These patient game changers make dentistry more comfortable for your patients, and that makes them more likely to accept treatment and to talk about your practice with family and friends.

 Finding caries early can help save your patients time and money. Operating using fluorescence technology, 

Spectra is an ergonomic handheld digital imaging instrument

“I think it’s definitely a good education tool. It’s a great diagnostic tool for them to have. And if they’re able to catch things earlier, it definitely saves patients and everybody a lot of time and money without having to do a more serious procedure, and then of course insurance having to cover a more difficult procedure.” –

 makes placing implants easier and more predictable. The 3D cone beam system’s new SRT, Scatter Reduction 

 Technology, allows clinicians to reduce artifacts to deliver 3D scans with higher clarity and detail around scatter-generating material.

 “The scan was very comfortable and non-threatening, but the real comfort came from having the scan done. I’ve had two [dental implant] failures in this area in the past, so it made me feel good, more confident, that Dr. [Bryan] Couch was taking the necessary steps to see where he would best be able to put the new implants.” – 

Not only are lasers high- tech products that reduce treatment time, they also reduce patient discomfort and pain. The 

dual-wavelength WaterLase iPlus all-tissue laser

 is said to deliver more power, control and versatility for experienced laser dentists.

“It didn’t hurt. At my other dentist they had to numb you and put all this junk in your mouth. But the laser didn’t hurt and it was quick and fast. I didn’t have to wait an hour to drink water and stuff.” – 

 are a great option for patients who need implant retained dentures. 3M™ ESPE™ MDI Mini Dental Implants are minimally invasive and immediately stabilize loose dentures using a 90-minute patented protocol.

: “It’s a pleasure to sit down to the table for a snack or for dinner. I tell family and friends and everyone I meet.

Plus I smile all the time now. I would do this again anytime.” – 

 offers patients a temporary cosmetic option without compromising esthetics. Snap-On Smile is a patented, removable custom appliance requiring no prepping, no injections and no adhesives, and simply snaps over a patient’s natural teeth.

: “I would tell anyone, Snap-On Smile is a great solution if you don’t enjoy your smile. You need it. It is pain-free, low-maintenance and ... and just wonderful. I love the product.” – 

Articles

5 products changing the way patients see dentistry

This year, clicks are the criteria for gauging reader/user interest. These products are recognized for having the most views in 

The Oral-B Deep Sweep™ power brush head combines sweeping and stationary 

bristles with a dynamic angled powered tip, creating triple-zone cleaning action that is designed to thoroughly clean deep between teeth and gets to places manual toothbrushes miss.

The brush head provides the gentleness and optimal cleaning of an electric toothbrush with the familiar shape and brushing motion of a manual brush.

Available in engaging or non-engaging versions, these abutments for the fabrication of acrylic provisional screw-retained restorations are compatible with most major implant systems.

MotionView Software LLC Ortho Insight 3D software

Ortho Insight 3D software simulates tooth movement for treatment planning, including 

extractions, space closure and auto-alignment of dentition. Make precision bracket positioning, then transfer to the patient, shortening chair time and treatment time.

The software is said to help orthodontists design accurate orthodontic appliances and eliminate lab fees and storage costs.

Planmeca ProFace 3D facial scanning system

line of 3D dental imaging units. It is said to produce realistic 3D facial photos as well as traditional x-rays. One scan generates both images.

Alternatively, the 3D photo can be acquired separately in a completely radiation-free process.

The 3D photo option integrates with Romexis 3.0 digital images software and visualizes soft tissue in relation to the patient’s teeth and facial bones, providing an effective follow-up tool for oral and maxillofacial procedures.

TRIOS® Color digital impression taking solution

 scans and captures intraoral images in realistic-looking color. RealColor™ Technology helps to create scanned images in the appearance of real teeth and gingiva.

The natural looking colors provide an excellent scanning experience, and make it easy for clinicians to distinguish between the different types of restorative materials (metals, enamel, composite, etc.), recognize bleeding areas, see color transitions on teeth, and easily identify margin lines with enhanced detail and share highly accurate images with lab technicians. It can be used in combination with TRIOS® Ultrafast Optical Sectioning Technology.

LOCATOR® Overdenture Implant System (LODI)

 offers a less invasive, predictable and durable implant-retained overdenture for patients requiring an effective, cost conscious technique for securing their denture. LODI features a two-piece coronal design, not found with O-ball mini implants as the LOCATOR attachment is seated after implant placement, allowing for replacement if wear should occur throughout time.

The LOCATOR Attachment also incorporates a dramatically reduced vertical height compared to O-ball mini implants. LODI is well suited for narrow ridges, a less invasive treatment alternative to bone grafting and designed for immediate function in appropriate cases.

Designed for the non-stick placement of composite materials, the 

 is said to allow composite filling material to be placed and shaped with ease and efficiency. It is particularly well suited for the placement of Class III, IV and V restorations and direct veneers.

The surface of the instrument enables composite filling materials to be shaped and contoured without pull-back or leaving any unwanted marks. Smooth and even surfaces can be achieved with ease and efficiency.

Natural-looking results are easy to accomplish in anterior and cervical restorations because of the special pad attachments. The flexible synthetic foam material optimally adapts to any tooth shape and allows the filling to be contoured smoothly.

With an intuitive user interface and computer control system, the 

 imaging capabilities are for adult and pediatric patients as well as 

segmented panoramic, TMJ and maxillary sinus imaging. It is said to make exams quick and simple.

The system also comes with preset programs to minimize setup requirements for exams, which saves time and reduces operator errors. It also includes 2D technology so practitioners can create slices at regular intervals along the jaw to focus on one area of interest and visualize more details.

High-strength Obsidian™ lithium silicate ceramic crowns

 are indicated for the fabrication of full-contour crowns, 3-unit anterior bridges, veneers, inlays and onlays that 

are said to exhibit lifelike esthetics and toughness.

Unlike layered ceramic or porcelain fused-to-metal restorations, the restorations are resistant to chipping because of their monolithic composition and average flexural strength of 373 MPa. They are said to exhibit an optimal combination of esthetics and strength with translucency that mirrors the vitality of natural teeth.

 is said to be well suited for both entry-level and experienced users.

It is designed to deliver power and essential features at an economical price.

It is portable, precise, has enhanced ergonomics, a single interface and a high-contrast aiming beam to make laser dentistry easier.

This year, clicks are the criteria for gauging reader/user interest. These products are recognized for having the most views in our product database.

The 10 most popular new dental products of 2013

This year, clicks are the criteria for gauging reader/user interest. 

These dental material launches are recognized for having the most views online.

 is a self-curing, chemically adhering, tooth remineralizing glass ionomer restorative material. It is formulated to be a durable dentin replacement, as well as have very high fluoride releasing and recharging abilities.

Each starter kit contains 10 regular viscosity capsules, 10 high viscosity capsules, an applicator gun, and Riva conditioner. Each kit is available in A1 or A2 and in fast or regular setting times. Additionally, each kit contains the powerful Applicator gun and Riva Conditioner.

 is a 7.5% filled light cured resin well suited for direct and indirect bonding procedures. It is now available in a bottle delivery option. Providing optimal 

bond strengths, it works with composite, metal, zirconia, porcelain repair, and post and core procedures. Peak Universal Bond contains Chlorhexidine, which helps ensure long term bond strengths.

It is said to work equally well with self- and total-etch techniques, meaning there’s no need for multiple agents to complete either technique. Units are available as a self- or total-etch kit or in single 1.2 mL refills.

TPH Spectra™ provides clinicians preferred composite handling without the aggravating techniques required to overcome handling obstacles associated with some marketed 

composites. Whether you prefer a spreadable or packable handling,

TPH Spectra has your handling preference covered with TPH Spectra LV (Low Viscosity) and TPH Spectra HV (High Viscosity). The new shading system for TPH Spectra™ provides 7 VITA based shades that cover the entire VITA shade system. This reduction in shades allows you to carry fewer inventories in your office and be confident that the chameleon shading ability of the composite will blend it in to the surrounding tooth structure making the restoration indistinguishable.

 blends the versatility of NX3 Nexus™ Third 

Generation Universal Dental Cement with the optimal adhesion of OptiBond® XTR Self-Etch, Universal Dental Bonding. The result is said to be a new standard for permanent cementation of all esthetic materials with effortless removal, optimal color stability, high adhesion and minimal post-op sensitivity.

The kit includes one 5 mL clear dual-cure syringe; one 5 mL bottle of primer; and one 5 mL bottle of adhesive.

VITA ENAMIC® Hybrid CAD/CAM dental ceramic

 has a dual-network structure that is said to combine the best properties of ceramic and composite materials. The dominant 

ceramic network structure and the reinforcing polymer network structure are fully merged with one another, similar to the way that steel reinforces concrete.

The ceramic offers high fracture load capacity, while also ensuring elasticity and integrated crack prevention. Less brittleness than a pure dental ceramic as well as abrasion properties superior to that of conventional composite, results in characteristics similar to those of natural dentition. It is resistant to the shear and compressive forces of the jaw and natural teeth, allowing the material to be used for a variety of applications.

 is formulated to ensure stronger temporaries that are highly esthetic, more fracture-resistant and manufactured without BPA. The two-component 

bisphenol A-free resin, based on a multifunctional acrylic composite, can be used to make highly esthetic temporary crowns, partial crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers including long-term provisionals.

The resulting provisional restorations are said to be remarkably stable and fracture resistant because of the material’s monomer structure.

GC FujiCEM™ 2 resin modified glass ionomer

luting cement contains high-elastic cross-linking monomers with a modified filler-surface treatment that are said to increase strength properties. Indicated for a broad array of indirect restorations including all types of metal-, resin-, alumina- and zirconia-based inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges, it delivers superior bond strength while allowing clinicians to do more restorations in less time.

 is described as three zirconia-based alternatives in one compatible system. Opalite® Basic is preferred for molars in full-contour zirconia crowns, precision 

Opalite® Plus is preferred for bicuspids and is porcelain facing fused to zirconia with basic anatomy characterization and internal and external staining. Opalite® Ultimate is preferred for anteriors and has an esthetic zirconia-based precision CAD/CAM milled Yttria stabilized core.

Specifically designed to repair ceramic, porcelain, acrylic and C & B materials, 

Ceraresin®Bond is said to reliably bond various restorative materials, including Ceramage® light-cured laboratory composite or Beautifil® Flow Plus light-cured resin composite.

The material is formulated to be moisture and thermal strain resistant. Kits of Ceraresin Bond boast a three-year shelf life and include 6 mL of Bond 1, 5 mL of Bond 2, 50 microbrushes, and five disposable V-dishes.

Designed for lithium disilicate restorations, 

cements formulated to provide better esthetics at the margin. eCEMENT offers a light-cure and dual-resin cement to ensure lithium disilicate restorations provide long-term retention of single or multiple restorations, as well as shade stability.

Additionally, the radiopaque cement offers easy placement of lithium disilicate veneers, onlays, crowns, three-unit bridges, inlays. eCement kits include resin cement, SELECT HV ETCH, ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL, PORCELAIN ETCHANT, and PORCELAIN PRIMER.

This year, clicks are the criteria for gauging reader/user interest.  These dental material launches are recognized for having the most views online.

Top 10 most-viewed new dental materials of 2013

Product upgrades and true product innovation isn’t easy to achieve, but these five offerings represent products that were able to reach the next level in 2013.

Using both chemical and mechanical adhesion, 

is said to provide an exceptionally strong bond to zirconium restorations. The dual-curing properties of the cement provide a strong bond across all substrates.

Formulated for easy clean-up, the optimized viscosity and no-drip formulation provide for fast and easy removal of excess, resulting in less stress and chair time for the clinician. As a single-step cement, it provides the added benefit of not requiring etching.

 is now available as a single hardware platform with software options for restorative and orthodontic procedures. The improved device has advanced optics and enhanced algorithms that are said to substantially increase the speed of capture to reduce overall scanning time.

The new scanning wand and fiber-optic cord are light and ergonomic. Additionally, full color model rendering is available that enables clinicians to show patients a life-like final model of their scanned dentition.

Dentrix Ascend cloud-based practice management solution

 is said to pack the most advanced clinical, front office and business management capabilities into an easy and intuitive user experience.

Users gain the freedom to use whatever devices make sense for their practice-from PCs to iPads. It also provides a secure, Web-based architecture that gets better and smarter every time you log in. It provides instant access to the tools needed from any location, eliminating the need to buy and maintain hardware.

The solution is available for a monthly subscription.

The first scanner to use E4D’s blue laser technology, the 

 offers high quality, powder-free image capture, plus exceptional video-rate speed and ease of use. 

Blue laser technology provides the system with an improved ability to capture fine details, giving dental practitioners greater opportunity to offer their patients exact and accurate prosthetics. Other features include adjustable FOV, ergonomic design, removable tips for infection control, color-coded feedback to operator and more.

The center’s plug-and-play allows users to customize configurations, which streamlines practice-wide restorative workflows. A wireless connection provides added mobility, allowing practitioners to easily move the design center from operatory to operatory.

Designed to be well suited for dental practices seeking an enhanced isolation solution, the Isovac™ dental isolation adapter modifies a standard HVE hose to easily attach and fit any Isolite mouthpiece.

Top 5 new product innovations and updates of 2013

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 articles you loved most in 2013. Re-read your favorites and be sure to check out any you may have missed.

How did we decide? These 10 articles generated the most views over the last year. 

Most of the patients who walk through your practice door each day are friendly, well-mannered people who respect your practice and what you do. They may not listen to every home care suggestion or accept every treatment plan, but they’re willing to work with you and want to improve their oral health.

But there are other patients who are on edge. Maybe they are stressed, having trouble making ends meet at home, or simply in pain. Whatever the issue, they could snap at any moment and cause a scene in your practice-maybe even scare your team and your other patients.

Top 5 new product announcements in pediatric dentistry

In recent years, there have been many advances in key areas related to pediatric dentistry such as trends in pediatric procedures and dental materials, caries detection tools, early interventions to arrest disease progression and more.

Here, we’ve listed some of the most popular and treatment-enhancing pediatric advancements that have come down the pipeline.

8. A dental patient shares his experience with Philips Sonicare AirFloss

Daniel G. Lebryk took to Amazon.com to boast about how the Philips Sonicare AirFloss has provided him with an alternative to flossing that works.

7. This is what your patients won’t say to your face

In the age of social media, nothing is sacred ... not even the dentist chair. Want to know what your patients are really thinking during an appointment? They may say, “Everything is going great” and “I feel fine,” but here’s the truth courtesy of Instagram.

The absolute best in curing light technologies

We’ve seen a lot of changes in the way we provide treatment since the mid-1990s or so. While there were some advances in dentistry before that time, I truly believe the pure amount of changes we have seen in the last 10-20 years in our profession may well be more than there ever were before that time.

The last decade has seen a tremendous change in curing technology with the majority of the advances occurring in the last 5 years or so.

6 tips on how to work with an upset patient or employee

At anytime during the work day, you could be dealing with an upset person on the phone -a patient, co-worker, employee. Ginny Hegarty, president of Dental Practice Development Inc., gives you tips on how to handle these difficult situations.

The changing role of the dental office manager

“So what do you do?” How many times have you met a new person and answered this question? Most likely, you just tell him or her you’re an office manager and the conversation moves along.

But when is the last time you stopped to think about what you really do? And what’s more, have you thought about how rapidly your job is changing right now?
	
	

Patients are the lifeblood of your practice. They’re the reason you became a dentist, and it’s your job to help them reach optimal oral health, and to ensure they’re happy with the bright, confident smile you helped create and protect.
	
	But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with patients who disrespect your time or who don’t see the value in the dentistry you offer. Sometimes, you have to let go of a patient who is bringing negative energy to your practice and causing stress to you and your team.

2. A clinician reviews 3M ESPE’s Clinpro 5000 anti-cavity toothpaste

Dr. Tim Burke noticed something right away when he began using 3M ESPE’s Clinpro 5000 anti-cavity toothpaste about a year-and-a-half ago: His patients were actually complying with their home care.

1. The top 5 reasons patients aren’t coming back to your practice

Patients are the lifeblood of your practice. They’re the reason you became a dentist, and it’s your job to help them reach optimal oral health, and to ensure they’re happy with the bright, confident smile you helped create and protect. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with patients who disrespect your time or who don’t see the value in the dentistry you offer.

Dental Products Report-2013-12-01

5 products changing the way patients see dentistry

The 10 most popular new dental products of 2013

Top 10 most-viewed new dental materials of 2013

Top 5 new product innovations and updates of 2013

The top 10 most-read dental articles of 2013