Danielle Toth

Victor Twartz, 91, is said to be the oldest person charged with drug trafficking.

	The reportedly devout Christian says he was victimized by a drug gang via email. He attempted to bring about 10 lbs. of cocaine, worth about $1 million, hidden in 27 bars of soap to Australia from India.

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

	Twartz says he received an all-expenses-paid trip to India and was told he needed to sign a document to receive a hefty inheritance. He reportedly was given the soap prior to his flight home and told it contained gifts for the bank manager handling the funds in Australia. He claims he examined the soap and even flaked pieces of it off. He noticed a white substance but thought it was part of the product.

	Twartz's family contacted police about the incident following their discovery of lengthy email communication between the former oral surgeon and the gang.

	Facing charges of importing a commercial quantity of cocaine in a Sydney court, Twartz's case has been adjourned to October. He was released on bail but faces life in prison.

	Officials say said in the past two years, 40 Australians have been arrested in similar scams. Many target the elderly or mentally ill, whom they see as more vulnerable.

Related reading: Dental team members reveal the top 9 worst at-home dentistry mistakes

Articles

The reportedly devout Christian says he was victimized by a drug gang via email. He attempted to bring about 10 lbs. of cocaine, worth about $1 million, hidden in 27 bars of soap to Australia from India.

Retired oral surgeon becomes oldest person charged with drug trafficking

An independent group of researchers determined no quality evidence proving water fluoridation improves or worsens tooth decay or reduces adult cavities.

Researchers from the Cochrane Oral Health Group

, however, did find data suggesting water fluoridation may reduce cavities in children, although they most of the studies were conducted before widespread adoption of preventive measures such as fluoridated toothpaste and sealants.

	After reviewing various studies through February 2015, the group identified 155 that compared children consuming natural or artificial fluoridated water to those consuming water with low or no fluoride. Twenty evaluated adult tooth decay, although 71 percent occurred before 1975, and 135 examined adult dental fluorosis.

	The researchers reviewed studies for risk of bias by examining the quality of the methods how thoroughly the results were reported. They determined more than 97 percent of the 155 studies on children's fluoridation were at a high risk of bias, skewing the overall quality of the results.

Straight Talk: How a prescription fluoride toothpaste works

	In addition, the group found the introduction of water fluoridation resulted in a 35 percent reduction in decayed, missing or filled baby teeth and a 26 percent reduction in decayed, missing or filled permanent teeth and improved the percentage of children with no decay by 15 percent.

	However, while researchers says this may demonstrate water fluoridation reduces tooth decay in children, the studies were conducted prior to the commonplace use of fluoride toothpastes and other preventative treatments.

	The group also determined there was not sufficient information in the studies to determine:

		Whether introducing water fluoridation changed  differences in tooth decay across socioeconomic groups

		The effect of stopping water fluoridation on tooth decay

		The effect of stopping water fluoridation on caries

		The effect of water fluoridation in preventing tooth decay in adults

	For more information on the research and its findings, 

More on fluoride: The importance of fluoride varnish for pediatric patients

Researchers from the Cochrane Oral Health Group, however, did find data suggesting water fluoridation may reduce cavities in children, although they most of the studies were conducted before widespread adoption of preventive measures such as fluoridated toothpaste and sealants.

Researchers find no evidence water fluoridation improves or worsens tooth decay and cavities

Still on the fence about purchasing a dental laser for your practice? Consider the market is supposed to almost double in the next few years.

	The North American dental lasers market was valued at $58.4 million in 2014 and is estimated to reach $90.7 million by 2019 at a compound annual growth rate of 9.2 percent from 2014 to 2019, according to 

, which publishes 12,000 market research reports on micro markets annually..

	Dental lasers produce a narrow light beam, causing a reaction with tissue. One of the most rapidly growing segments in the overall dental devices market, they can be used at different wavelengths to remove or shape the tissue in various dental surgeries, treatments and procedures.

Related reading: 5 things you need to know about laser dentistry

	Dental lasers are used in various disciplines, including laser-assisted caries diagnosis and management, restorative dentistry, oral diagnosis/oral medicine, oral surgery, periodontics, gingivectomy, crown lengthening, periodontitis treatment, pediatrics, frenectomy, endodontics, biostimulation and many more.

	The main advantages of these devices are increased patient comfort; less postoperative pain, bleeding and morbidity; decreased use of anesthesia; shorter procedure time; and greater patient satisfaction. The Americas form the largest market for dental lasers-dental practitioners have shown the highest adoption rates for advanced dental devices such as dental lasers.

	Dental lasers have several other advantages over traditional dental drills and handpieces.The devices can be used to preserve teeth that may be lost with standard treatments.

Webinar: How all-tissue lasers enhance the traditional dental model

	Rapid developments in technology, lower costs and more compact designs have made dental lasers more attractive to practices. Systems that were previously bulky are now available in smaller, more portable models. Many are similar in structure to a dental handpiece. The latest models also use modern fiber-optic delivery systems.

	Another reason for growth is an overall global increase in the importance of oral hygiene coupled with rising disposable income in North America. In addition, the rising middle-class population, growing aging population, reduced treatment time and operating cost and increased demand for cosmetic dentistry are also major growth factors.

Related reading: How technology can help your practice's young patients

	Americans make about 500 million visits to dentists each year, according to 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

. In 2010, an estimated $108 billion was spent on dental services in the United States. And in 2011, about 36,500 new cases of oral cancer were diagnosed. These factors have also contributed to the growth of the dental laser market.

	Key players in the North American dental lasers market include 

download the full Micro Market report here

Webinar: Understanding dental laser wavelengths and how they affect procedures

The North American dental lasers market was valued at $58.4 million in 2014 and is estimated to reach $90.7 million by 2019 at a compound annual growth rate of 9.2 percent from 2014 to 2019, according to MicroMarket Monitor, which publishes 12,000 market research reports on micro markets annually..

Dental laser market projected to almost double in the next few years

	The latest furnaces are highly advanced with numerous options.

Sintering furnaces are HOT, and it’s not just about the temperature. Companies throughout the industry have recently released newer and better versions with higher speeds and larger capacities, as well as the ability to handle a wide range of materials.

	These furnaces are also technologically advanced, including sophisticated touchscreens, preset and customizable programming ability and high quality LEDs, allowing you the ultimate control that produces results that will make both your clients and their patients happy. Both efficient and effective, the latest sintering furnaces can put out restorations, crowns, copings, substructures and more.

	We wanted to bring you a quick roundup of some of the leading sintering furnaces out there. Whether you’re a small lab, large lab or somewhere in between, here is a snapshot of some of the top sintering furnace companies and products.

Amann Girrbach-Ceramill Argotherm 2 Amann Girrbach will introduce a new, improved generation of the Ceramill Argotherm shielding gas sintering furnace later this year. Its enlarged furnace chamber is designed to enable easier and more reliable handling of the removable Ceramill Argovent sinter chamber, while an integrated compressed air and shielding gas monitor is said to ensure even higher process reliability during the sintering procedure. Equipped with a touchscreen and a clear, conceptualized display for optical control of the sintering process, the successor model also reportedly provides increased comfort in terms of operability and handling.

Sirona-inFire HTC speed The inFire HTC speed is a high speed, high capacity sintering furnace that is said to accommodate numerous indications and material choices, including the ability to sinter milled cobalt-chrome substructures and full-contour oxide ceramic restorations with speed and efficiency. The furnace chamber stacks up to two crucibles, providing the capability to sinter bridges of any size in a single 60-minute firing and single-unit crowns and copings in as little as 10 minutes. Preset programs are designed to process all materials that can be milled on inLab® systems, including the Sirona inCoris® line, VITA In-Ceram, IPS e.max® ZirCAD and full-contour zirconium restorations.

The VITA ZYRCOMAT 6000 MS is a fast, compact and efficient high speed sintering unit that is designed especially for high temperature sintering firings and all dental ceramic substructure materials. By utilizing a material-friendly procedure with a controlled cooling phase of up to 400 °C, the system can sinter bridge substructures with up to nine units and fully anatomical restorations in only 80 minutes. For convenience, the unit includes a firing chamber designed with a capacity of up to 25 units.

Whip Mix-Infinity ZR Whip Mix has announced a new furnace solution, the Infinity ZR sintering furnace. With 30 programs and four stages, the Whip Mix Infinity ZR furnace has been designed to offer the user flexibility and consistently accurate sintering of zirconia materials. The Infinity ZR sintering furnace features thermal web technology, which reflects infrared heat for more even heating, delays start time up to eight hours and sinters up to 60 units at a time. The Infinity ZR comes complete with one lidded sintering tray, one 8 oz. jar of sintering beads and spatula.

Zircar Zirconia, Inc.-hotspot 110 The Zircar HotSpot 110 sintering furnace reportedly allows you to easily achieve the highest translucency in your copings with its ability to sinter up to 1720° C and an easy-to-program, open controller. Zircar Zirconia, Inc., was the first company to commercialize high temperature fiber insulation in the 1970s. This premium insulation combined with the company’s 40 years of experience sintering ceramics is said to go into each HotSpot 110. Since 2004, Zircar has supplied the dental lab market with these reportedly highly durable, 110V furnaces that are made in America. Each furnace holds two trays and comes with a three-year warranty.

	Zirkonzahn-Zirkonofen 600/v3 The redesigned Zirkonofen 600/V3 sintering furnace has been constructed for easy use with a front 4.3” color touchscreen control panel display for changing parameters. In addition, built-in LEDs show the status of different procedures. Thanks to the two MoSi2 heating elements, the furnace is able to reach a final temperature of up to 3,092 °F (1,700 °C). The furnace has a 0.6-liter combustion chamber capacity, making it possible to sinter up to 60 units in a single sintering process. The Zirkonofen 600/V3 sintering furnace offers up to 10 preset sinter programs for different zirconia materials and can configure on-demand customized programs.

	The VARIO S400 sintering oven, now available from Zubler USA, is said to be unique in its appearance, performance, size and features. Utilizing the CAD/CAM engineering expertise of Dental Concept Systems combined with the experienced furnace engineers at Zubler in Germany, this joint engineering project from both divisions of the Zubler Group is said to result in the release of an oven of extraordinary quality and features. The importance of the sintering process during the manufacture of restorations from zirconium oxide has long been underestimated. New presintering staining options and an increased variety of materials require more complex processing options that few sintering furnaces on the market can handle. The VARIO S400 is designed to address these complex processing needs with proven and advanced technology.

These furnaces are also technologically advanced, including sophisticated touchscreens, preset and customizable programming ability and high quality LEDs, allowing you the ultimate control that produces results that will make both your clients and their patients happy.

Sintering technology heats up industry

A new company started by Berkeley and Stanford graduates recently released a toothpaste costing $20 for a 1.7-ounce tube.

, can be used for daily brushing and does not include abrasives, detergents, fluoride, triclosan or antimicrobials. 

	It reportedly works by activating edathamil, which is said to remove both harmful calcium and the hard-to-eliminate plaque. It was is more like nail polish remover than traditional paste, CEO Amit Goswamy said in 

	The reason for the cost is that Livionex is a "premium product providing superior value and results that are far superior to the leading ADA-approved toothpaste," according to the product's website. In addition, it is said to be the result of more than a decade of research in collaboration with top U.S. universities and contains the most effective, highest quality, safest ingredients available.

	Normal brushing is said to reduce plaque to a two on the five-point Quigley Hein Plaque Index. However, research is said to show Livionex reduces plaque to 0.5.

	Made it the United States, Livionex is said to be safe for children and adults of all ages as it contains all-edible ingredients and is gluten- and glycerin-free. It has a mild peppermint flavor and does not foam as it does not contain detergents.

	Users need a pea-sized amount. When used twice a day, each 1.7-ounce tube is estimated to last six weeks.

Weird dental news: Man ditches pants while fleeing after stealing $52 in toothpaste

A new company started by Berkeley and Stanford graduates recently released a toothpaste costing $20 for a 1.7-ounce tube.
The paste, called Livionex Dental Gel, can be used for daily brushing and does not include abrasives, detergents, fluoride, triclosan or antimicrobials.

Silicon Valley startup sells $20 toothpaste

 features eight of the products that have been honored with the 

2015 Pride Institute “Best of Class” Technology Award

The annual technology awards aim to recognize the most important technologies in the industry.

These awards highlight products of the highest integrity and of the greatest innovation in the dental community. “Best of Class” products have been thoroughly evaluated by an objective committee of experts; the winners are products users can trust and contain critical components that will benefit dentists’ practices, teams and patients.

See more 2015 award winners: Pride Institute's 2015 Best of Class winners: Part 2

 Color digital impression taking solution scans and captures intraoral images in realistic-looking color. RealColor™ Technology helps to create scanned images 

with the appearance of real teeth and gingiva. The natural-looking colors provide an excellent scanning experience, and make it easy for clinicians to distinguish between the different types of restorative materials (metals, enamel, composite, etc.), recognize bleeding areas, see color transitions on teeth and easily identify margin lines with enhanced detail and share highly accurate images with lab technicians.
	 

Pride Advisory Board Member Dr. Paul Feuerstein


	Digital impressions and the digital workflow are probably the fastest-changing technology in the profession. Keeping up with the “latest” is almost a weekly process. For the past year, though, 3Shape has moved rapidly forward with advancements in the TRIOS scanner that put it in front of the pack. Earlier this year, at the IDS show in Cologne, it truly captivated attendees from around the world. The speed, accuracy, true color and new software make this easy to use and quite predictable. The fact that most laboratories utilize 3Shape design software, which can be used with any digital impression system, gives a bit more credence to the reliability of this unit.


	Of all the systems I tested, 3Shape’s openness and workflow were the most attractive. You have TRIOS

 and the Dental System™ CAD/CAM software made by the same company. You don’t need two different partners. You know the support is there if something doesn’t work-one office to call if you have any questions. In theory, because of its openness, we knew we could accept files from dentists with other scanners. However, after completing the testing, we ended up working only with TRIOS

 scans. We felt they produced the best impressions and have since based our business model on dentists using TRIOS

Continue to page two to read about the ACTEON SOPROCARE and SOPROLIFE...


	Using autofluorescence and chromatic amplification, the SOPROCARE prophylaxis camera reveals caries, new and old plaque and gingival inflammation. A complete oral exam can 

be completed with one device. It operates in three modes: PERIO mode highlights the old and new dental plaque and gingival inflammations, even at the early stage; CARIO mode Detects enamo-dentinal caries from stage 1 (code ICDAS II); and DAYLIGHT mode can also be used as a camera, providing all of the necessary tools to perform a complete and time-efficient oral examination.

SOPROLIFE is an imaging fluorescence device reportedly aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of caries. The auto fluorescence technology in SOPROLIFE is said to allow dental professsionals to detect occlusal or interproximal decay, even in its earliest stages, which can often by missed by the eyes or X-rays.

Related reading: ACTEON North America introduces Expazen cord paste


	Minimally invasive dentistry, CAMBRA and new materials are leading dentists to be a lot more conservative than the teachings of G.V. Black. This understatement shies us away from extension for prevention and also tells us when early intervention is necessary. It is important to be able to go past the explorer “stick” and decide whether to “watch” an area or initiate treatment, whether it be sealant, remineralization or minimally invasive preparation and restoration. In the situation of watching for remineralization, the SOPROLIFE and SOPROCARE (with a new plaque/inflammation detection mode) give the practitioner a quick visual method to evaluate the initial need as well as the follow-up to see if further treatment is necessary.
	
	

Using fluoroscopy and a very good intraoral camera, the view can be evaluated at the time of inspection and the image stored for comparative evaluation at a later date. In addition, during restoration preparation, the practitioner can “see” if the caries was completely removed in an instant and much more easily than caries detection solutions. It can be a humbling experience. The bonus is that the units are excellent intraoral cameras when not in caries or plaque mode with settings from full-arch to very close macro views, which is excellent for seeing fractures.


	One of the most important diagnostic tools in my practice, SOPROLIFE is my go-to for the detection of early caries, defective amalgams or composites and broken restorations. It is also part of my armamentarium during treatment; I use the Macro mode for the detection of cracked teeth and broken cuspids.
	
	Our case acceptance, productivity, patient satisfaction and insurance payments have all increased in no small part because of the impact of SOPROLIFE.

E-book: 3 things you might not know about piezoelectric scalers

Continue to page three to read about the Bien-Air iChiropro and iOptima...


	Swiss medical technologies company Bien-Air introduced the world’s first implantology system controlled by an iPad: t

. Users can reportedly discover the perfect 

working balance between their iPad and exceptional electronics for controlling the MX-i LED motor. The iChiropro is said to contain the most powerful motor on the market, with LED lighting and ceramic ball bearings guaranteeing a very long service life. In combination with the 20:1 L contra-angle, the iChiropro is designed to redefine ergonomics and ease of use.

 is a reportedly ingenious system destined to boost performance and efficiency for the most common dental procedures. From its practical design to its seamless setup and operation, every aspect of the iOptima was said to be thought out with simplicity in mind. Composed of a tabletop control unit and Bien-Air’s best-selling MCX brushless micromotor, the iOptima is designed to give users the option to upgrade their units with the latest technology at the most affordable cost.
	

Related reading: 9 of the coolest things we saw at CDA South and Lab Day West

Pride Advisory Board Member Dr. John Flucke


	The problems every dentist faces in both surgical and endodontic handpiece systems are evolution and obsolescence. By that, I mean endo systems and implant 

systems require electric torque-controlled motors that are preprogrammed with all the proper settings.
	Normally, the doctor purchases the motor from the same company that also manufacturers the files or implants. This means the motor is setup with the correct RPM, torque, etc. Changing these settings is possible but usually difficult. Frequently, when a new system is purchased or an old system is discontinued, a new motor is required.

That is, until Bien-Air introduced the iOptima and iChiropro. These two handpiece systems are powered by an iPod (iOptima) or an iPad (iChiropro). That means the handpiece systems are run by apps that can be updated to allow for new products in endo and implants, new parameters for those products, etc.

If a new implant comes on the market, all of the parameters required to place it are downloaded to the iPad and used by the iChiropro to control the handpiece. The iChiropro also allows for the patient name to be stored on the device along with all the all clinical data generated during the implant placement. The system literally records the torque used, RPM, length of time the handpiece was used during the surgery, etc.

The iOptima can be used for both endo and restorative. The app that controls the device allows for updates on new endo files (torque, RPM, etc), and the doctor can set preferences for the high-speed RPM desired during different procedures (amalgam removal, caries removal, etc).

These systems are designed to evolve as procedures evolve.


	I was looking for a new implant motor that would complement my state-of-the-art implant practice and was delighted to find the iChiropro. It is neat and tidy with a small footprint, and the saline feed is easy to attach to the unit. By far, the most interesting feature of the unit is the control system, which is a standard iPad-great for Apple aficionados! The controls are clear and easy-to-use and will function through a sterile cover. Combining that with the highest torque motor in its class makes it a winning combination for me.

Video: Bien-Air's iOptima makes it easy to transition from air-driven to electric

Continue to page fourto read about the VELscope VX


	Able to detect tissue abnormalities, the 

enhanced oral assessment system is said to be effective, minimally invasive and can be implemented seamlessly in a patient’s routine dental check-ups. The s

ystem’s blue-spectrum light causes the soft tissues of the mouth to naturally fluoresce. The device is designed to detect a wide variety of abnormalities so they can be discovered before they are visible to the unassisted eye.

Pride Advisory Board Member Dr. Marty Jablow


	Oral cancer is real, and it is the responsibility of every dentist to screen for it. In my office, we believe every patient should receive an oral cancer examination. We do the standard white light examination along with enhanced fluorescence screening using a VELscope VX. We consider this portion of the examination so important that we do not charge a fee. I don’t want patients to decline this enhanced examination because of cost or because they believe it is just a new profit center for the office. The VELscope VX is a small, battery-powered unit that is completely portable and can easily be shared between operatories. The VELscope VX provides the adjunctive screening I require and gives patients the peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to protect their health.

The VELscope VX is the standard of enhanced oral cancer detection. Every new device compares itself to VELscope. VELscope doesn’t just rest on its laurels. It has continued to make the devices better. One limitation has been the ability to photograph a lesion. There were expensive adapters to allow DSLR or a point-and-shoot camera to be attached. This barrier to entry has since been removed. The most recent addition is an adapter that allows an iPod touch to be attached to the VELscope VX. This new adapter makes acquiring and sharing images easy. Screen your patients with white light and VELscope, save the photos and refer when necessary.


	It is our responsibility to complete a thorough oral cancer evaluation at every hygiene recall and re-examination, and the VELscope VX provides us with the reassurance that we are adding an additional dimension to the visual and tactile examination. With the VELscope VX, we can better differentiate between the normal appearance and the abnormal and document what we see with the camera. It is an effective way to communicate with other physicians, as well as patients.

Related reading: 2015 "Best of Class" Technology Award winners announced

Continue to page five to read about DEXIS CariVu...


	The CariVu caries detection system features proprietary infrared transillumination for seeing through the tooth, reportedly highlighting conditions not easily detected by 

other caries detection technologies. Dentists are said to be able to quickly gain confidence and confirm diagnoses, plus CariVu is easy to use.
	 

Pride Advisory Board Member Dr. Parag Kachalia

Cumulative ionizing radiation is a concern for many people in the world today, and practitioners must be cognizant of this concern when treating patients. In an ideal world, diagnostic assessment could be made without any ionizing radiation. The DEXIS CariVu device is a technology that is showing great promise to allow radiation-free diagnosis. Unlike a bitewing radiograph, where a practitioner must make an educated guess as to the position of the caries, the CariVu image clearly shows exactly where the practitioner should enter the lesion if surgical caries removal is indicated.


	This product is now a part of my everyday examinations. My patients will look at an image I take using the CariVu and immediately say, ‘Wow! That’s cool.’ If I have used the technology on them once already, they will remind me to use it next time. I don’t even want to show people their X-rays anymore. The CariVu is an excellent patient education tool. Anyone can use this device. It’s so easy to use, and it’s hard to get a false positive or miss something in the diagnosis. It’s a great piece of technology that is very accurate.

Related reading: The benefits of the DEXIS Platinum Intraoral Digital Imaging System

Continue to page six to read about the Digital Doc Iris HD...


	The new IRIS HD USB 3.0 is said to bring the smallest details into brilliant full-screen, high-resolution focus. The device includes dual-capture buttons and one-touch focus and even knows when to turn itself on and off when 

you pick it up and set it down. The IRIS HD precision optical lens array is said to produce extreme clarity, while Sony’s advanced HD sensor is designed to provide the finest picture quality. In addition, the USB 3.0 connector is said to fit standard delivery units.

E-book: Frequently asked questions about digital dentistry and new digital trends


	I could not practice without the Digital Doc Iris HD. I use it on almost every patient, whether it is for diagnosis of a problem, for show and tell or for some other documentation. There are countless units in the marketplace ranging in cost from Asian imports for a couple hundred dollars on eBay to some in excess of $8,000. There are many variables and, to be honest, you can show a patient a fractured amalgam on the lower-end cameras. However, when you see images from a lower-end camera and the Iris HD side by side, you notice things on the Iris HD image you missed on the lower-end camera. Noticing things like fractures in restorations and teeth might change your treatment plan before you touch the handpiece. We have all found ourselves in the middle of a “simple” restoration only to encounter a cusp flying off or a fracture through the pulpal floor.

The winning camera comes from Digital Doc. The entire company focus is on one product, and it has consistently been the highest resolution, best illumination camera in the marketplace. By adding HD to the newest version, it rivals the low magnification of some microscopes. The color and clarity make it excellent for the practitioner’s diagnosis as well as the patient’s co-diagnosis and education. Button placement allows right- or left-handed use, and an attachment allows for full-face photos. Although the full-face may not rival a true digital camera, it is good, fast and easily disinfected.


	I have to say the new Digital Doc cameras we have are great. We bought five new cameras so we could put a camera in each treatment room, and it has already made a huge difference in the first month of use. I can’t stress enough how being able to show patients what we see changes everything. It is making a big impact on our practice, but, more importantly, it has convinced the patients to get work done that they need.

Related reading: The top advances in caries detection

Continue to page seven to read about Kerr SonicFill2...


	Retaining the same patented sonic-activation technology that made the original version successful, SonicFill 2™ reportedly incorporates a new filler system containing nano-scale zirconium oxide and silica oxide 

particles. This change is said to deliver excellent gloss, color-matching, wear resistance and strength to make bulk filling even easier and more reliable. In addition, SonicFill 2’s viscosity is designed to decrease dramatically during placement to ensure intimate adaption with the cavity surface.

Related reading: KaVo Kerr Group releases new products at IDS presentation

Pride Advisory Board Member Dr. Parag Kachalia


	Since its introduction only a few years ago, numerous practitioners around the world continue to adopt SonicFill and literally millions of restorations have been placed with it. 

Rather than rest on its laurels, the research and development team at Kerr has continued to look at ways to take a very good product and make it even better. To this end, the company introduced SonicFill 2 with even better physical properties than the original SonicFill formulation, which demonstrated phenomenal clinical success. SonicFill 2 has a new nano-scale zirconium oxide filler system that allows it to have even better wear resistance and strength. In addition, this new filler also allows a higher level of polishability. These improvements allow practitioners to comfortably place SonicFill 2 restorations without giving up any of the properties they were accustomed to having in their traditional resins. Thankfully, these improvements have in no way taken away from the efficiency of the product. Some of my oldest restorations are now approaching four years of service with SonicFill, and I am happy to report there have been no signs of sensitivity, marginal leakage or fracture with any of them. Simplicity, improved physical properties and clear positive return on investment are reasons SonicFill 2 is being recognized by the Pride Institute as a “Best of Class” product.


	I love this product. The material flows from the handpiece and into prep similar to a flowable composite but is firm enough to condense. While condensing the material, it did not stick to the instrument and pull out of the prep as my other composite often would. SonicFill 2 eliminated my problems with Class II restorations. I no longer need a base of a weaker flowable composite to fill voids, the pull-back of the material out of the prep is gone and the polymerization shrinkage is minimal, which allows me to bulk fill and maintain a nice interproximal contact.

Related reading: How to use Kerr SonicFill™ and SonicFill™2

Continue to page eight to read about Liptak Dental DDS Rescue...


	DDS Rescue is said to be the only system that can restore your practice data in minutes-versus days or weeks with traditional backups-and recover 

deleted files and corrupt databases immediately. If your server fails, you reportedly can run your practice off the DDS Rescue failover server, an onsite unit designed to get your office back up and running in 10 minutes. The system routinely copies files to the cloud, storing them in multiple encrypted facilities. The server can be accessed via the web so you can manage your business remotely.
	 


	Practices are acquiring more data through their paperless office and digital imaging than ever before. As the amount of data grows exponentially, the threat to that data grows, too.

 Data protection is paramount to a practice, and systems must be in place to secure and protect the data. Office data is something you cannot afford to lose. Office downtime from data loss is costly. So how do I protect data in my office? Liptak’s DDS Rescue, a failover server that backs up not just my data but the entire server 30 times a day. Every evening, the data is encrypted and sent to an online data repository. So, with this system, you get the best of both worlds: fast 10-minute recovery in an emergency situation in your office and the added security of your office server available in the cloud if your office has a disaster or the server is stolen. You get nationwide, year-round data monitoring seven days a week to ensure your back-up data is secure in the event you need a fast restore of the entire system or even just a file. Don’t worry about the governmental parts, as DDS Rescues service is HIPAA-, HITECH- and PIPEDA-compliant. Peace of mind has never been easier with DDS Rescue protecting my office data.

Related reading: How your dental practice will benefit by backing up and restoring the smart way

Dr. Stephen Dankworth, La Costa Dental Excellence


	I have been a customer of DDS Rescue for the past four years and was glad I was from the very first day. Even before the DDS Rescue System was installed, the initial assessment the technician performed found one of the two hard drives on my server was no longer running. Then, the very first night after we had installed the full system, my other hard drive failed. The very nice part about this is that the monitoring part of the DDS Rescue system detected that my server was down and the DDS Rescue technician was waiting for us the next morning to arrive at my office. He quickly got us up and running, eliminating a very serious problem before our day even began.

If that level of service wasn’t enough to convince me of the total worth of this unique system, then last month’s incident did.

My office received an email that supposedly came from one of our patients that contained a malware called 

 that infected my office server. The CryptoLocker gave me the choice of paying them a ransom or having them permanently lock me out of my office server, including all of my patient records. I phoned DDS Rescue, and the company immediately had me shut down my server. Technicians then went about having the DDS Rescue Unit take over and run my office network. This allowed me to not only continue to work but have my infected server completely stripped of all programs. Once my server was completely clean, all of my office files were placed back onto my server.

As a result of having the DDS Rescue system I was able to avoid paying a ransom and completely remove CryptoLocker from my server, which avoided the threat of having my complete server locked down and loosing all of my records forever.

DDS Rescue saved my practice twice. I can tell you from experience that if you don’t have a DDS Rescue System in your office right now you should. It’s scary to imagine how much I would have lost.

More on HIPAA compliance: is your dental practice completely HIPAA-compliant?

 In part one of our three-part series, Dental Products Report features eight of the products that have been honored with the 2015 Pride Institute “Best of Class” Technology Award.

Pride Institute's 2015 Best of Class winners: Part 1

	When creating a porcelain restoration, it’s not just about the restoration itself-it’s about all the often unnoticed components that come together to create the most beautiful result.

During the restoration process, you likely use everything from various compounds to brushes, glazes, gels, ceramics, stains, stones and trays. Using the best accessories ensures you’ll complete the best restorations, whether they be fillings, inlays and onlays, bridges, crowns or veneers, making both your clients and their patients happy.

We wanted to bring you a quick roundup of some of the leading porcelain accessories out there. Whether you’re a small lab, large lab or somewhere in between, here is a snapshot of some of the top porcelain accessories companies and products.

Free on-demand webinar: Understanding medical billing and its relationship with 3D


	Available in eight different sizes, these handcrafted brushes are designed to complete every porcelain task. These brushes reportedly possess the highest quality of natural Kolinsky sable hairs to create sharp brush tips, flexibility and effective moisturizing effects. Made from lightweight wood, the handles are designed to be protected from warping with five layers of protective varnish. The nickel-plated brass ferrule and triple-crimp technique are said to create a secure connection between the bristle hairs and handle. Each brush undergoes an exclusive curing treatment to ensure a long-lasting shape, as well as to increase its spring and recovery.
	
	800-729-8192 | 


	Zirlux LC porcelain is a low firing feldspathic/leucite glass ceramic designed with “true-to-nature” fluorescence and opalescence that closely resembles the appearance of natural teeth. The Zirlux LC translucent pellets are said to complement the ceramics and full-contour characterization kit when you need to coordinate and match shading to adjacent teeth. This complete ceramic system is designed to give dental ceramists the artistic control over the desired restorative outcome. Utilize these versatile materials when fabricating esthetic multi-unit cases regardless of technique.
	
	800-496-9500 | 

Related reading: Product roundup: The importance of implants


	Vision USA, an innovator in the dental porcelain market, introduced Vision Universal Glaze Paste. The product can be used with all porcelain systems, including e.max and zirconia. Glazed porcelain is said to provide a smooth and dense surface, and studies have shown it produces better color stability.
	
	800-257-5782 | 


	The Taub Insta-Glaze line of diamond polishing pastes have been formulated to produce a high polish on all-ceramic restorations, lithium disilicate, feldspathic porcelain, zirconia and composite and hybrid resins and can be used to polish chairside or in the lab. University studies have shown Insta-Glaze restores the glaze of the restoration to that of fired porcelain. Three versions of Insta-Glaze are available: Insta-Glaze for porcelain, Insta-Glze HYB for hybrid and nano resins and Insta-Glaze Zr for high polishing of zirconia. The product is available in 2 Gm syringes.
	
	800-828-2634 | 

Category Cruncher: Predictable posterior composites


	Dura-Green® DIA Stones are vitrified-bonded diamond abrasive and the diamond version of a carborundum point, designed for contouring porcelains and ceramic copings with superior results. These stones are said to provide enhanced performance with a smoother, chipless cut versus silicon carbide or diamond burs. Densely packed diamonds are embedded throughout (from the surface to the core) in a special glass binder, reportedly offering extended cutting ability. Dura-Green DIA Stones are designed to be the clean cutting solution for both technicians and dentists alike.
	
	800-827-4638 | 


	Choose from nine different, high quality mixing trays to find your individual perfect solution. Renfert’s lay:art trays range from an innovative glass tray with moistening strips to self-moistening ceramic trays to natural agate or stylish glass trays. Complement your tray with lay:art style natural hair Kolinsky brushes, which are said to provide you with premium quality for the highest demands. An innovative manufacturing technique reportedly achieves maximum values in terms of tension, dimensional stability and durability of the brush tip. The ergonomic handle design with Soft Touch is said to be optimally balanced and fits very well in the hand for ideal use and comfort.
	
	800-336-7422 | 

Category Cruncher: In-office Whitening Products


	Master Ceramist’s Super-Suspension Stain and Glaze Medium is said to completely suspend all stains and glaze powders longer for an easier, more uniform application and protection. Master Ceramist is celebrating its 25th anniversary with prices of many popular products being discounted 25 percent through Sept.25, 2015.
	
	800-737-PEGS | 

Kuraray America
	CZR FL AND CZR VC GLAZES 


	New CZR FL (including fluorescence) Glaze and CZR VC (value control) glazes by Kuraray Noritake are said to be ideal for full-contour zirconia and layered or pressed restorations and designed for a highly effective natural finish. Pearl Surface Z for polishing porcelain reportedly adds a natural luster to the surface without altering the subtleties in the texture and is suitable for polishing hard resin and denture-base acrylic resin.
	
	800-879-1676 | 


	Keystone Industries offers natural Kolinsky Brushes. These brushes have a small bead inside that is designed to help manage the humidity on the brush. The are available in sizes #000, #00, #0, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #2 flat, #4 flat and big brush.
	
	856-663-4700 | 


	IPS e.max Ceram Essence from Ivoclar Vivadent is designed to provide artists the tools necessary to deliver the highest level of lifelike restorations. This low fusing fluorapatite glass ceramic can be used to veneer and characterize both IPS e.max lithium disilicate and ZrO2 fabricated via the press and/or CAD/CAM method. Its three-in-one powder form is said to allow for mixing and internal and external characterizations, and its wide range of colors reportedly make it ideal for a variety of color corrections and characterizations.
	
	800-533-6825 | 

Related reading: Ivoclar Vivadent introduces Fluor Protector S

CELTRA® UNIVERSAL LOW FUSING STAINS AND OVERGLAZE 


	The Celtra® Universal Low Fusing Stains and Overglaze are a growing favorite for enhancing beauty in restorations around the globe. They are available as a kit that provides everything necessary to achieve better esthetics, including the popular MagicStain Brush. Celtra® stains and overglaze are compatible with a variety of substructure materials, including lithium silicate and monolithic zirconia, and a wide range of porcelains, including Ceramco®, Duceram® Kiss and Cercon® Ceram Kiss.
	
	844-848-0137 | 


	Dental Creations’ Wondergel is used during the build-up and contour phases to hold crowns, veneers and small castings in place. It is recommended for pressed porcelain veneers, PFM crowns and alumina and zirconia restorations. Reportedly like having an extra helping hand, Wondergel is water-soluble and provides no risk of contamination. It comes in a 3cc syringe.
	
	254-772-4661 | 


	Perfect Polish® Diamond Compound, manufactured by American Dental Supply, Inc., is a diamond polishing compound for use with lithium disilicate, zirconia, porcelain, hard metal alloys and filled composites. With this product, there is reportedly no need to refire and reglaze. Users can polish adjusted areas and contact points chairside with no scratches or worries, and Perfect Polish is said to create a beautiful luster on gold crowns, lithium disilicate and zirconia. It is safe for intraoral or extraoral use and can be used with a bristle brush or felt wheel.
	
	800-558-5925 | 

Related reading: How to pour professional models using Wonderfill

 When creating a porcelain restoration, it’s not just about the restoration itself-it’s about all the often unnoticed components that come together to create the most beautiful result.

The most perfect porcelain accessories for your laboratory

	The earliest study on the effect of inflammation on stroke was published in 1986. But while dental professionals are aware of this information, they may not always practice it, says 

Dr. Tim Donley, who specializes in periodontics, dental implants, gum disease and oral medicine at his practice in Bowling Green, Ky.

“If we, in dentistry, are indeed healers, which I know I signed up to become, it is imperative for us to take a different approach,” he says. “The key to the whole thing is to take more of a personalized dentistry approach to patient risk profiles as well as what treatments are provided and use our expertise to determine the next logical step based on those dynamics. The goal is to help patients become and remain inflammation-free.”

Here are five things to consider regarding this important connection between stroke and inflammation:

 Bacteria accumulate between the soft tissue and the tooth. If not adequately removed on a frequent basis, bacteria start migrating deeper into the pocket, Donley says. Over time, bacteria initiate a host response that summons inflammatory cells, like white blood cells, to the area. The inflammatory cells release a variety of inflammatory mediators in an attempt to eliminate the causative bacteria. One of the untoward side effects is that the inflammatory mediators destruct collagen. When the collagen is destroyed, we lose integrity of the lining epithelium.

As it turns out, the mouth is indeed connected to the rest of the body. Once the lining epithelium is compromised (and this is the typical periodontal pocket in which we see bleeding when we probe it), bacteria, bacterial byproducts and inflammatory mediators release in response to the initiating bacteria, entering the blood stream daily and traveling wherever the blood flows. The important thing to realize from the outset is that the link between oral and overall health is inflammation-dependent. It is inflammation that results in collagen dissolution, loss of lining epithelium integrity as well as seepage of the bacteria, byproducts and inflammatory mediators into the systemic circulation. Inadequate removal of the initiating bacteria leads to inflammation, which can lead to outcomes far worse than tooth loss.

 In periodontal disease, simply having pathogens isn’t enough to cause disease-there needs to be a susceptible host, Donley says. Similarly, in cardiovascular disease, cholesterol alone does not cause disease.  The types of cholesterol that put a patient a risk for heart disease are well known.  But bad cholesterol numbers alone aren’t what cause the deleterious effect-it is inflammation. For a stroke to develop, the endothelium must fail twice, and inflammation plays an important role in this. First, the cholesterol is engulfed by the macrophage cells in the blood and goes through the endothelium, attaching to vessel walls. As the plaque starts to grow on the vessel wall, there is a fibrous cap that forms over the top of it. Inflammation causes the cap to disintegrate, allowing the plaque in the vessels to float downstream, which causes the stroke.

 New sources of inflammation are being investigated in conjunction with the overall increased risk of stroke in our population. Certain conditions associated with arterial inflammation, such as lipid accumulation, tobacco use, insulin resistance, Vitamin D deficiency, diet, physical activity, psycho-social issues, oral health issues, chronic periapical infections around the teeth or systemic diseases, such as lupus, are responsible for causing the inflammation, Donley says.

Related reading: Colgate announces second edition of popular oral systemic textbook

“Dentistry plays a role in a lot of these things,” he says. “It is time for dentists to realize they absolutely have to do more than just fix and clean teeth. They need to screen patients for some of these destructive lifestyle behaviors because they add to health problems such as stroke. There is evidence that strongly suggests periodontal disease contributes to these adverse outcomes.”

It is important to determine which patients have risk factors for periodontal diseases or risk factors for the systemic diseases potentially affected by periodontal inflammation. Then, giving these patients the tools to maximize the chance that they consistently remove the initiating bacterial biofilm is essential.

 The precise nature of the relationship between periodontal and systemic diseases remains unclear. Thoughts on these challenges are often divided into distinctive groups, Donley says: Those who say in the age of evidence-based medicine, we need proof, and those who say part of an evidence-based approach includes clinical judgment. Donley is part of the latter group.  

“Proving that periodontal disease causes or contributes to the initiation and progression of the chronic diseases of aging will be difficult," he says. “Without question, inflammation has been identified as playing a key role in the development of stroke and other chronic diseases. The mouth is a significant source of this inflammation when periodontal disease persists.”

To combat oral inflammation, Donley recommends the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum power toothbrush. His confidence in the brush is due to its clinically proven ability to remove seven times more plaque in-between teeth than a manual toothbrush. 

 Inflammation is being investigated as playing a significant role in other diseases besides stroke, including cancer, diabetes, respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s.       

Periodontal diseases and a lot of systemic illnesses, such as stroke and cardiovascular disease,s are lifestyle diseases, which means they have factors that can be controlled and altered, Donley says.

“That’s where I think we’re doing patients a benefit in terms of oral health if we manage lifestyle factors,” he says. “There is a lot of information specifically looking at nutritional intervention, such as an inflammation-reducing diet, that benefits periodontal outcomes. That alone is great, but it is even better if we can help those at an elevated risk, those for whom reduction of inflammation is critical. We need to address not just what is presenting within the mouth but lifestyle factors so we can alter them to help in periodontal and systemic health.”          


	When considering the link between inflammation and stroke, dental professionals must first determine what their desired endpoint of periodontal therapy is, Donley says.

 The earliest study on the effect of inflammation on stroke was published in 1986. But while dental professionals are aware of this information, they may not always practice it, says Dr. Tim Donley, who specializes in periodontics, dental implants, gum disease and oral medicine at his practice in Bowling Green, Ky.