the DPR Editorial Team

The annual Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting is a treasure trove of new dental products, emerging technology and the latest dental news, and Dental Products Report wants to ensure you don't miss a thing.

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Articles

Chicago Midwinter 2016 is kicking off in the Windy City, and DPR wants to ensure you don't miss a thing.

Breaking news: DPR's coverage of the 2017 Chicago Midwinter Meeting

	Each year, the dental industry is presented with a myriad of products that make promises to revolutionize and transform the way dentistry is practiced. Some of the claims end up being a bit of hyperbole-perhaps a product is good or an iterative update to a useful product, but it might not be something that makes people wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

And then, on the other side, there are a class of products that stand apart. The ones that truly do shape and shift the dental industry in such ways that bottom lines are improved, that jobs are made more efficient and, of course, that patients are better cared for. Those are the type of products we’ve picked for our top 50 editor’s choice products of 2016. These products blew us away throughout the year, and we’re proud to bring you this roundup of the solutions pushing dentistry forward.

	To find out more about each product, simply click on the company name and you'll be taken right to that product's website, or call the number provided. This product review is part of our Top 100 in 2016, and we hope you'll enjoy seeing the top products, web articles, E-books, webinars and videos we thought really made this year great.

This is part one of a four-part series, looking at the top 50 products of 2016. Check out:

	Up next: See more of this year's top 50 products

	Dentsply Sirona’s all-new Cavitron Touch™ Ultrasonic Scaling System reportedly allows users to 

experience an intuitive touchscreen interface

, customizable power settings and Tap-On™ Technology. In addition, the Steri-Mate® 360° fully rotating handpiece, is designed for free-flowing movement and access within the oral cavity.

	Perform a broad range of procedures with the power and flexibility provided by the new Midwest® E Plus Electric Handpiece Attachments. They are designed to easily let you apply your skills to the fullest with confidence, accuracy, and efficiency. Featuring a 20-percent-smaller head for easier access, titanium shell for reduced weight and ceramic head bearings for extended durability, the new attachments offer many reasons to upgrade. Seamlessly integrate electric into your existing treatment center with the Midwest E Plus system.

DEXIS for Dentrix Ascend is a cloud-based imaging solution

 built exclusively for Dentrix Ascend to help quickly capture and store images to the cloud, eliminating the need for additional digital imaging software, and automating daily procedures, such as insurance billing, to enhance efficiency and productivity in the dental practice. It also features seamless integration with Dentrix Ascend, an enhanced digital workflow, quick access to images from the cloud, and automatic upgrades and backups.

	CariVu™ Software 2.0 is a software update for CariVu™, the compact, portable caries detection device that uses transillumination technology to detect a range of carious lesions and cracks. Enhancements include: a fully redesigned interface with a sleek modern look and further intuitive, streamlined functionality; Quick Capture, which saves CariVu images into the patient record; Same-Tooth Comparison Aid for easier diagnostic comparison and monitoring changes over time; On-screen Acquisition Guidance; and 5-Second Video Capture.

	DMG America LLC introduced the DMG MiniDam, a new style of latex-free gingival protection device that reportedly is small enough to be placed quickly and easily, protects the proximal area during treatment and provides comfortable gingival coverage for patients. Its unique shape is said to allow it to self-stabilize around adjacent teeth, where it securely maintains its position without the use of clamps.

	G-ænial™ Sculpt is a compactable, universal composite that features the same high density, uniform dispersion nano-filler technology found in G-ænial™ Universal Flo. The material is formulated to provide a strong, wear resistant and radiopaque finished restoration with beautiful esthetics. A self-shining effect enables simple rough finishing with a bur to bring the restoration to a beautiful luster and will continue to increase in polish over time. It is available in 17 shades in syringe or unitip.

	Henry Schein Dental Surgical Solutions introduced the new iSy® (pronounced “EZ”) implant system. iSy, manufactured by leading implant provider Camlog and exclusively distributed by Henry Schein, is a play on the words “intelligent system.” It is designed to optimize implant treatment efficiency while minimizing the complexity of treatment planning, enabling practitioners to choose a digital, conventional or combined treatment workflow.

	EverEdge 2.0, Hu Friedy’s latest innovation in hand scaling instrumentation, is designed to help clinicians achieve the best clinical outcomes. Hu-Friedy developed EverEdge 2.0 using a proprietary heat treatment process and enhanced finishing techniques. The optimized steel has optimal edge retention and wear characteristics engineered to last the entire life of the instrument. Since it’s not a superficial coating, these characteristics cannot be removed through use or sharpening. EverEdge 2.0 Scalers can be resharpened at any point to extend their life and value.

Watch Kara RDH learn more about the EverEdge 2.0

	EverEdge 2.0 line with Gracey Curette designs

	Hu-Friedy has added Gracey Curette designs to its line of EverEdge 2.0 hand instruments. Gracey Curettes, a series of double-sided, area-specific instruments, are said to be ideal for the successful removal of deposits from root surfaces. The Gracey curette blade design features one lower cutting edge, which allows adaptation to a specific tooth surface. The Gracey curette blade is offset from the shank at 70 degrees to the side, enabling the blade to be used on a specific group of teeth.

The second part of a series showcasing the top 50 dental products chosen by the DPR editorial team.

Top 50 products of 2016: Part II

	Halyard Health, Inc., a global medical technology company focused on preventing infection, eliminating pain and speeding recovery, recently announced the availability of a new innovation in exam gloves, Flexaprene Green.

	Designed for dental professionals who want to bring cutting edge technology and clinical advantage to their practice and patients, Flexaprene Green is an advanced chloroprene technology that gives you the feel and tactile sensitivity of latex without the risk of Type I allergic reactions to natural rubber latex proteins.

Related reading: 5 infection control mistakes you may be making and not even realize

	"Due to a lack of suitable alternatives, nearly 40 percent of dentists still rely on latex exam gloves

 -- despite the threat of anaphylactic shock and contact dermatitis for the nearly three million Americans allergic to latex

,"  said Greg Metcalf, global director for gloves & apparel at Halyard Health. "Halyard Health is committed to innovation that drives optimal patient outcomes and is pleased to provide a new, non-latex, chloroprene-based dental glove solution that is comfortable and can safely be used for all patients."  

	The Halyard Health Flexaprene Green chloroprene glove features:

	•  Tactile sensitivity comparable to latex

	•  Soft to the touch, yet powerful in grip

	•  Polymer coating designed for improved donning

	•  Powder-free chloroprene technology

	Halyard Health offers a broad selection of exam gloves that help safeguard healthcare employees from exposure to blood borne pathogens and other infectious materials, whatever the task or procedure. The Flexaprene* Green chloroprene glove is the newest addition to the exam glove portfolio, which includes a full range of powder-free nitrile and vinyl exam gloves.

	For additional information about the new Flexaprene glove, talk to your Halyard Health representative or visit 

 For educational resources on the selection of exam gloves for dental and other health professionals, visit the HALYARD KNOWLEDGE NETWORK at 

Halyard Health, Inc., a global medical technology company focused on preventing infection, eliminating pain and speeding recovery, today announced the availability of a new innovation in exam gloves, Flexaprene* Green. Designed for dental professionals who want to bring cutting edge technology and clinical advantage to their practice and patients, Flexaprene* Green is an advanced chloroprene technology that gives you the feel and tactile sensitivity of latex without the risk of Type I allergic reactions to natural rubber latex proteins.

Halyard Health introduces Flexaprene Green Exam Gloves as a new alternative to allergy-inducing latex gloves

	QuickSplint LLC recently announced that it has launched a new website and expanded its product line to better serve dental professionals. The company’s premier product, QuickSplint

, is an interim dental splint that can be fabricated quickly and easily in the dental practice. QuickSplint is the only dental splint designed specifically for short-term use.

	“QuickSplint fills a need for temporary protection, stabilization, and patient comfort, in a variety of dental circumstances,” said Ann McCulloch, President of QuickSplint LLC, “Best of all, it can be provided to the patient immediately, at low cost, without waiting for lab fabrication.”

 to better communicate the uses and benefits of QuickSplint to the growing number of dental professionals that are embracing it. The new website features expanded information for general dentists and specialists, including videos, animations, testimonials, and downloads to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of parafunctional bruxism and jaw pain.

	New, and available free to dental practices, is the company’s Parafunction Risk Rating™ protocol, a universal grading system that helps treating dentists identify and chart parafunctional risk and severity. The company also introduced its new QuickSplint Healing Note Pad, a convenient way for dental practices to provide patient instructions related to the post-surgical use of QuickSplint. One of the many practical uses of QuickSplint is as a protective, stabilizing, and healing splint for patients after undergoing periodontal surgery, implant surgery, or other types of oral surgery.

	“Our goal with the new QuickSplint website is to help educate dentists in the conservative diagnosis and treatment of jaw injury and parafunctional behavior so that dental patients benefit from an early path to treatment and do not progress to a chronic TMD or orofacial pain scenario,” said Bradley Eli, DMD, MS, orofacial pain expert and founder of QuickSplint.

	In addition to the QuickSplint, interim dental splint, the company provides a number of diagnostic aids and therapeutic tools available free of charge for dental professionals.To learn more about QuickSplint and its many uses throughout general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, dental implant surgery, and more visit the QuickSplint website at 

QuickSplint LLC has launched a new website and expanded its products to better serve dental professionals. In addition to its popular QuickSplint, an interim protective and stabilizing dental splint, the website provides a number of diagnostic aids and therapeutic tools available free of charge for dental professionals.

QuickSplint launches new website, expands product line

	Whole You, Inc., a Mitsui Chemicals company dedicated to providing innovative solutions that allow those with sensory and physical mobility challenges to live life to the fullest, recently launched three new products. Marking its entry into the denture market, Whole You Nexteeth full denture utilizes CAD/CAM technology, combined with advanced material to offer a precise fitting and a thinner palatal plate resulting in enhanced comfort to wear.

	To complement the company’s current portfolio of oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, the company has launched Whole You Sleep Appliances - Respire Pink Endurance Framework (EF) and Respire Pink Micro. These oral appliances provide extra wearing comfort and are specially-designed for those that require additional tongue space, or for those with a smaller mouth. 

Related reading: The top 10 things denture wearers told us about their dentures

	“Our mission at Whole You is to enable people to live a full life and enjoy the pleasures of the world around them uninhibited by sensory or physical limitations,” says Yasunori Nishiyama, chief executive officer, Whole You, Inc. “We are very proud of our new product offerings as there is a need to offer more comfortable solutions in the oral category that helps consumers feel their best so they can fully experience the joys of the world around them.”

	The technology behind Whole You Nexteeth has been researched for a number of years to ensure a precise fitting and comfortable denture. The multifunctional Whole You DENTCA trayaccelerates and improves the denture making process by allowing impressions and bite registration to be taken in one office visit. The Whole You DENTCA tray impressions are combined with CAD technology to reduce dentist visits and create digital denture design. Using the design and precise milling process, Nexteeth provides enhanced comfort to wear, fabricated with advance resin material for durability and a unique coating for easy cleaning and care.

About Whole You SleepAppliances for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring

	Newly developed Whole You Sleep Appliances, Respire Pink EF and Respire Pink Micro, for 

 offer more comfortable options to help sleep apnea patients wake up refreshed. Oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea work by opening up the airway for better airflow, while holding the jaw in position to prevent it from falling back and obstructing the airway.

	Respire Pink EF utilizes a durable alloy material to create one of the thinnest lingual coverage products that allow for increased comfort to wear and tongue space. Respire Pink EF utilizes telescopic hardware allowing lateral and vertical movement of the mouth, making it suitable for those that also suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding.

	Respire Pink Micro is a custom-fit appliance with newly-developed shorter adjustment arms for increased comfort to wear, particularly for those with a smaller mouth. Utilizing telescopic hardware that allows for lateral and vertical movement, Pink Micro is also suitable for obstructive sleep apnea patients that grind their teeth.

For more on sleep apnea, read: A good night's rest: Why sleep apnea treatment is critical

	Additionally, Whole You is expecting to launch the Respire Blue Endurance Framework (EF) oral appliance soon. It also utilizes the durable alloy material that creates one of the thinnest lingual coverage products and offers a dual block design with interlocking wings. This makes the Respire Blue EF less intrusive and offers freedom to open and close the mouth.

Marking its entry into the denture market, Whole You Nexteeth full denture utilizes CAD/CAM technology, combined with advanced material to offer a precise fitting and a thinner palatal plate resulting in enhanced comfort to wear.

Whole You™ launches denture product, and new oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring

	The PhotoMed G16 Digital Dental Camera is specifically designed to allow you take all of the standard clinical views with "frame and focus" simplicity. PhotoMed offers a variety camera systems, components & accessories and mirrors/retractors/contrasters designed to allow clinicians to excel at dental photography.

	The built-in color monitor on the PhotoMed G16 allows you to precisely frame your subject. Focus and shoot. It's that easy. Proper exposure and balanced even lighting are assured. By using the camera's built-in flash, the amount of light necessary for a proper exposure is guaranteed and 

 custom closeup lighting attachment redirects the light from the camera's flash to create a balanced, even lighting across the field. 

Related reading: The benefits of digital photography in case presentation

	Canon continues to improve its popular G-Series digital cameras with small, incremental changes. Anyone who has used a G7 or newer G-Series model will recognize the layout of the camera as it has remained consistent throughout the G7, G9, G10, G11, G12, G15 and now the G16.

	The G16 is very similar to the G15 with the addition of Wi-Fi capability, an upgraded processor and enhanced HD video features. The G16 is a 12 megapixel digital camera with a 5x optical zoom lens. The new Digic 6 processor makes the camera very fast with almost instantaneous focus lock and almost no shutter lag.

	Wi-Fi is a new feature and it allows you to view and/or transfer images from the camera to a smart phone, tablet or computer. Unfortunately, the transfer of images is not automatic (like the Eye-Fi card). In a busy practice, it will still be faster to put the memory card from the camera in a card reader and transfer the images, but you do have the option to transfer via Wi-Fi.

The PhotoMed G16 Digital Dental Camera is specifically designed to allow you take all of the standard clinical views with "frame and focus" simplicity. The built-in color monitor allows you to precisely frame your subject. Focus and shoot. It's that easy.

PhotoMed G16 Digital Dental Camera designed for frame and focus simplicity

	GC America, Inc. recently announced the launch of TEMPSMART, temporary crown and bridge material formulated to be a strong material ideal for any sized provisional.

is an innovative, dual-cured, bis-acrylic composite temporary crown and bridge material using microfilled resin (MFR) and nano-filler technologies. It maintains a smooth surface after polishing because of this revolutionary combination. The high density polymer network for TEMPSMART makes it a strong material ideal for any sized provisional.

Related reading: Step-by-step: Opaquing structure metals the RIGHT way

	TEMPSMART is said to be ideal for temporary crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and veneers, as well as long-term temporary restorations. Key features and benefits of TEMPSMART include:

	· First in class fracture toughness for clinical longevity

	· Beautiful esthetics as well as high gloss retention

	· High flexural strength facilitates multi-unit temporization

	· Quick working and setting times for the shortest chairside time

	· Low plasticizer/thin oxygen inhibition layer allow for better polymerization

	TEMPSMART is available in two delivery systems: 48 mL cartridges (1:1 ratio) available in shades A1, A2, A3, A3.5, B1 and BW; and 10 mL syringes available in shades A1, A2, A3, and B1. 

TEMPSMART from GC America is an innovative, dual-cured, bis-acrylic composite temporary crown and bridge material using microfilled resin (MFR) and nano-filler technologies. TEMPSMART maintains a smooth surface after polishing because of this revolutionary combination. The high density polymer network for TEMPSMART makes it a strong material ideal for any sized provisional.

TEMPSMART temporary crown and bridge material formulated to be a strong material ideal for any sized provisional

	Hu-Friedy, a global leader in the manufacturing of dental instruments and products, recently announced the addition of Gracey Curette designs to its line of EverEdge 2.0 hand instruments designed to help clinicians achieve the best clinical outcomes.

	Leveraging decades of instrument making experience, Hu-Friedy developed EverEdge 2.0 using a proprietary heat treatment process and enhanced finishing techniques. The optimized steel of EverEdge 2.0 is said to have superior edge retention and wear characteristics that will last the entire life of the instrument. Since it’s not a superficial coating, these characteristics cannot be removed through use or sharpening. EverEdge 2.0 Scalers can be resharpened at any point to extend their life and value.

Related reading: Hu-Friedy introduces Colorvue Goldstein Probe

	Gracey Curettes, a series of double-sided, area-specific instruments, are designed to be ideal for the successful removal of deposits from root surfaces. The designs were originally introduced in 1945 by Hu-Friedy in partnership with Dr. Clayton Gracey, who approached Hu-Friedy’s founder, Hugo Friedman, to develop a line of instruments that allow clinicians to treat even the deepest and least accessible periodontal pockets simply and effectively.

	The combination of the time-honored Gracey Curettes with the optimized steel of EverEdge 2.0, which was introduced earlier, blends classic design with modern technology to help practitioners achieve optimal clinical results.

	“We could not be more pleased with the dental community’s response to EverEdge 2.0 since its introduction in February,” shares Ron Saslow, CEO of Hu-Friedy. “Feedback from clinicians, educators and students has been extremely positive and we look forward to practitioners continuing to experience the benefits of the sharpest and longest lasting material, 

	The unique Gracey curette blade design features one lower cutting edge, which allows adaptation to a specific tooth surface. The Gracey curette blade is offset from the shank at 70° to the side, and the shank design enables the blade to be used on a specific group of teeth. The Gracey curette is correctly adapted when the lower cutting edge is against the tooth, and the terminal shank is parallel to the tooth surface being scaled.

	Understanding the critical importance of scientific evidence in supporting product performance, Hu-Friedy engaged an independent, third-party laboratory specializing in blade technology, CATRA, to evaluate EverEdge 2.0 and several competitive scalers. Two characteristics were tested: sharpness of the scalers when brand new and sharpness after repeated use. The test results show that Hu-Friedy EverEdge 2.0 is 72 percent sharper out of the box than the next closest competitor. After repeated use (500 strokes), EverEdge 2.0 remains 50% sharper than the next closest competitor.

	A sharper scaler is better because it is more:

 since calculus is easily removed, not burnished;

 due to less pressure needed for calculus removal;

	EverEdge 2.0 instruments are available in the popular original EverEdge diamond-knurled, large-diameter handle, as well as the Resin 8 Colors handle, a lightweight resin handle featuring a color-coded system to easily identify scalers and curettes that correspond to areas of the mouth. The new purple grips allow for easy identification of the EverEdge 2.0 scalers in each set-up.

	For more information about Hu-Friedy’s EverEdge 2.0 instruments, please call 1-800-HU-FRIEDY or visit 

Hu-Friedy, a global leader in the manufacturing of dental instruments and products, today announced the addition of Gracey Curette designs to its line of EverEdge 2.0 hand instruments designed to help clinicians achieve the best clinical outcomes.

Hu-Friedy expands EverEdge 2.0 line with Gracey Curette designs

is an easy-to-use and cost-effective dental imaging solution that is designed to rapidly deliver high-quality digital images for busy dental practices.

	The ClearVision CR Dental Reader features a small footprint that enables it to seamlessly fit into any size dental office and exam room without causing any disruption to office workflow. The automated, magnetized feeding tray offers push and go functionality, making it effortless to operate.

Related reading: Midmark Dental launches interactive iBook

	It is low maintenance with no brushes for ease of cleaning and reduction of image artifacts. The reader follows the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine 

 standard, making it compatible with existing systems. The product uses a full range of bitewing and intraoral imaging plates that can be easier and faster to position than intraoral sensors. A true size 4c imaging plate is available, which enables clinicians to capture more dental anatomy on a single image without software stitching.

 Imaging Software comes standard on the reader, optimizing image acquisition, processing and management. Clinicians can use the software to view images immediately, as well as export, email or print them for insurers, patients or referrals. For more information on Midmark Corp. products, visit 

The ClearVision CR Dental Reader features a small footprint that enables it to seamlessly fit into any size dental office and exam room without causing any disruption to office workflow. The automated, magnetized feeding tray offers push and go functionality, making it effortless to operate. The reader is low maintenance with no brushes for ease of cleaning and reduction of image artifacts

ClearVision CR Dental Reader designed as new imaging solution

One Coat 7 Universal is a single component, light-cured, universal adhesive formulated to provide optimal bonding strength to enamel and dentin. The new dental material was recently launched by COLTENE, a global leader in the development, manufacture and sale of consumables and small-size equipment for dental treatment applications.

	The new One Coat 7 Universal was developed on the basis of the favored ONE COAT 7.0, and is a reliable All-in-One Bond for every indication.

Related reading: Dr. Flucke's top 5 test drives of 2015

	Whether self etch, selective enamel etch or total etch technique, a single drop bonds light-curing filling materials easily, quickly and is long-lasting. One Coat 7 Universal is said to be an excellent adhesion promoter on enamel and dentin, thus is a guarantee for safe restorations even in extraordinary cases. With only a single bonding layer it provides consistently high bonding strength, optimal marginal sealing and excellent marginal integrity. These clinical values are convincing, even when compared with conventional system adhesives.

	In conjunction with ONE COAT ACTIVATOR it is optionally also possible to use a chemically cured product. With its ergonomic triangular bottle and single dose, it is designed to be safe and easy.

	The new bonding agent also comes with a new presentation form. The special triangular bottle, with it`s ergonomic handling, lies comfortably in the hand and the precision dropper allows precise and economical working. One Coat 7 Universal is available as an introductory kit with a 5ml bond bottle including etch gel and accessories. There are also practical single dose units for one-off use. These are also offered as refill packs in addition to the 5ml bond bottle.