consists of fiber-free homogeneous, cross-linked acrylate-polymer with a microfiller. Exhibiting a well-balanced combination of tensile strength and elasticity, the blocks are described as ideal for the fabrication of multi-unit, fully or partially anatomical long-term temporary bridge restorations. In addition, VITA CAD-Temp materials are designed to offer good long-term stability (wearing period up to three years) and abrasion resistance, lasting color stability and natural Fluorescence for exceptional esthetics.

Whip Mix Vericore® millable PMMA discs come in a variety of colors and chemistries. PMMA Clear is a sturdy, see-through burnout material; PMMA Ivory is a natural-looking burnout pattern material; PMMA Blue is ideal to use as a burnout pattern because it reportedly makes determining thicknesses easy; and PMMA Gradient Temporary is said to provide the patient with a naturally beautiful, long-lasting temporary anterior restoration.

Zahn Dental-Zirlux Temp/Zirlux Temp Multi

	Zirlux Temp and Zirlux Temp Multi are PMMA discs designed to be ideal for the precise fabrication of temporary restorations. These PMMA restorations can be used for up to 12 months intraorally, reportedly providing a valuable esthetic option for managing fit, function and phonetics. Zirlux Temp is available in 17 shades and four disc sizes. Also produced in multiple sizes and thicknesses, Zirlux Temp Multi is a multilayered PMMA choice for various milling machines, laboratories and milling centers.

These temporaries are often needed for anywhere from two weeks to a year or more so strong and durable provisional materials are necessary to keep the restoration stable so the patient can function in the meantime.

The Future of Millable Materials is Here

	The bird suffered a gunshot wound and was missing a large part of its beak.

Dentists typically deal with human teeth. One dentist and his technician, however, used their dental skills to help a bald eagle missing a chunk of his beak.

	Dentists from British Columbia, along with veterinarians and other doctors, helped save the bird, who reportedly had been shot by a truck driver.

	Residents heard the gunshot and saw the truck drive away. They investigated the noise and discovered the injured eagle, which they took to a local refuge. The refuge took the bird to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Center, where many veterinarians recommending putting it down. Volunteers, however, thought they saw the potential for recovery.
	
	Dr. Brian Andrews created an exact mold of the missing portion of the bird’s beak and then built a hard wax model for Dental Technician Fred Leak. Leak designed a yellow permanent prosthesis to match the coloring of the remaining beak. The new beak functions as well as the old, and the eagle made a full recovery.

More weird dental news: Man charged with using pliers to remove women's teeth during sex

Dentists from British Columbia, along with veterinarians and other doctors, helped save the bird, who reportedly had been shot by a truck driver.

Dental duo creates prosthesis for injured bald eagle

	The other 0.5 said it appeared he had gum recession and disease but could not make a diagnosis from a single photograph.

The inaugural issue of a new magazine for doctors, dentists and surgeons announced 9.5 out of 10 dentists it surveyed said President Barack Obama had receding gums.

	The dentists were shown a picture of the President's smile during the White House Correspondents Dinner in Apri and asked to supply a diagnosis. They were given a cropped photograph and not told the identity of the smile.

	Nine and a half out of 10 periodontists diagnosed President Obama with gum recession on tooth #7 and tooth #10.  The doctors in the remaining agreed the photo appeared to show gum recession and gum disease but said they could not diagnose from just a picture.

Related reading: Cosmetic dentists to the stars

	Also called gingival recession, the main cause of gum recession is gum disease resulting from poor brushing and flossing. Overly aggressive brushing can also cause receding gums, according to the magazine, titled 

	Untreated gum recession can result in tooth and tissue loss and sensitivity, cavities and undesirable esthetics.

	For the celebrity smile analysis in its issue, Brilliant Doctors Magazine surveyed a representative sample from about 5,000 practicing periodontists.

	About half of Americans ages 30 and older (more than 64 million people) have periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease, which causes receding gums, according to 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

More on gum disease: American Dental Association releases new guidelines on gum disease treatment

The dentists were shown a picture of the President's smile during the White House Correspondents Dinner in Apri and asked to supply a diagnosis. They were given a cropped photograph and not told the identity of the smile.