Ryan Hamm is the former Editorial Director for Dental Products Report and Digital Esthetics.

Ryan Hamm

Appliance Therapy Group (ATG) and Space Maintainers Laboratories have announced the rebranding of the multi-divisional dental resource company under the name SML™. The move - marked by the introduction of a new SML™ logo and newly streamlined visual identity - is the culmination of an ongoing three month phase-out of inclusory companies Success Essentials, SMILE Foundation, Second Opinion and the professional support group known as ATPA.

As of today, in a company-wide move toward increased clarity, cohesion and connection, Space Maintainers Laboratories, ATG, Success Essentials, SMILE Foundation, Second Opinion, Orthopix and ATPA are all absorbed into the all-inclusive brand, 

“We are SML. We have always been SML,” affirms SML CEO Dr. Rob Veis, “We began in this industry with the commitment to offering more than just a laboratory service to dentists. We seek now to eliminate confusion on the part of our new clients and our established family of loyal long-term customers by creating a brand that reflects both newness, change and growth while at the same time builds upon that 50+ year tradition of excellence that has distinguished us from our competitors from day one.”

The company says its new tagline “Your Practice-Building Partner” underscores the core SML mission to “provide dentists with everything they need to ensure professional success.” The new logo, in the words of SML Marketing and Creative Director Scot Simmons, “combines the established core colors of the original logo – the crisp blue and alpine white denoting clarity of purpose and cool value - and presents it in a straightforward rectangular format-one that embodies simplicity, dependability and strength.”

“Our SML brand identity is a logical step that communicates to both established and potential customers that we continue to provide products and services that consistently outpace our competitor,” said VP of Products and Services Steve Gross, adding “We have some great momentum right now. There may never be a better time to reaffirm and streamline our industry footprint.”

As part of the rebrand, SML has developed new website to help customers stay connected to SML. As VP of Sales Scott Veis explains, “The SML website is our virtual store…and perhaps more significantly, a vast repository of quick-access information on all things dental and orthodontal. The website serves the threefold purpose of 1) educating the dental professional on an appliance or treatment modality 2) providing expert diagnostic recommendations as to treatment priorities and product suitability, and 3) facilitating the order, delivery and tracking of the product or appliance that gets the job done.”

If you’re interested in learning more about the SML laboratory franchise, request an introductory orientation by calling 1-800-423-3270. For more detailed information on the offerings and advantages of SML, visit them online at: 

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What does a new brand for Appliance Therapy Group and Space Maintainers Laboratories mean?

 has been expanded from 10 to 15 colors for additional shade choices. 

The range of new Classical shades includes B4, C1, C4, D2 and D4, completing the Classical shade line. With the expanded color palette, VITA VM LC is now available in the full line of both 3D-Master and Classical shades. A new effect enamel material (EE2) has also been added to the VM LC line and can be used as an alternative to ENL. For less translucent results, VM LC EE12 can be used as a replacement for enamel (except in the case of bleached shades).

Said to be designed for a wide range of indications, VITA VM LC reportedly offers optimum processing characteristics for quick results, excellent shade stability and low plaque affinity. VITA VM LC is also formulated to mimic the reproduction of the fluorescence and opalescence of natural teeth, creating a very aesthetic restoration that is virtually indistinguishable from those of ceramics. VITA VM LC can also be built up over metal and resin frameworks and is indicated for veneering of full and partial crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays. It can also be used to individualize all VITA denture teeth, including Physiodens

SEE VIDEO BELOW TO LEARN SOME BASIC VITA VM LC LAYERING TECHNIQUES:

The new Pre Opaque bonding agent further improves adhesion between the framework and veneer. Pre Opaque can be applied optionally as an initial layer over the bonding system, and thanks to its low viscosity, it reportedly flows reliably into retention undercuts where its high translucency ensures that it sets properly. To ensure a perfect result, the new VITA VM LC Opaque Paste should be applied after polymerizing Pre Opaque. For convenience, Opaque Paste is already premixed in the syringe, helping to eliminate potential errors as a result of applying the incorrect amount of opaque material and significantly reducing the time required to complete veneering.

Vident is the North American subsidiary of VITA, manufacturer of the internationally recognized Vita Classical Shade Guide, Vita 3D-Master Shade System, VITA Easyshade Compact digital shade-taking device and quality VITA restorative materials. For information on VITA VM LC and other VITA products, call 800-828-3839 or visit 

VITA’s VITA VM LC Classical line has been expanded from 10 to 15 colors for additional shade choices. 

How to help indication with the VITA VM LC Classical line's expanded color palette [VIDEO]

This scaler/polisher workstation offers a variety of features, from mobility to an enhanced field of view.

 SP200 is a self contained scaler/polisher workstation. Because all the device requires is an electrical connection, this scaler/polisher workstation is an ideal solution for practices that do not have any plumbing or for practices that have greater mobility needs.

Here are 6 reasons you might want to incorporate the SP200 into your practice:

This self-contained scaler/polisher workstation

 features a 500 mL receptacle that can hold water or medicaments.

 The SP200’s scaler tips offer linear movement to speed calculus removal and minimize noise and heat.

Equipped with an electric motor that’s gentle enough for polishing, yet strong enough for drilling (up to 35,000 rpm).

The SP200 features a Standard E-Type Motor that accepts most E-Type attachments.

 The LED scaler’s 70,000 LUX of light means reduced eye strain.

 The electric motor is gentle enough to polish and still strong enough for drilling.

The LED Scaler Handpiece features 70,000 LUX of light to enhance your field of vision while reducing eye strain.

 An Ergo Ultra LED handpiece and upgraded motor kit also are available.

Want more great product advice? Check out this episode of “Product Review with John and Lou: Tips, Tricks and Truth,” with Drs. John Flucke and Lou Graham:

6 reasons to incorporate DBI America's SP200 into your practice

On May 10-11, I had the opportunity to attend Lab Day West, held in Anaheim, Cali. The weekend was a wonderful blur of sessions, booths and being mesmerized by various milling machines, but I managed to glean a few observations from the weekend. If you were there, I’d 

! What were your favorite sessions? What products caught your attention? Did you get to go to Disneyland? (Kidding!) Weigh in by commenting below!

In the meantime, here are my five biggest takeaways from Lab Day West:

1. Digital design is incredibly artistic.

At a 3Shape training session on customized abutments and implant bars and bridges, I saw how much design prowess goes into the creation of these small restoratives. It reminded me most of watching behind the scenes videos from movies with major CGI effects-a creative person, sitting in front of a computer, making almost imperceptible changes that make all the difference in the final product. It reminded me how much artistry is in the lab world, even if the world outside of the lab market doesn’t recognize it.

2. There is beauty, not just utility, in good equipment. 

Confession time: At one point, I stood in front of a Roland DWX-50, mesmerized as it slowly transformed a zirconia disc into individual restorations. Obviously, such technology is common, but sometimes it’s worth taking a step back and recognizing how amazing it is that something like that can be done using just a computer and a small, benchtop mill setup. Technology has changed every industry and the lab world is no exception.

Even though role of lab technician is highly specialized and skilled, there is still an incredible thirst for knowledge. Almost every session I attended was standing room only by the end, with people asking questions to figure out how to get their lab to the next level. It’s a remarkable testament to an industry that’s clearly invested in learning how to get better-not just because they have to, but because they want to.

4. The greatest technology is no replacement for great technique.

During my time at Lab Day West, I attended a session from Tanaka Dental, featuring a lecture and clinic from Asami Tanaka, a legend in the lab world. The session was the most crowded I attended, and it was a reminder that, even as technology has increased, there’s still great respect for classic and careful technique. There’s obviously a hunger for learning from the people who are widely considered to be masters in the lab field.

5. No matter the size, labs have a lot to offer.

Maybe the biggest realization I had is how much every lab can do now, no matter what the size. Technology, innovation, outsourcing options and leaps in material availability and pricing have made it possible for any lab to commit to a variety of services. It’s exciting to see how much the dental lab industry has changed in the last decade, and being at Lab Day West made me excited to see what will happen in the next.

On May 10-11, I had the opportunity to attend Lab Day West, held in Anaheim, Cali. The weekend was a wonderful blur of sessions, booths and being mesmerized by various milling machines, but I managed to glean a few observations from the weekend. If you were there, I’d love to hear what stuck out to you! What were your favorite sessions? What products caught your attention? Did you get to go to Disneyland? (Kidding!) Weigh in by commenting below! In the meantime, here are my five biggest takeaways from Lab Day West: