Every year, the dental industry is presented with a slew of products that make promises to revolutionize and transform the way dentistry is practiced.

Some of the claims end up being a bit of a stretch - 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 hand, there are a class of products that stand apart. The ones that truly do shape and transform 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 2017. These products blew us away throughout the year, and we’re proud to bring you this roundup of the solutions pushing dentistry forward.

Harmonize is described as a next-generation composite infused with Adaptive Response Technology (ART). ART is a nanoparticle filler network formulated to help you achieve lifelike restorations with more ease and simplicity. With better blending capabilities and enhanced structural integrity, the ART of Harmonize is said to provide your restorations with exceptional strength and esthetics. The ART filler system in Harmonize also diffuses and reflects light in a similar way as human enamel for an enhanced chameleon effect.

Kerr Corp.
800-KERR-123  |  kerrharmonize.com

The Epic Pro, which reportedly offers the most laser power of any diode laser in dentistry, is the first product to be introduced resulting from BIOLASE’s strategic development agreement with IPG Photonics. Epic Pro is said to feature several new innovations that are industry-firsts: A new super pulse technology for more precise, enhanced laser tissue cutting; real-time automatic power control to enhance speed and consistency when performing surgery; and pre-initiated, bendable, disposable tips with new smart tip technology to ensure tip performance and quality.

CS Solutions for Implants is a digital integrated implant solution that’s said to support more confident diagnoses, improved treatment planning, better patient/referral communication and greater confidence when placing implants. Prosthetically-driven implant planning starts by combining the data sets from a digital impression taken by an intraoral scanner and a CBCT scan. The two scans are reportedly automatically aligned in CS 3D Imaging software to create a virtual set-up. A new planning module of CS 3D Imaging allows doctors to virtually plan the crown and implant on the same screen.

Carestream Dental
800-944-6365  |  carestreamdental.com

Thermo Clone® VPS impression material is described as a premium product, specially engineered to be reliable and consistent. To the dental professional taking an impression while trying to minimize patient discomfort, bubblegum-scented Thermo Clone is the brand of vinyl polysiloxane impression material that reportedly makes impression-taking easier because of its consistent setting times, thermal set curing that activates when placed in the patient’s mouth and optimally effective techniques to get the right impression the first time.

Ultradent Products, Inc.
800-552-5512  |  ultradent.com

Pulpdent’s newest calcium hydroxide product, TempCanal Enhanced, features pH > 12 and disinfects canals and prevents flare-ups, making it ideal for routine use between visits and for extended treatment of complicated cases. The easy-to-use material is said to flow easily through 27-gauge x 25 mm, 2-side-vent, endo irrigation needles. The non-setting, non-drying formula will reportedly not clog the needle, and it’s easily removed with file and irrigation. TempCanal Enhanced is packaged in standard 1.2 mL and 3 mL luer lock syringes for convenient one-hand operation.

Pulpdent Corp.
617-926-6666  |  pulpdent.com

The Nupro Freedom™ Cordless Prophy System with SmartMode™ Technology reportedly provides clinicians with an innovative method of controlling the speed and power of the prophy cup while freeing clinicians from cords and foot pedals. It is said to provide 25-percent more speed and power than the previous generation Freedom handpiece. The package includes a cordless handpiece, three autoclavable outer sheaths, Disposa-Shield® disposable polyethylene barriers and disposable prophy angles.

Dentsply Sirona Preventative
800-877-0020  |  dentsplysirona.com

PlanMill 40 S is Planmeca’s brand-new unit for fast and accurate milling directly at a dental clinic. It reportedly offers fast milling speeds (80,000 rpm and only eight to 10 minutes per restoration); an expanded range of applications, including abutments, crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers and bridges; an automated tool charger for 10 tools; guided maintenance; and smart tool paths that are optimized to suit material characteristics.

Planmeca
+358-20-7795-500  |  planmeca.com

Dentrix® practice management software expanded integration

Henry Schein, Inc. announced three new partners that became members of the Dentrix Developer Program by integrating their digital impression scanners with Henry Schein Dentrix practice management software via the Digital Dental Exchange (DDX™) OS. Planmeca PlanScan Scanner®, 3Shape TRIOS® intraoral scanner and 3M™ True Definition Scanner now have the ability to place a record of their intraoral scans into patients’ charts in the Dentrix® practice management system.

Henry Schein, Inc.
800-372-4346  |  henryschein.com

IonoStar® Plus is a new glass ionomer restorative that offers a fast set, immediate packability, non-stick handling and enhanced physical properties. It comes in an easy-to-use direct activation application capsule that fits virtually all branded glass ionomer applicators. IonoStar Plus has an abbreviated working time of two minutes. In addition, it is radiopaque, fluorescent, has a high continuous fluoride release and does not require the use of a dentin conditioner.

VOCO America
888-658-2584  |  vocoamerica.com

ALPEN ShapeGuard is a new line of diamond impregnated polishers that are said to be strong in polishing and gentle on surfaces. ShapeGuard’s new spiral wheel design offers flexible lamellas for use with universal composite and ceramic restorative materials. The polishers are designed for polishing incisal, labial, buccal and lingual surfaces. ShapeGuard Composite Plus is reportedly a simple two-step system, while ShapeGuard Ceramic Plus is a three-step system. Both Composite Plus and Ceramic Plus polishers are autoclavable.

Lava Esthetic is engineered to deliver optimized translucency for esthetic full-contour crowns and three-unit bridges at a high strength of 800 MPa. A four-shading element formulation makes it the first pre-shaded zirconia to offer inherent fluorescence for all shades as well as a true color match with VITA® Classic shades. The high strength of Lava Esthetic zirconia allows for conventional, self-adhesive or adhesive cementation. The material is available in a 98-mm disc with step format in 14 mm, 18 mm and 22 mm heights.

Endovac™ Pure is an irrigation system that reportedly combines a portable base unit with a sterile packed cartridge and an ergonomically designed, single handheld controller for ease of use. It is said to be the only system of its kind to leverage the apical negative pressure technique. With the single handheld controller, dentists are said to be able to achieve complete three-dimensional and apical cleaning of a root canal.

This device is not approved for distribution in any market. Registration in the U.S. is under review.

Kerr Endodontics
800-KERR-123  |  kerrdental.com

The Resurge® Ultrasonic Cleaner is available in two sizes, 0.8 gallon and 2.0 gallon, for offices seeking either high- or low-capacity cleaning requirements. Combined with the Resurge® Instrument Cleaning Solution, these ultrasonic cleaners reportedly offer superior cleaning and ease of use. Both units are said to feature a low-profile design, making it easy to insert and remove instruments, while a touchscreen can help simplify setup and operation.  Additional features include a universal rack for cassettes and a stainless steel basket for instruments.

Dentsply Sirona
800-989-8825  |  dentsply.com/resurgeultrasonic

3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative

Designed for the posterior, the optical properties and improved opacity of the 3M™ Filtek™ One Bulk Fill Restorative reportedly enable the simplicity of one-step bulk placement - up to 5 mm - with improved esthetics. With 3M’s Smart Contrast Ratio Management technology, Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative features increased opacity without reducing depth of cure. Available in five shades, there is reportedly no need for layering or expensive dispensing devices.

The X-Mind® Trium 3D CBCT device is designed to facilitate osseointegration with reportedly instant volume measurement and bone density assessment. It is engineered to provide exceptional image quality with 75 μm voxel resolution for a variety of applications. ACTEON Imaging Suite can assess the volume and bone density for reportedly improved bone grafting procedures and implant placement while all scans are produced in STL format for export into surgical guide design software.

ACTEON North America
800-289-6367  |  acteongroup.com

TempoCem ID is an esthetically-oriented temporary cement. The innovative formulation of the product is designed to allow the clinician to detect excess cement - even below the gum line - that can often be removed in one piece. Engineered for optimal transparency, TempoCem ID’s color-neutral formulation reportedly never impacts the shape of the provisional, making it an ideal choice for posterior and anterior restorations alike. Available in a handheld syringe, TempoCem ID is designed to flow and mix easily, seal tightly for long-term temporization and not stick to instruments.

DMG America
800-662-6383  |  dmg-america.com

OptiDam is a three-dimensional, low radiopacity rubber dam designed for stress-free positioning and patient comfort. Its 3D design is engineered to offer dentists optimal visibility and accessibility to the treatment area, leading to greater success in procedures. The rubber dam also is designed to be practical since there’s no need to remove it during X-rays. Its anatomical shape reportedly reduces tensioning, which means dentists don’t need to worry about the dam snapping out of place. 

Kerr Endodontics
800-537-7123  |  kerrdental.com

The CS 8100 3D system is now available with a cephalometric imaging option in addition to several new 3D applications. Featuring multi-functional, four-in-one imaging capabilities, the system reportedly enhances doctors’ diagnoses with high-quality images. It is said to feature the fastest scanning time of any scanning cephalometric unit on the market - as little as three seconds. The system includes exclusive Carestream Dental imaging software that’s engineered to recognize anatomical structures and trace them automatically.

The XP-3D™ Shaper is designed to address the shortcomings of traditional NiTi instrumentation. It features Brasseler USA’s exclusive MaxWire® Technology that reportedly allows the instrument to expand and become more robust when exposed to body temperature. Once an adequate glide path is established, the XP-3D Shaper is engineered to be able to clean the entire canal without the need for multiple files. It also features a small flexible core that’s designed to be resistant to cyclic fatigue.

Brasseler USA
800-841-4522  |  brasselerusa.com

Articles

The editors of DPR pick the products that moved the needle this year. 

Top 50 products of 2017: Part 1

	Every year, the dental industry is presented with a slew of products that make promises to revolutionize and transform the way dentistry is practiced. Some of the claims end up being a bit of a stretch - 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?”

Read more: Top 50 products of 2017: Part 1

	And then, on the other hand, there are a class of products that stand apart. The ones that truly do shape and transform 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 2017. These products blew us away throughout the year, and we’re proud to bring you this roundup of the solutions pushing dentistry forward.

	Click through the slides to check out more of this year's top products.

 intraoral scanner is lightweight, ergonomically designed and engineered to quickly capture vivid color images in real-time. A compact, slim design is said to provide the clinician with a comfortable feel and superior control while scanning patients. Automatic fog prevention embedded into the streamlined scanner tips reportedly enables continuous scanning of the patient, while the autoclavable tips are designed to prevent cross-infection and increase patient safety.

 is an apical negative pressure irrigation system that is said to be lightweight, easy to use and portable. It reportedly can be used for simultaneous irrigation and evacuation. Three flow-rate settings are engineered to provide a consistent exchange of active endodontic solutions and flushing of debris. The device features quick-connect, 20 mL reservoirs that can be filled with medicament. The system also comes with 10 disposable EndoSafe Negative Pressure Tips.

	Vista Dental Products
	877-418-4782  |  

 from Komet USA are designed to incorporate coarse diamond grains, as indicated by the instrument’s green color ring for ease of identification. The discs are reportedly specially designed to ensure optimal chip removal while separating, pre-cutting and contouring acrylic and veneering ceramics. The D2014.HP.180 measures 18 mm in diameter while the D2014.HP.220 has a 22 mm diameter.

 is reportedly the world’s fastest dental model 3D printer, utilizing Structo’s proprietary Mask Stereolithography (MSLA) technology. With a large build platform measuring 200 x 150 mm, the DentaForm is designed to print highly accurate precision models for the fitting of crowns and bridges in the area of restorative dentistry. Users can reportedly print full arches and quadrants that are extremely precise with reproducible fit at a high throughput.

reportedly unites KaVo’s trusted quality with smart features for optimal ease of use and successful clinical outcomes. Designed with flexibility in mind, the series is ideal for anyone wishing to combine the highest standards in reliability with a broad spectrum of treatment options. Features are said to include a small head size for better view, stainless steel construction, high-precision ball bearings, a lightweight and balanced design, and ceramic sliders within the chuck system for securing the bur. 

The Beautifil II LS (Low Shrink) composite is designed to provide clinicians with the means to reduce polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress while achieving predictable and functional esthetics. The composite incorporates Shofu’s proprietary Giomer chemistry and reportedly demonstrates excellent compressive and flexural strength, maintains ideal color stability and polishes in an instant, creating a glossy luster. Beautifil II LS is available in syringes, tips and value kits in 14 dentin and enamel shades.

	Shofu Dental Corporation
	800-827-4638  |  

Mavrik Dental Systems™ recently introduced Thera-Smile™, a reportedly revolutionary approach to in-office teeth whitening. Thera-Smile treatments are delivered via the Thera-OralTM system platform, where delivery of medicaments is fully controlled in dosage and temperature within a patented vacuum-sealed mouthpiece. The intuitive console “brain” with glove-responsive interface is said to offer the clinician or hygienist complete control. The whitening system is designed to elevate the patient and clinician experience.

	Mavrik Dental Systems
	+972 9-974-0100  |  

 is a bioactive resin pit and fissure sealant with patented SmartCap™ Technology. It reportedly combines optimal physical properties with extended release of fluoride and remineralization ions for relentless protection. BioCoat is engineered to flow freely for excellent adaption and adhesion to the enamel. It is said to be easily light cured and to offer an esthetic appearance.

 Dental Products Company
	888-670-6100  |  

SR Smart Reviews’ super technical, proprietary algorithm reportedly analyzes billions of patient interactions to determine which patients are most likely to leave positive reviews. Through a simple text message, dental staff  can ask patients to leave a review. Only patients who leave a high NPS score will be redirected online; other reviews will be sent to the dental office for reference. SR Smart Reviews is designed to sync with patient databases, thereby simplifying the process.

 is a new CAD/CAM block with an integrated shade gradient for highly esthetic and long-lasting results. The material is reportedly ideal for posterior, anterior and implant restorations as well as veneers. The block’s natural color gradient includes six finely nuanced layers with a smooth transition from cervical to incisal edge, providing a natural play of light for lifelike vitality. It can be milled either chairside or in the laboratory.

 is designed to make it convenient for patients to provide their complete health histories and insurance information to dental offices. Using any smartphone, tablet or computer, patients can go to the practice’s web kiosk to complete their “paperwork.” The user-friendly software is designed to enable office staff to review information, ensuring its completeness and accuracy, before uploading it into their practice’s management software.

 is a unit for advanced dental imaging needs. It is designed to be a complete X-ray platform, providing easy-to-use features throughout the whole dental imaging workflow. The OP 3D reportedly offers efficient tools for optimizing the patient dose with its ability to allow the clinician to select the best resolution, Field of  View (FOV) size and region of interest. The versatile programs for both panoramic and 3D are engineered to offer imaging excellence for a variety of users, ranging from general dental practitioners to craniofacial surgeons.

 is a small, compact, 5-axis milling machine. It is engineered to combine industrial manufacturing quality with high precision and a sleek, modern design. The machine is app-based, reportedly allowing easy operation with a tablet or smartphone. PrograMill One seamlessly auto connects with 3Shape intraoral scanners. The unit is designed specifically for milling IPS e.max. PrograMill One will be available in the U.S. in 2018.

COLTENE added two new resin-based cements, 

, to its portfolio of luting agents. SoloCem is a self-adhesive dual-curing resin cement that is reportedly easy to use and offers high bonding strength without additional adhesive. It may be used for permanent cementation of crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays for ceramic, metal and composite materials. DuoCem is a dual-curing resin cement that is designed to offer superior bond strength, especially in areas where light can’t reach. It is said to be ideal for a range of indications.

 is reportedly the first device specially developed for allowing beautiful dental photos on a smartphone. Smile Lite MDP is equipped with three groups of LEDs with four levels of brightness for each one. Users can set the power of illumination to easily take anterior and posterior pictures as well as micro-photography. The plug-and-play device is equipped with a universal adapter that can be used with any model of smartphone. 

 provides a 2D and 3D imaging system that’s combined with the power of Planmeca Romexis

 imaging software. The ProMax 3D LE is reportedly the gateway to Planmeca 3D imaging systems, offering great value without sacrificing quality. Dentists can plan and verify implant placement using the realistic implant, abutment and crown models included in the Romexis software.

Dental Products Report December 2017

Top 50 products of 2017: Part 1

Top 50 products of 2017: Part 2