Kristen Mott is the associate editor for Dental Products Report and Digital Esthetics.

Kristen Mott

Like most industries, the world of hygiene is one filled with strong opinions. Some hygienists swear by certain brands of toothpaste and mouthwash, while others could spend hours arguing why people should switch to an electric toothbrush and toss their manual one in the trash.

Over the next few pages, we’ve compiled a list of five hot topics that often spark debate among hygienists. Although these topics can be controversial, they can also lead to insightful conversations and better understanding, which ultimately results in improved patient care. Take a look to see which side you fall on in each debate and whether your opinions jive with those of experts.

5 hygiene topics that spark debate

Articles

Is floss just a marketing ploy? Is subgingival oral irrigation really necessary? Check out these controversial hygiene topics. 

5 Hygiene Topics That Spark Debate

	Now more than ever, patients are requesting highly esthetic restorations. And thanks to the latest dental composites available, that’s possible to achieve on a daily basis. Available in a variety of shades, modern composites feature  superb handling properties, making it easier for clinicians to shape and sculpt the material. Many also mimic the translucency and opacity of natural dentition, leading to highly esthetic and long-lasting results.

Here, we’ve compiled some of the top materials on the market. Take a look at the next few pages and you may just find a composite that’s perfect for your practice and your patients.

Trending article: Top 10 worst states to be a dentist

	Click through the slides to see the products.

• A light-cured, radiopaque composite restorative material.
	• Indicated as a direct restorative for all cavity classes in anterior and posterior teeth, direct composite veneers, splinting and core build-ups.
	• e-on is designed to be easy to place and sculpt, and it doesn’t stick to instruments.
	• The shades are said to blend well with enamel for excellent final esthetics.

EVANESCE™ Nano-Enhanced Universal Restorative

	• Designed to seamlessly blend into the tooth, resulting in margins that simply disappear.
	• The material is said to produce truly amazing esthetics, and its simple technique often requires only a single shade in simple cases.
	• EVANESCE is engineered to easily adapt during placement and manipulation, yet is absolutely slump-free.

	Clinician’s Choice Dental Products – Available exclusively through Henry Schein Dental
	800-372-4346  |  

• A universal submicron hybrid composite featuring easy polishability, gloss retention, easy handling and exceptional blending properties.
	• Its filler technology is engineered to provide an ideal combination of long-lasting esthetics, handling convenience and mechanical strength.
	• BRILLIANT EverGlow is said to show an exceptionally smooth surface and satin shine directly after placing the filling, allowing highly esthetic restorations to be performed in minimal time.

• A light-cured, self-etching, self-adhesive, radiopaque flowable restorative composite.
	• Indicated for a diverse set of clinical indications, from restorations and under-fillings to pit and fissure sealing.
	• Constic is said to offer etching, bonding and filling in a single step, helping to reduce errors and save time.
	• When compared to other self-adhesive flowable composites, Constic is said to provide one of the strongest bonds to tooth structure.

	• A composite material that’s said to have an excellent chameleon effect that helps dentists more accurately match tooth shade, addressing variables such as extrinsic staining, lighting and shade availability.
	• Made with SphereTEC™ filler technology.
	• The material is designed to be easy to handle, enable faster finishing and polish to an excellent, stain-resistant luster.

• Features the superior qualities of both a core build-up material and luting cement to provide a highly versatile, economical, multi-use composite.
	• The material is said to have increased radiopacity and easier flowability.
	• Ti-Core Flow+ reinforced core materials are said to be the only patented titanium and lanthanide reinforced composite material that matches the strength of dentin.

	Essential Dental Systems
	800-223-5394 |  

• Features a unique surface treatment of nano-inorganic fillers and high-density, uniformly dispersed barium glass particles.
	• This technology is said to provide unsurpassed levels of wear resistance and low shrinkage stress combined with a self-polishing effect.
	• It can be used in Class I-V restorations without slumping or sticking to instruments.

 Flowable Composite and Nano Hybrid Flowable Composite

	• Both designed for use in Class III and Class V composites.
	• Natural Elegance

 Flowable Composite is a light-cure, low viscosity composite that features a 64% filled formulation.
	• Natural Elegance

 Nano Hybrid Flowable Composite features low viscosity and is said to be easy to place and finish.
	
	Henry Schein
	800-DSCHEIN  |  

• A universal anterior and posterior nanohybrid light-cured composite material.
	• The material is said to have a polishing capacity superior than usual composites and the esthetic results after polishing are guaranteed.
	• Reflectys contains a nanoparticle-enriched formula that’s designed to give the composite outstanding mechanical resistance for lasting restorations.

• The Tetric Evo line consists of four composites: Tetric EvoCeram

 Bulk Fill.
	• Individually and in combination, these composites are said to offer the opportunity to handpick the best combinable solutions for clinicians’ direct restorative needs.
	• All four are designed to afford high esthetics, extended working time, a single 10-second curing cycle and high radiopacity for a highly predictable placement.

	• This new light-cure, universal flowable composite is designed to be used for all direct restorations for all cavity classes.
	• It’s said to be exceptionally easy to polish by wiping the cured resin with an ethanol-soaked gauze or cotton roll.
	• Engineered to contain special submicron fillers that are treated with a proprietary silane coupling agent, giving the product superior mechanical properties.

• Said to be the first esthetic bioactive composite with an ionic resin matrix, a shock-absorbing resin component, and bioactive fillers that mimic the physical and chemical properties of natural teeth.
	• The dual-cure composite is designed to be used for all classes of restorations, including bulk filling.
	• It’s said to contain a patented rubberized resin that absorbs shock and stress and resists fracture and chipping, eliminating the brittleness found in traditional materials.

• A bioactive composite indicated for all cavity classes (I-V).
	• The composite is said to provide general practitioners with the means to reduce volumetric shrinkage and shrinkage stress while creating predictable and functional esthetics.
	• Incorporates Shofu’s proprietary Giomer technology, which is clinically proven in 8- and 13-year recall studies to release and recharge fluoride to help inhibit plaque formation and establish a stable pH in the oral environment.

	Shofu Dental Corporation
	800-827-4638  |  

	• The material is said to require no additional composites for outstanding esthetics and strength, offering faster and simpler single-increment restorations up to 4 mm.  
	• Utilizing Estelite Spherical Filler technology, the composite is designed to provide more natural looking bulk fill restorations via higher shade matching ability, opacity and polishability than other products.
	• Features 52 percent higher compressive strength than the leading flowable bulk fill and high flexural strength.

	Tokuyama Dental America
	877-378-3548  |  

• Mosaic’s well-balanced nanohybrid formula is designed to produce restorations of the highest quality.
	• Its smooth, pliable consistency is said to allow for total control, and once the material is shaped, it won’t flow or slump out of place.
	• Mosaic is said to provide predictable shade matching, as it was designed to emulate the same levels of translucency and opacity seen in natural dentition.

• Designed for the extraoral fabrication of fixed and removable restorations.
	• These light-curing, microparticle veneering composites are said to be easy to use, cost effective, and yield natural, esthetic results.
	• The composite is engineered to mimic the reproduction of the fluorescence and opalescence of natural teeth, creating an esthetic restoration that’s virtually indistinguishable from those of ceramics.

3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative

	• A simple one-step placement restorative material designed for the posterior.
	• Its unique optical properties and increased opacity are said to allow for the simplicity of one-step placement without compromising esthetic results.
	• With excellent adaptation and handling, it’s designed to be placed in one fast, easy increment up to 5 mm with no need for layering or expensive dispensing devices.

• A light-cured bulk fill restorative composite optimized for simpler and faster posterior restorations.
	• Designed to combine appropriate handling, depth of cure and polishability, allowing clinicians to provide patients with functional and esthetic composites.
	• With its HD Filler Technology, REVEAL HD Bulk is said to allow for layering increments in 5-6 mm due to its predictable depth of cure.

• A dual-cure, core buildup composite that’s designed to let clinicians build up just the coronal core or fabricate a composite post and core that bonds the post, tooth and core together.
	• The dual-cure formula is said to speed up procedures and ensure a complete cure of all materials, regardless of depth or placement of the final restoration.
	• Designed to ensure optimal comfort for sensitive patients, the material is available in a MiniMix® unit-dose delivery that eliminates waste.

Rounding up some of the top dental materials on the market.

Choosing the right composite for your patients

	Let’s face it: Navigating the job market is no easy task. From job hunting to networking to nailing an interview, there are so many aspects to juggle that the idea of advancing your career can quickly become overwhelming.

Whether you’re looking for a new job opportunity at your current office or a different practice, we’ve put together six pieces of advice that will position you for success. With a little time and effort, you’ll be one step closer to landing that job you’ve always wanted. 

Read more: What are you doing with your life? 

	Continue to the next page to see the first piece of advice.

	Making your dental hygienist resume stand out

	To get hired as a dental hygienist, you need to show the world what makes you different.

	I’ve seen many, many dental hygienist resumes that were average. But only a few stood out. Obviously, a compelling resume is a must. And it does take a good deal of time and effort to craft it. But a strong resume will set you up for strong interviews. So, it’s not just about improving this piece of paper; it's also about being able to clearly express your value throughout your entire job search.

Continue reading to find out 7 ways to make your resume stand out. 

	Professionalism in the dental practice: Are you acting the part?

	Some people say I’m old and I’m not “keeping up with the times.” The truth of the matter is, being a professional and acting as such is timeless. The way we talk, how we speak, what we wear, how we conduct our social media pages … it’s all about looking and acting professional.
	
	Dentistry is a conservative profession. Although gone are the days of stark white coats, dental assistants wearing white dresses, white hose, white shoes and even a “nurses” hat, we still need to look and act professional.

	Let’s look at it from our patient’s perspective. What do they see and hear when they come into our office? Have you ever looked at your office as your patient would? We have always known the first impression tells a person a lot about our office and our team.

Click here to learn how to make a good impression. 

	Today, there are many avenues to help you search for your next job. The job hunt has evolved and many job seekers start searching on their computer. Online job searching makes the job hunt much more accessible than traditional methods.

	Years ago, the Sunday classifieds was about the only way to find out about job openings. It was time consuming to scour through multiple job ads and circle the ones that appealed to you. Next came with waiting until Monday morning to call the hiring dental office and let them know of your interest in the job position.

	Today, jobseekers can search multiple online job boards like YourDentalConnect.com and find openings in their area. They can apply to jobs directly through the job board’s website any time and any day of the week. You can search by distance or by job category or even set up job alerts, so whenever new jobs that match your criteria become available, you will be notified first about the job position.

Continue reading to find out how to become a pro at job hunting. 

	Does this question keep you up at night?

	Or do you lie there wondering about your job security? Maybe you’re questioning why you’re not getting a raise? To the latter question, I can certainly relate.

	I want a raise! I deserve it. That was what I thought. But when I approached my boss, her question to me was, “Why? Why should you get a raise?”

 you get a raise? I’d love to just respond, “Why not?” But I’m guessing that’s not the best answer. Instead, I went to the experts.

Click here to learn how to determine your worth as an employee. 

	The best way to ensure you hear 'you're hired!'

	Have you applied for a dental job recently and learned they are doing something called “behavioral interviewing?” It isn’t the typical old-school questions about weaknesses or strengths. Now, they are asking for examples of what you have done in the past. Why? Because past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.

	Before you get all nervous about this style of interviewing, think about how it actually takes pressure off of you. You get to tell stories of your choosing. But, you need to be prepared.

	So, how does one prepare to answer behavioral interviewing questions? Answers should be two to three minutes in length. Going on and on isn’t in your best interest. Some places use a STAR response. This is very helpful, because it keeps you focused when you are interviewing. Keep in mind; some practices are scoring your answers based on that style of answering. Yes, there is a whole point system, and you don’t even realize that.

Continue reading to learn more about behavioral interviewing tips. 

	Simple ways to advance your career this year

	With a new year comes new possibilities. Whether you’re hoping to make some extra cash to make up for overspending during the holidays or you’re unhappy with the current practice you work for, there’s no better time than the present to start thinking of ways to advance your career this year.

	While the thought of advancing your career may seem frightening or overwhelming, there are some simple steps you can take to position yourself for success. Strategically planning and thinking about areas where you need some improvement can go a long way.

Click here to find out 5 ways to advance your career in 2018. 

The dental industry can be difficult to navigate, but these tips can help you land that job you've always wanted.

6 pieces of career advice that can help hygienists succeed

	The 34th annual LMT Lab Day Chicago, the largest dental lab event in the country, took place last week at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The event drew more than 4,500 attendees and dozens of new products were debuted on the show floor.

From new mills and 3D printers to advancements in materials and digital technology, Lab Day Chicago proved that the dental lab industry is booming. The following pages feature some of the new products and innovations that you don’t want to miss.

Trending article: 5 ways to get involved with digital dentures

	Click through the slides to see the new products.

• Powered by Figure 4™ technology, the NextDent™ 5100 is said to outperform similar competitive offerings with four times the speed, providing customers with up to 90 percent cost savings.
	• Integration with industry-leading scanning and design software reportedly enables highly precise dental solutions.
	• The NextDent 5100 is complemented by a portfolio of 30 unique NextDent resins, reportedly the largest number available from any dental material supplier.

	• The new integrated material generation, Zolid HT+, is a highly translucent zirconia that reportedly combines high mechanical parameters with excellent esthetics.
	• With its high strength of more than 1000 MPa, there are said to be hardly any restrictions on indications.
	• Early in 2018, the portfolio will be rounded off with Zolid FX Multilayer blocks for crowns and bridges.

• The program is said to be based on the three super indications of fixed dentures, full dentures and partial dentures.
	• They are reportedly fully integrated into the Amann Girrbach CAD/CAM system as “D-Flow” and are designed to provide fully supported and comprehensive digital workflows from A (scanning) to Z (material).
	• Amann Girrbach is said to support laboratories and technicians with comprehensive online and offline training and courses.

	• Two new processing modes for Ceramill Motion 2 and Ceramill Mikro IC reportedly increase processing speeds with consistently high precision.
	• The new processing strategy, called “Carving Mode,” is said to reduce the grinding times of difficult-to-process materials by up to 60 percent.
	• With the latest implemented processing strategy, “Thrilling Mode,” it’s reportedly now possible to “thrill” block abutments, including connectors made of standard CAD blocks.
	• The newly developed “DNA Speed Scanning” strategy is designed to reduce scan times by up to 50 percent with consistently high precision.

• This tabletop scanner is said to provide outstanding accuracy and versatility at an affordable cost.
	• It reportedly uses structured light in conjunction with high-resolution cameras.
	• An open platform with multiple stages, the DS-EX is designed to provide enhanced capabilities for scanning stone models, triple tray impressions and even articulated models.

	• The open-source Versamill 5X400 can reportedly accept input from any popular dental design program and process virtually any dental milling material.
	• The machine is said to include proprietary enhancements and high-quality features not found in competitive mills, reportedly enabling users to quickly manufacture restorations of unmatched quality that fit right the first time.
	• A closed-loop drive system is engineered to assure accuracy and eliminate frequent machine calibrations.
	• Additional features are said to include long tool life and superior restorative margins and finishes due to vibration-absorbing construction, motion control system and the industry's most efficient machining templates.

	Axsys Dental Solutions
	855-687-7941  |  

• Beyond+ Multi™ layered discs have a flexural strength of more than 1,100 MPa and anterior-level translucency that’s said to be comparable to or exceed the leading brands.
	• Single crowns and bridge cases can reportedly be milled from the same disc.
	• The discs are designed to have higher chroma in the cervical/body area and decreasing chroma toward the incisal area, reportedly offering the most efficient production speed combined with the natural look found in the shade tab.

	B & D Dental Technologies
	877-281-7444  |  

	• Designed to offer a full range of workshops and webinars addressing many of the digital issues that labs are currently facing.
	• Topics will include advanced smile design, RPD design, IT structure/network setup, 3D model building and more.
	• The goal is reportedly to help advance the knowledge and experience base in the industry.

• DENTCA Dentures are printed in two separate parts (base and teeth) and then are bonded together with the same printable material in order to reportedly achieve a strong chemical bonding that makes the dentures monolithic in nature.
	• DENTCA’s 3D printer revolutionary design technology is said to allow for accurate occlusal setups for better occlusion and chewing efficiency.
	• The DENTCA system is said to streamline the denture manufacture process with reduced manufacture time, higher accuracy and minimal workforce necessary.

	• Digital Dentures from Dentsply Sirona and engineered by AvaDent is a digital solution that reportedly provides superior fitting dentures made with Lucitone 199

 Denture Teeth.
	• These high-quality materials combined with AvaDent´s design expertise and intelligent software are said to create truly digital dentures.
	• The denture materials are optimized to work with Dentsply Sirona scanning and milling machines, but they also reportedly can be used with a wide range of equipment from other manufacturers.
	• Whether the user chooses to mill in-house or scan and outsource the entire process, Dentsply Sirona Digital Dentures are said to offer flexible solutions and provide superior results for either portrait or monolithic dentures.

• The DFAB is tailored for the dentist’s office and is designed to quickly deliver high-precision, color-matched prosthetics.
	• The LFAB is designed to produce dental models, surgical guides and prosthetics for dental labs.
	• Both printers are designed with the purpose of increasing efficiency and reducing the number of procedures necessary to product dental prostheses.
	• The printers are said to deliver customizable colored restorations using light-curable composites.

	• Reportedly the first-ever fully automated dental 3D printer that delivers a full range of dental treatments with the click of a button.
	• The high-speed 3D printer is said to increase operational efficiency with its unique cartridge system that makes it easy for dental technicians to change printing materials.
	• The all-in-one automation is designed to completely eliminate the post-processing labor associated with washing and curing.

• Designed for use in the FAB family of printers.
	 A new class of biocompatible material for long-term use that meets European Union Class IIa invasive medical device requirements.
	• The company reportedly plans to seek required FDA clearances.

	•  Completely redesigned for 2018, PracticeLab V9 is said to feature a new user interface that can be utilized with a touch screen monitor and takes as few as four clicks from start to finish.
	•  For current hyperDENT Compact users on maintenance, the same new workflow will be adopted by mid-year at no cost.

	FOLLOW-ME! Technology Group
	847-420-6542  |  

• The Form Cell 3D printing solution is a completely automated process that reportedly drastically lowers cost per part.
	• It’s designed to be affordable configured for production laboratories.
	• Engineered to be a “digital factory,” the Form Cell is customizable for 3D printing using the industry-leading Form 2 print stations and the recently introduced Form Wash station.

	• Distributed by Henry Schein, the Form 2 is said to be the most advanced desktop 3D printer ever created.
	• The printer reportedly delivers high-resolution prints using steriolithography (SLA) technology.

• AvaDent Digital Dentures Solutions is said to offer a full design service for all printing machines.
	• Users can upload scans to the AvaDent Dashboard and within 24 hours, users will reportedly receive a full setup in their inbox.
	• After reviewing and approving the setup, the STL file will be on its way to a laboratory or office.
	• Users can choose from STL files for try-in dentures (base + teeth) and STL files for final dentures (base with tooth sockets).

	Global Dental Science
	855-AVADENT  |  

 is a high-performance, technopolymer matrix featuring multidirectional glass fiber reinforcement for permanent, esthetic restorations on implants.
	• It’s said to feature natural flex and load parameters, reportedly making it an ideal replacement for unforgiving metal and ZrO

 frameworks.
	• It can reportedly be used to create lightweight and resilient frames and substructures for ceramic, lithium disilicate, acrylics and composites.

	Harvest Dental Products
	800-706-7599  |  

• A compact, 5-axis milling machine designed to mill esthetic IPS e.max restorations.
	• The fresh design is said to allow for high precision and convenience due to a self-contained milling system.
	• PrograMill One is wireless, which enables it to be positioned anywhere within the practice or dental lab. It can be controlled using a corresponding app on a tablet or smartphone.
	• A camera integrated within the mill reportedly automatically records all data on material and tool use.

From new 3D printers to advancements in the digital workflow, Lab Day Chicago proved the lab industry is booming.

What You Missed at LMT Lab Day Chicago 2018

	The Chicago Midwinter Meeting is one of the top dental meetings in the United States. Every year, hundreds of exhibitors and companies gather in the Windy City to showcase dozens of new products, and this year’s meeting did not disappoint.

From new handpieces and polishing systems to updated practice management software and advancements in dental technology, there was something for everyone at the show.

	The following pages are filled with some of the new products and innovations coming out of the 2018 Midwinter Meeting that you don’t want to miss.

	Click through the slides to see the new products.	 

• Dentrix Ascend is designed to move practice management to the cloud, lifting IT burdens from dentists so that they can focus on patient care.
	• Dentists can reportedly access their practice data at any time, from any location on any device.
	• The software is said to increase practice efficiency and eliminate time spent on backups, software updates and server issues.

 INDIRECT+ diamond polishing system is reportedly all clinicians need to refine and create an outstanding shine all indirect ceramic restorations.
	• Fast and simple, this versatile system is designed to be ideal for any tooth surface.
	• ASAP INDIRECT+ includes three multi-shaped, diamond impregnated “adjusters” as well as two ASAP INDIRECT+ diamond impregnated spiral wheel polishers.

• Reportedly enables clinicians to have a clearer illuminated operative field due to a Direct-LED+ that’s brighter and has a larger light pattern than traditional optic systems.
	• The handpiece is designed to provide extraordinary torque (25W) to ensure accurate and powerful cutting.
	• IS Technology is engineered to provide instant stop capability that eliminates backflow and noise when ceasing operation.

	Beyes Dental Canada
	855-603-1888  |  

BrioShine™ Feather Lite™ Composite & Ceramic Single-Use Polishers

	• Designed to automatically adapt to most tooth surfaces, these polishers reportedly minimize procedure time by reducing the number of steps required for optimal results.
	• BrioShine polishers are said to lessen overhead costs by reducing dispensing labor and eliminating time-consuming reprocessing.

	Carestream Dental care management platform

• The new platform is designed to help dental professionals balance the delivery of excellent patient care with the need to ensure practice efficiency and revenue growth in today’s competitive market.
	• Following a software-as-a-service model, the platform reportedly provides anytime, anywhere access, easy setup and configuration, automated backups and seamless updates.

	• Reportedly the first and only one-step, self-retracting impressioning system that removes the time, frustration and costs of traditional cord retraction.  
	• NoCord™ Wash is said to be is the first wash material that incorporates a hemostatic agent to control bleeding and fluid flows.
	• The unique NoCord™ MegaBody™ Tray Material is designed to work with NoCord Wash.

• This automated marketing software system is designed to automatically fill your schedule and chair with the right kind of patients.
	• Integration with all the major practice management softwares reportedly allows ChairFill to monitor open chairtime and then search existing patient records 24/7.
	• The software is designed to fill last-minute cancellations as well as open appointments weeks or months in advance.

	• The Channels PT Platinum files were reportedly designed using the same sequence of files and geometries as the Channels PT rotary files with heat-treated metallurgy.
	• With these enhancements, clinicians are said to experience increased flexibility and improved cyclic fatigue resistance to reduce the risk of file separation.

• The system now includes 21 mm length and a new 20/0.5 preparation file, which is said to enable clinicians to treat curved canals.
	• HyFlex EDM files are indicated in cases with calcification or retreatment.
	• Fabricated using EDM (electrical discharge machining) breakthrough technology, HyFlex EDM reportedly offers up to 700 percent greater fracture resistance compared to traditional NiTi files.

RapidHeat Pro11 High-Capacity Table-Top Sterilizer

	• Advanced engineering is said to enable the Pro11 to compete with the industry’s popular table-top steam sterilizers with 50 percent more capacity.
	• Reportedly uses FDA-cleared “High-Velocity Hot Air” RapidHeat technology to perform a complete cycle in as little as six minutes.
	• Since no water or steam is used, the Pro11 has no drying cycle.

	CPAC Equipment, Inc.
	800-828-6011  |  

• The InOffice workbench is said to offer everything clinicians need to provide the best in-office lab services.
	• Solid steel construction, solid surface countertops, options for dust collection, and multiple drawer configurations and colors reportedly provide dentists with all the choices they need to enhance their practice and productivity.

	DentalEZ
	866-DTE-INFO  |  dentalez.com/inoffice
	 

ETorque™ Electric System is said to combine the power and performance you’ve come to expect from StarDental.
	• With customizable settings for multiple procedures, the StarETorque is engineered to seamlessly combine power with performance.
	• From caries removal to crown preparation, users reportedly can move from high-speed to low-speed settings with one touch.

• DentiMax 18 is said to be more graphical, powerful and easier to use than its predecessors.
	• The new version reportedly features a new clinical charting screen, larger fonts and many new paperless enhancements.
	• Available in both cloud and server editions.

DEXIS and i-CAT voice-controlled imaging solutions with Amazon Alexa

	• Dental professionals can reportedly operate their DEXIS and i-CAT equipment with their voices, completely hands-free.
	• Dentists can place a digital sensor while telling Alexa the X-ray they need to capture.
	• Users are also said to be able to order i-Cat scans using only their voices.

• DGSHAPE d-CLINIC is a new open architecture CAD/CAM solution that’s designed to make it easy and affordable for dental clinics to produce precision glass ceramic and composite resin restorations in-house.
	• Featuring DGSHAPE’s DWX-4W wet dental mill plus MillBox CAM and new CliniCAD design software, the DGSHAPE d-Clinic solution is reportedly a turnkey package for producing same-day prosthetics.

 reportedly requires no additional composites for outstanding esthetics and strength.
	• The formula is designed to offer faster and simpler single-increment restorations up to 4 mm.
	• The material reportedly features 52 percent higher compressive strength than the leading flowable bulk fill.

• Available in both cart and portable versions, now distributed by ETI Digital Technology.
	• The scanner reportedly uses Multiscan Imaging™ 3D scanning technology consisting of five miniaturized 3D scanners in the handpiece tip, which is said to be the smallest intraoral scanner handpiece in dentistry.
	• The scanner is also reportedly equipped with voice control and gesture recognition technology for optimal infection control.

	ETI Digital Technology
	800-451-7778  |  

	• Allows users to leverage the power of the cloud, which centralizes and streamlines the way dentists run their practices.
	• Designed with an easy-to-learn interface, users can view all of their patients’ clinical evidence in a simple, clean timeline.
	• Fuse’s Smart Screens are engineered to allow dentists to view, filter and act on real-time patient information and practice data on a single screen.

• This chairside restorative ecosystem is designed to simplify the process of prescribing and delivering dental restorations.
	• With this versatile suite of advanced technologies, clinicians reportedly gain immediate on-demand access to the digital support resources of Glidewell Laboratories with the ability to quickly mill restorations in the office or send cases to the lab – all from a single interface.

	Glidewell Laboratories
	844-949-7184  |  

	• Designed to kill a broad spectrum of disease-causing microorganisms in one minute.
	• The intermediate level disinfectant is said to be compatible with a wide range of surfaces, such as acrylic, aluminum, brass, copper and stainless steel.
	• The convenient and ready-to-use formula reportedly cleans and disinfects surfaces while working quickly and effectively.

	SmartTouch™ Scannable Impression System

• The portable handheld auto dispenser reportedly fills an impression tray in only 10 seconds with the push of a button.
	• Dentists are said to be able to have the power of a countertop machine in the palm of their hands.
	• Designed for the SmartTouch auto dispenser, the SmartTouch™ VPS impression material is engineered to combine excellent flow and detail reproduction with easy handling.

	ids (integrated dental systems)
	866-277-5662  |  

	• Tri Auto ZX2 is a new compact, cordless motor with a built-in apex locator.
	• The cordless endodontic handpiece may reportedly be used for achieving apical patency and creating a glide path with the new Optimum Glide Path function.
	• The handpiece is engineered to allow subtle and delicate manipulation of the file, facilitating faster and safer treatment in even difficult cases.

From new handpieces to updated practice management software, this year's meeting featured dozens of new products.

What You Missed at the 2018 Chicago Midwinter Meeting

	Celtra Press is being called the new generation of high-strength glass ceramics. This unique material is engineered to provide superior strength and exquisite esthetics, and it is reportedly virtually impossible to tell apart from natural dentin.

 Celtra Duo zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate blocks are now available in this pressable version created exclusively for dental laboratory professionals.

	Strong: With strength in excess of 500 MPa, Celtra Press is said to create a new benchmark in high-strength glass ceramics. The 10 percent zirconium oxide is ready-dissolved in the glass matrix and, along with power firing (in the case of monolithic restorations), reportedly provides for an exceptionally high strength.

Related reading: How to create strong restorations with excellent esthetics

	Natural-looking: A particularly fine crystalline microstructure and high glass content are designed to provide truly exquisite light-optical properties. Due to this combination of high translucency and opalescence, Celtra Press is said to exhibit an amazingly natural chameleon effect. Restorations fabricated with Celtra Press reportedly blend into natural dentition extremely well and assure users the most maximum esthetics possible for the closest simulation of natural teeth. The reported natural-like opalescence of Celtra Press also reduces graying effect in the patient mouth.

	Optimal flow: A low viscosity provides Celtra Press with optimum flow properties. With Celtra Press, even the most delicate of structures and restoration margins are reportedly accurately reproduced.

Dentsply Sirona's zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate is said to offer great strength and brilliant esthetics.

Using Celtra Press in your lab

	Teeth whitening has quickly become one of the most requested cosmetic dentistry procedures. A recent survey showed that 80 percent of Americans ages 18 to 49 want whiter teeth, and according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Americans spent more than $1.4 billion on over-the-counter tooth whitening products in 2016 alone.

Many people want to whiten their teeth to boost their self-confidence, make a positive first impression, or enhance their appearance for a big event like a wedding or job interview. Whether a patient desires teeth whitening to remove stains caused by food and drink, poor oral hygiene or tobacco use, there are plenty of in-office and take-home options to choose from.

Read more: The top 5 ways cosmetic dentistry can benefit your practice

	Some formulas are designed to work in as little as a couple days, while others feature potassium nitrate or fluoride to minimize sensitivity. Many companies are also enhancing the fit and design of their whitening strips in order to keep them in place as well as improving the comfort of whitening trays.

	Whether you’re looking to add a whitening system to your office or you want to be able to recommend the best at-home solution to your patients, take a look at some of the latest options on the following pages.

With no retraction or soft tissue isolation necessary, SheerWhite! In-Office is reportedly an easy, one-minute professional teeth-whitening solution. Apply after a hygiene appointment by placing the strips over the patient’s teeth, then send the patient home with a SheerWhite! Take-Home Kit and instructions for removal 30 minutes later. The Comfort Fit technology is engineered to adapt to teeth and keep the whitening where it belongs. With its 20% hydrogen peroxide formulation, patients are said to have a pleasant whitening experience with less sensitivity and no effect on daily activities.

	Crest has expanded its 3D White product range with the new Crest 3D White Whitening Therapy collection. The collection is designed to close the gap between health and beauty and allow users to whiten and improve their health in one product. The two products, Enamel Care and Sensitivity Care, are engineered to whiten and nourish teeth to repair weakened enamel. Sensitivity Care also contains potassium nitrate to help soothe sensitivity pain.

	BlanQuest Professional Whitening Treatment

The BlanQuest Professional Whitening Treatment is said to provide the most effective solution toward a brilliant white smile. Just one in-office procedure reportedly allows for three to eight shade improvements in only 45 minutes. The treatment is designed for attending dark, discolored teeth caused by dark food and/or drink intake, but also discolorations caused by pharmacological and traumatic factors. It is designed for use with any light-accelerated whitening system.

	Unlike whitening strips that cause sensitivity over time by using harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda, Oral Essentials Whitening Strips reportedly utilize a patent-pending formulation of coconut oil, lemon peel oil and sage oil to whiten teeth without sensitivity, combined with Dead Sea salt. The strips are said to be the first in the industry to be clinically tested for use on porcelain crowns, veneers and composite restorations. They are also reportedly the first on the market to boast a nontoxic certification.

	LumiSmile White Take-Home Whitening System

LumiSmile White’s proprietary formula is said to offer premium professional strength whitening for every smile. Whiten your patients’ smiles in one to two weeks with minimal sensitivity. Chose from 32%, 22% or 16% carbamide peroxide concentrations flavored with real peppermint oil. Non-fluoride options are also available. LumiSmile White reportedly features a long shelf life with no refrigeration required.

	LumiSmile White In-Office Whitening System

	DenMat’s LumiSmile White In-Office Whitening System is designed to whiten patients’ teeth in one single visit. Formulated with decades of experience in professional teeth whitening, LumiSmile White’s 25% hydrogen peroxide in-office system reportedly delivers the effective, safe and fast whitening patients want. No refrigeration is required and use of a light is optional. The in-office kits are also available with optional take-home syringes for continued patient touch ups.

 Plus At-Home Whitening System is a carbamide peroxide tooth whitening system that contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. Made of a neutral pH, it reportedly reduces patient sensitivity and is kind to enamel. The water-based formulation is designed to keep teeth hydrated for reduced sensitivity. The fluoride is said to allow for anti-caries benefits, an increase in enamel microhardness and improvements to overall enamel health. Standard wear time is 30 to 45 minutes once a day for a week.

	The Natural Elegance® IO In-Office Whitening System is a 36% hydrogen-peroxide formula that is designed to deliver excellent whitening in one 45-minute treatment. The chemically-activated formula requires no light. The formula also contains potassium nitrate and reduces sensitivity. The system is reportedly safe for enamel.

Obtain professional-level whitening results from the comfort of your home with the REMBRANDT 1 Week Whitening Kit. The kit reportedly packs two weeks’ worth of powerful whitening into just seven days. StayPut™ Whitening Strip technology is said to allow each strip to be custom-fit to each user’s smile.

	Coordinate your team’s look with this full-color, custom whitening kit that matches the personality and professional image of your office. The Reflection Advanced Tooth Whitening System is said to provide the dependable quality of a 10%, 22% and 35% carbamide peroxide bleach solution. The solution comes in a refreshing mint flavor, and the addition of potassium nitrate is designed to help reduce sensitivity. Patients will reportedly notice impression results in as little as three days.

The iBrite 30% dual-barrel professional whitening gel is engineered to produce amazing results and requires no refrigeration. The dual-barrel system means no troublesome syringe-to-syringe mixing, while the unique proprietary formula reportedly features active calcium ions that promote remineralization. The mixed gel has a balanced pH value and includes potassium nitrate and fluoride to eliminate sensitivity. The kit is said to come with all the items needed to perform a complete whitening treatment.

	Pac-Dent International
	909-839-0888  |  

iBrite Dual-Barrel Take-Home Whitening Gel

	This take-home hydrogen peroxide-based tooth whitening system features the innovative iBrite tray silicone-based self-impression tooth tray. The gel is available in three hydrogen peroxide concentrations (6%, 9% and 12%) for various patient needs. The undiluted, purified H2O2 formula reportedly acts nearly four times faster than traditional carbamide peroxide whitening gels. Dramatic whitening results can reportedly be achieved in one to two weeks if used as instructed.

Created as an alternative to expensive dentist-office whitening and messy at-home options, this product is said to provide a whiter smile in just one week without strips or trays. Each single-use applicator contains a capsule of effective yet gentle whitening serum. The serum is applied morning and night, and after penetrating to whiten teeth inside and out without sensitivity, the serum dissolves cleanly away. The formula reportedly significantly whitens light- to moderately-stained teeth and visibly improves badly stained teeth.

	The innovative and patented GO SMILE Sonic Pro Teeth Whitening System reportedly features the only sonic toothbrush on the market that offers blue light technology. The blue light is said to be clinically proven to kill germs and bacteria on contact, and it activates GO SMILE’s teeth whitening gel to improve the health and appearance of smiles. The gel can be used with your favorite toothpaste, and it’s reportedly proven to whiten faster than comparable “brush to whiten” systems with virtually no sensitivity.

Philips Zoom DayWhite and NiteWhite are at-home whitening treatments dispensed by dental professionals and designed around each patient’s specific needs. The whitening gel contains ACP (amorphous calcium phosphate), which, when used with peroxide, fluoride and potassium nitrate, reportedly leads to whiter teeth, reduced sensitivity and rebuilt enamel. Patients using NiteWhite are said to experience results after just one night of use, while the DayWhite formula is designed to whiten teeth in as little as two weeks .

 Boost  PF 40% is Ultradent’s chemically activated, powerful in-office whitening product. Syringe-to-syringe mixing is engineered to activate Opalescence Boost just prior to application, so it doesn’t require the use of a light for whitening. The activated 40% hydrogen peroxide gel is conveniently delivered via syringe for precise delivery. It contains potassium nitrate and fluoride to decrease sensitivity, and it is applied directly to the teeth via convenient syringe delivery for two 20-minute applications.Opalescence Boost is also reportedly easy to see, allowing for complete removal between applications.

	Ultradent Products Inc.
	800-552-5512  |  

 Go is said to provide powerful, professional whitening for the on-the-go-lifestyle. Opalescence Go comes in the innovative, ready-made UltraFit™ tray, provides molar-to-molar coverage, and reportedly adapts instantly and comfortably to the teeth for a better fit and improved whitening experience. The Opalescence Go 10% hydrogen peroxide gel is designed to allow for a 30- to 60-minute wear time with the delicious choices of mint, melon or peach flavors. The 15% hydrogen peroxide gel is available in mint flavor and allows for a 15- to 20-minute wear time.

Rounding up some of the best in-office and take-home teeth whitening solutions. 


Creating pearly white smiles

	Natural-looking: A particularly fine crystalline microstructure and high glass content are designed to provide truly exquisite light-optical properties. Due to this combination of high translucency and opalescence, Celtra Press is said to exhibit an amazingly natural chameleon effect. Restorations fabricated with Celtra Press reportedly blend into natural dentition extremely well and assure users the most maximum esthetics possible for the closest simulation of natural teeth.

The new material is designed to provide superior strength and exquisite esthetics.

Using Celtra Press in your practice

	The design and functionality of the Alpha Air 6 is said to revolutionize the way a dental microscope performs and operates. The dental microscope is reportedly exceptionally designed for superior maneuverability and performance. Along with its superior optics, the Alpha Air 6 is engineered to provide benefits in the areas of ergonomics and video capture.

Comfortable: With the Alpha Air 6, dentists can maintain an upright working position while keeping visual contact with a patient. The microscope’s design is said to allow dentists to make a concerted effort to avoid the long-term effects that come along with working in an uncomfortable position.

More from the author: The risks and rewards of mail-order braces

	Unique: Special to the industry, the Alpha Air 6 allows for up to six steps of magnification, which improves the overall quality of work dentists are performing. The microscope reportedly also boasts some of the brightest LED illumination in the industry at 150,000 lux.

	Long-lasting: The Alpha Air 6 is equipped with a built-in USB port and a 12-volt power supply, allowing for more continuous use without recharging the battery. By accommodating a full HD video camera that is able to capture 4K video, dentists can better communicate with their patients and lead more productive discussions.

Offering six levels of magnification, the Alpha Air 6 is designed to revolutionize the way a dental microscope performs and operates. 