Greta Lieske

Prompting an invitation to the dental industry to embrace more bioactive dentistry, Pulpdent last week launched its new 

 at the 2014 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting.

, up until now restorative materials available to dental professionals for restoring a tooth have done little more than plug a hole. Amalgam, composite and glass ionomer restoratives have had little in common with the tooth structure they replaced, other than the shape and perhaps the color. 

 makes it possible to create restorations that actively release and exchange calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions while being dynamic with the function of the tooth.

The new bioactive restorative also contains the following features:

		Delivers amazingly life-like aesthetics.

		Functions like real tooth structure by absorbing and dispersing forces to deliver exceptional strength.

		Seals with unmatched marginal integrity.

		Contains no Bisphenol A, no Bis-GMA and no BPA derivatives.

Larry Clark, director of clinical affairs and marketing for Pulpdent, led the launch last week saying that the “body is asking for minerals, not more polymers.” So the Pulpdent research team started with the question: “How do we work with the tooth?” The result was ACTIVA.

“ACTIVA isn't merely an incremental improvement over the status quo,” said Ken Berk, Pulpdent president. “It’s a true breakthrough that should, and we think will, change the future of dentistry.”

The key to the performance of ACTIVA products is that they are formulated with a bioactive resin matrix and bioactive fillers. ACTIVA is the only product in the U.S. that the Food and Drug Administration has allowed to make this claim, which means ACTIVA represents an entirely new category of bioactive dental products. 

Clark said the product launch of ACTIVA includes a call to the dental industry to embrace bioactive dentistry for the benefits of both patients and dentists.

“All of this will require change [from the industry],” he said. “We think we’ve simplified it and we wanted to change the industry dynamics for the good. We research. We care.”

“The reality is,” added Dr. John Comisi, who has worked with the new product line, “as [dentists] start using ACTIVA, they will see how simplified the [restorative] process is.”

According to a Pulpdent press release, ACTIVA combines all the benefits of composites and glass inomers while eliminating the disadvantages associated with those materials. ACTIVA BioACTIVE-Restorative combines the esthetics, strength and resilience of composites with bioactive properties and fluoride release that are superior to glass ionomers.

ACTIVA BioACTIVE-Base/Liner has greater fluoride release and bioactive properties than glass ionomers in a strong, resilient resin matrix that will not chip or crumble. It adheres to dentin and does not require etching or bonding agents.

“The tooth is asking for minerals,” said Clark, “and with this product, we’re saying, ‘We have them.’” He also added that the financial cost to dentists using ACTIVA will ultimately be less than using other restorative materials.

ACTIVA products are also the first bioactive dental materials with an ionic resin matrix, a shock-absorbing resin component, and bioactive fillers that mimic the physical and chemical properties of natural teeth. They are durable and wear- and fracture-resistant, chemically bond to teeth, seal against bacterial microleakage, and release and recharge calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions with the surrounding teeth.

 will launch in Europe this week, with the Asia launch coming in the late spring.

Articles

Prompting an invitation to the dental industry to embrace more bioactive dentistry, Pulpdent last week launched its new ACTIVA BioACTIVE restorative at the 2014 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting.

New ACTIVA BioACTIVE restorative works with tooth structure, actively releases and exchanges calcium

During the 2013 DenMat Destination Education event this fall, Dr. Michael Miyasaki took some time to give you a behind-the-scenes discussion on 

He explains how dentists and hygienists can 

, why it’s a boon for more patients and a higher return on investment, and he divulges the biggest mistake he has seen people make with the soft-tissue laser.

“I look at a soft-tissue laser as an easy way to make my every day clinical dentistry easier,” Miyasaki says. Plus, the product is a great way to open your practice up to more procedures to bring in more patients, he adds.

With a soft-tissue laser, Miyasaki explains, you can complete procedures such as gingivectomies and soft- tissue recontouring – among a myriad of other procedures- without ever having to give the patient any type of injectable anesthetic.

“And I will tell you, that’s a thrill for many of the patients we have.”

So, what’s the biggest mistake Dr. Miyasaki has seen when using a soft-tissue laser? Watch the interview below and find out that and more.

During the 2013 DenMat Destination Education event this fall, Dr. Michael Miyasaki took some time to give you a behind-the-scenes discussion on soft-tissue lasers.

Dr. Michael Miyasaki explains the benefits of soft-tissue lasers for dentists, hygienists [VIDEO]

Want to know what to do with all the data you’ve been collecting from perio charting? Stephanie Pietrantonio Lodding, RDH, explains.

As hygienists, Stephanie Pietrantonio Lodding, RDH, says preventative measures can make all the difference for patients, especially when it comes to periodontal disease.

 Lodding explained why you shouldn’t skip perio charting patients. Here, she explains how perio charting information can be used to better the health of those you treat.

“Let’s make a paradigm shift today and have a zero tolerance policy for bleeding,” Lodding says, adding it should be the new acceptance in every practice when staff open the door to regular perio charting.

Watch Part I: Why you should be perio charting [VIDEO]

More tips from Stephanie Pietrantonio Lodding, RDH

How to grow your practice under the new healthcare plan [VIDEO]

How dental hygienists can get the most out of high-tech products [VIDEO]

How to deal with a difficult patient [VIDEO]

How to get patients to understand the Oral Systemic Link [VIDEO]

You’ve started perio charting. Now what? [VIDEO]

Educators exploring the latest in minimally-invasive esthetic techniques, life-saving screening technology, soft-tissue management therapy and more.

Nov. 8 kicked off the three-day educational conference for dentists and dental team members, 

, in Las Vegas, Nev., also serving as a chance for the industry to learn more about DenMat’s newest dental products.

At the kick-off, Vice President and GM of Advanstar's Dental Media Group John Schwartz opened the event with DenMat's Robert Cartagena, chief operating officer, and Todd Tiberi, chief administrative officer. Destination Education is a chance to spend three inspirational and practice-changing days with 10 of the top educators in the dental industry.

During the event, which continues until Nov. 10, these educators are exploring the latest in minimally- invasive esthetic techniques, life-saving screening technology, soft-tissue management therapy and more.

At the opening, Cartagena also delved into DenMat’s growing goal of expanding its product line with the introduction of a few new key products from this year.

 is a multifunctional acrylic temporary crown and bridge material that reportedly offers stronger, more esthetic temporaries with a high luster that requires little to no polishing. According to DenMat, Perfectemp®10 is everything that defines a premium temporary crown and bridge material, delivering fast, strong, and esthetic temporaries for the patient and your practice. 

“It is a fantastic product,” says Cartagena. “The only problem with the product is that temporaries end up looking so good, that your patients may not want to come back for their permanent restorations,” he adds jokingly.

SplashMax, a premium quality VPS impression material

 featuring an improved formulation over the award-winning Splash® impression material, with instant hydrophilicity, maximum tear strength, excellent dimensional accuracy and high contrast colors. SplashMax provides detailed and consistent results at a highly competitive price.

“Last year we acquired a company called 

,” Cartagena continues, “a really fantastic line of magnification loupes. They are unbelievably light. The lightest weight and most comfortable loupes you will find on the market with a very stylish Adidas sports frame.”

 PeriOptix™ and the available products here.

But what Cartagena says is most exciting this year from DenMat is the 

 a multi-disciplinary approach to thin veneers and minimally invasive esthetics. More specifically, the 

novation technique uses a multi-disciplinary approach to anterior esthetics using the latest generation of Lumineers.

“It’s no longer about one material or prep philosophy. It’s using whatever is necessary to create a great, beautiful restoration.”

A complete listing of all THINNOVATION courses scheduled across the U.S. and Canada is listed on DenMat’s website at 

Minimally- invasive esthetics, new products in the spotlight at DenMat’s Destination Education [VIDEO]

, talks to Kevin Henry, DPR's group editorial director, about the upcoming

 American Dental Association meeting in New Orleans

, what technologies he is looking forward to seeing, and what one piece of advice he would offer to those walking the show floor.

For Dr. Flucke, this year it’s all about 

amazing to see how many “players” have arrived in the digital impressions game in the past few years.

Plus the ease of using the systems just keeps getting better.  

“This ADA is going to be the first really major big show that [previous International Dental Show participants] are going to be able to bring [their technology] to,” Flucke explains, saying this year’s IDS show had a wealth of companies showing off their new digital technologies.

Now, they are on their way to America and to the 

Check out this video for more on our preview of the 2013 ADA show:

The ADA annual session will be help from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, 2013, in New Orleans, La. 

Dr. John Flucke, technology editor for Dental Products Report, talks to Kevin Henry, DPR's group editorial director, about the upcoming American Dental Association meeting in New Orleans, what technologies he is looking forward to seeing, and what one piece of advice he would offer to those walking the show floor.

ADA Preview: Why Dr. John Flucke is excited for digital impression system coverage [VIDEO]

In the dental practice landscape, PCs are still predominately the main machines used in offices. But why? 

Here’s how using Apple products in the dental office can help take you and your practice to the next level.

DPR Digital Media Director Steve Diogo talks with Troy Jenson from 

.  Jenson says many dental practices use PC-based practice management software because “for a long time, that’s all there was” available.

But, times have changed. In the past, offices were limited in software and functions-but not with the advent of Apple products.

“Today Macs are definitely more attractive for all types of small businesses, not even just in the dental world,” says Jenson. “But the dental world has especially had a huge shift to go Mac.”

He says benefits of a Mac-run office include product quality and longevity, style, stability, lessened IT expenses, ease of use and more.

Learn more about the benefits in this video interview below, plus the features of

 Viive Dental Practice Management Software System from Henry Schein

-a system created by dentists, for dentists.

Free E-book: 8 reasons Macs make sense for dental practices

New Dental Product: Viive Practice Management Software from Henry Schein Dental

In the dental practice landscape, PCs are still predominately the main machines used in offices. But why?  Here’s how using Apple products in the dental office can help take you and your practice to the next level.

Learn how to use Macs in the dental practice with Viive software [VIDEO]

Dr. Juan-Carlos Quintero, DMD, MS -also known to his patients and colleagues as Dr. “Q”- will be a featured speaker at this year’s 

 International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging

 is being brought to the industry by i-CAT and Henry Schein Dental. Quintero says, for forward-thinking practitioners, these types of meetings are a must-attend.

 consecutive i-CAT Congress for Dr. Quintero, which he says always has a feeling of high energy and knowledge in the air.

! It’s easy to understand and get excited about it,” he tells 

. “Congress is a very open atmosphere where attendees of all backgrounds, specialties and knowledge bases - from beginners to experts - get to mingle and exchange ideas. It is one of the most progressive symposiums, technology-wise, because everyone is already on board with 3D.”

“It’s like … everybody is way past the 3D Vs. 2D discussion of years past – which is a no brainer. People are really ready to share and learn and get better. Lectures and peer-to-peer conversations are both informative and practical.”

Speaking to the element of the peer-to-peer benefits, attendees will get the chance to talk with and exchange ideas with all of the i-CAT Congress speakers. Plus, those interested can also ask Dr. Quintero some questions about 3D Imaging and orthodontia before the event with DPR’s Live Online Q&A Session.

DPR will be hosting the session Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 5:30 p.m. EST, and more detailed information can be found here. You can watch the LIVE session through Google+ or 

Also, if you watch you’ll get an exclusive discount promo code that can save you $250 on your 7th International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging registration.

Dr. Quintero says there’s always something more everyone can learn in the industry, and the i-CAT Congress event is a great place to thrive in your career and knowledge.

“For those just entering the realm of 3D and CBCT, or those who are contemplating it, reinforcement of the obvious treatment benefits is a biggie. But also practical elements, like how to incorporate the technology into every day practice, how it consistently elevates the quality of care, how to manage the data, IT tips, how to bill for the services, how to market a 3D practice, etc.  A lot of 'how?' questions are answered.”

Plus, with its low dose and safe levels of radiation, Quintero says the i-CAT FLX has some of the best image quality results of any 3D imaging product on the market. It’s worth it to see in action.

“[This is] critical in orthodontics as it replaces panos and cephs especially with kids, the ability to control the various parameters of a scan like field of view, scan time, resolution, and finally the best image quality I have seen in the industry.”

“If you are a forward thinking practitioner, then you can’t afford NOT to attend these meetings every year. 3D imaging is here and here to stay.”

Want to ask Dr. Quintero a question? You’ll get the chance during a Live Online Q&A Google Hangout Session  Watch the on-demand interview here.

Dr. Juan-Carlos Quintero: You can't afford to miss the International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging [VIDEO]

Want to know how to properly install and set-up a low-speed polisher motor from DBI America? Check out this step-by-step video below, detailing the process.

 SP200 is a self contained scaler/polisher workstation.

All the device requires is an electrical connection, making this scaler/polisher workstation an ideal solution for practices that do not have any plumbing or for practices that have greater mobility needs.

read through this product how-to check-list

six reasons to incorporate DBI America's SP200 into your practice? Click here to read the article.

Click here to learn about other products from DBI America.

How-to guide for DBI America’s polisher installation and set-up [VIDEO]

In this episode of “Product Review with John and Lou: Tips, Tricks and Truth,” Drs. John Flucke and Lou Graham discuss what you need to know about dental bonding agents and the products that are the best of the best.

As Dr. Lou Graham says, the world of bonding agents keep moving ahead faster and faster. And according to Graham, most bonding agents actually work really well. But the success factor comes down to one word: 

So, where are we today? Graham says it’s Universal Bonding Agents. These products are a step further toward more clinical success with added simplification.

 combines etching, priming and bonding in ONE bottle.

Learn more about the best of the best in universal bonding agents with the video below:

Don’t miss these previous episodes of “Product Review with John and Lou: Tips, Tricks and Truth”

Product Review: Why you should consider electric handpieces [VIDEO]

Why caries detection devices are shifting to visual-based [VIDEO]

How to choose the right curing light [VIDEO]

How to simplify procedures with universal bonding agents [VIDEO]

Dental professionals got the first look this week at Philips Sonicare’s newest power toothbrush, the FlexCare Platinum.

Philips Sonicare debuted the power toothbrush for the first time Thursday, April 11, during the California Dental Association ‘CDA Presents’ show in Anaheim, Calif.

With a range of benefits unavailable with manual toothbrushes-or what Gail Stoops, RDH, BSDH, of Philips Oral Healthcare calls a simple “stick with bristles”- the new 

 FlexCare Platinum promises a customizable brushing experience for each user.

Stoop unveiled the new power toothbrush Thursday telling attendees that the product was created and developed based on customer feedback.

“If you ask me,” Stoop said of the FlexCare Platinum’s features, “it’s the definition of true innovation.”

		Anchor-free tufting technology- the FlexCare’s new InterCare Brush Head contains more bristles than traditional brush heads, allowing it to be arranged in patterns to perform specific tasks 

		Two sets of bristles – light green and blue – to both remove plaque from between the teeth and remind users to change the brush head after three months

		Three modes of operation for a targeted result – clean, white, and gum care

		Three different intensity settings for a customizable brushing experience 

		A pressure sensor that gently resonates to notify the user that they are applying too much pressure

During the launch event at CDA Presents, twenty Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum power toothbrushes were given away to raffle winners.

This toothbrush became available to the retail market in July 2013.

Click here to tour all of Philips Sonicare products.