Oral Health Pro from Viome Life Sciences is an at-home testing kit for patients to determine if they have biomarkers for oral disease or molecular features for oral and throat cancer. This test uses a patient’s saliva to measure gene expressions and cells that are present there, then analyzing results for a variety of aspects, including markers for oral diseases as well as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Per Viome, cancer-free specificity sits at greater than or equal to 95%, OSCC sensitivity is greater than or equal to 90%, with OPSCC sensitivity also greater than or equal to 90%. After patients are done with their saliva test, they can then send their sample to Viome’s lab where results will be measured. Viome uses a proprietary RNA sequencing technology and artificial intelligence to measure markers and molecular features associated with OSCC and OPSCC, per a press release from Viome. Along with the standard results, Viome also provides a personalized treatment plan, allowing for further collaboration between the doctor and the patient. Through Oral Health Pro’s Oral Health Scores, clinicians can see where patients may need improvement or assistance. Patients can expect results in up to 4 weeks.
Mixed Dentition Support for CandidPro Clear Aligners
[ Clear Aligners ]
CandidPro™
Candid’s CandidPro clear aligners now support mixed dentition, enabling clinicians to better treat a variety of different patients, according to a press release from Candid. Candid has especially affirmed its support for doctors that specialize in airway health, with younger patients now receiving the benefit of clear aligner therapy in conjunction with airway therapies. CandidPro built this new mixed dentition support with the assistance and collaboration of Philips Sonicare and utilized upgraded support for interproximal reduction. Adding on to that were attachments announced earlier in 2023, and this mixed dentition support became possible. Early airway therapy for young patients can help patients get ahead of potential issues later down the line, and Candid aims to go even bigger for 2024 and the years to follow.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given a medical device called Buzzy from Pain Care Labs, 510(k) clearance for use during and after dental visits. This handheld device, which takes the shape of a bumblebee, is designed to mechanically stimulate the jaw for pain relief when used in tandem with an ice pack. This mechanical stimulation, formally called M-Stim®, is said to use a frequency that works with the cold in the ice pack to enable the brain to filter out pain. Buzzy is designed to reduce pain in injections, more so than gels or sprays, according to a press release from the company. This helps eliminate common fears regarding pain at the dental practice. Patients place Buzzy and an ice pack on their jaw or cheek, jiggling the device to enable the M-Stim technology to fight against pain. It can be used after any dental treatment and is particularly effective around injection sites.
