Top 50 Products of 2016: Part IV

Each year, the dental industry is presented with a myriad of products that make promises to revolutionize and transform the way dentistry is practiced. Some of the claims end up being a bit of hyperbole-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 side, there are a class of products that stand apart. The ones that truly do shape and shift 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 2016. These products blew us away throughout the year, and we’re proud to bring you this roundup of the solutions pushing dentistry forward.

To find out more about each product, simply click on the company name and you'll be taken right to that product's website, or call the number provided. This product review is part of our Top 100 in 2016, and we hope you'll enjoy seeing the top products, web articles, E-books, webinars and videos we thought really made this year great.

This is part one of a four-part series, looking at the top 50 products of 2016. Check out:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Up next: The final 10 products in this year's top 50

CARES Intraoral Scanner

The Straumann® CARES® Intraoral Scanner by Dental Wings is a digital dentistry solution built on a patented and compact 3D capture technique called Multiscan™ Imaging. With the overall objective to help the dentist focus on the patient rather than the technology, the system offers a small handpiece to ensure patient comfort and excellent clinical access, visual and audible feedback to allow the user to focus on the patient and not the system’s screen, as well as optimized gesture control and voice command allowing for touch-free operation of the system while the user has gloves on.

Straumann

800-448-8168

Radar EV and Flak 2.0 frames

SurgiTel’s loupes have been introduced with the Oakley Radar EV and the Flak 2.0 sports frames. The result is said to deliver lightweight, comfortable and sturdy loupes that can easily be worn all day. The wrap-around shape with proper pantoscopic tilt provides protection to the clinician. Features include: powerful impact protection made of Oakley’s patented O-Matter; multiple lens choices for best fit; Three-Point-Fit for a balanced weight distribution; and No Slip Grip ear socks and nose pads.

SurgiTel

800-959-0153

TRIOS 3 Mono

3Shape has announced the launch of the TRIOS 3 Mono, a new entry-level version of its TRIOS 3 intraoral scanner. The TRIOS 3 Mono is designed to deliver the same accuracy, speed and ease of use of all TRIOS intraoral scanners but takes digital impressions without color. It will sell at a price point at nearly 40 percent less than TRIOS 3 color models. The new version delivers many of the same features of TRIOS 3 color models, including: a wide range of indications and delivery of texture and stone model scans plus HD photos; and dentists can offer same-day dentistry using the optional 3Shape Practice Lab. Additionally, the TRIOS 3 Mono is upgradable to a TRIOS 3 color model at any time. The cost of the upgrade is the price difference between the two scanners and a service fee. When upgrading to a TRIOS color model, the upgrade includes RealColor™ scanning, digital shade measurement and an integrated intraoral camera.

3Shape

908-867-0144

Jiffy® Universal Ceramic Finishing System

The Jiffy® Universal Ceramic Finishing System is described as the only universal finishing system for high-strength ceramics. It is a finishing solution in which all adjustors and polishers work interchangeably on porcelain, lithium disilicate and zirconia. Each convenient kit (extraoral or intraoral) reportedly includes everything the dentist needs, eliminating the need to purchase unnecessary or multiple components and allowing the clinician to create a truly smooth, beautiful, high-gloss finish of the highest quality on all ceramic restorations.

Ultradent Products, Inc.

800-552-5512  

GeminiTM  810 + 980 soft tissue laser

Ultradent Products introduced the Gemini™ 810 + 980 soft tissue laser, which is said to be dentistry’s first dual-wavelength soft tissue diode laser with 20 watts of peak super-pulsed power and a stunning, fully transparent electroluminescent display. No matter the procedure, the Gemini laser reportedly makes it faster, smoother and more efficient.

Watch: Dr. Michael Miyasaki explains the benefits of soft-tissue lasers for dentists, hygienists

Ultradent Products, Inc.

800-552-5512

Admira Fusion

VOCO introduced Admira Fusion, the world’s first all ceramic-based universal direct restorative. It represents the fusion of VOCO’s nano-hybrid technology with ORMOCER (ORganic MOdified CERamic) technology. As the world’s first nano-ORMOCER, Admira Fusion reportedly offers many advantages when compared to conventional composites, including up to 50 percent lower shrinkage and shrinkage stress, high esthetics and a new level of biocompatibility. 

Click here to see a case study using this product!

VOCO America, Inc.

888-658-2584

Admira Fusion x-tra

Admira Fusion x-tra is formulated as the first ever nano-ORMOCER® through the “FUSION” of VOCO’s Nano-Hybrid and ORMOCER (ORganically MOdified CERamic) technologies. Its chemistry base is formed by silicon oxide, making up both the glass fillers as well as the ceramic resin matrix. It is said to offer up to 50 percent lower polymerization shrinkage (1.25 percent by volume) than conventional composites, as well as up to 50 percent lower shrinkage stress.

VOCO America, Inc.

888-658-2584

Ionolux

Ionolux is a new light-cured resin modified glass ionomer restorative. Benefits include composite-like esthetics; an ability to be condensed, shaped and sculpted immediately after application; non-stick handling; and improved physical properties for better longevity. This enables practitioners to offer a higher quality of care, especially for at-risk demographics such as the pediatric and geriatric populations. Ionolux is radiopaque and does not require the use of any adhesive or dentin conditioner, and comes in five shades that include A1, A2, A3, A3.5 and B1.

VOCO America, Inc.

888-658-2584

LOCATOR R-Tx

ZEST Anchors introduced the next-generation LOCATOR R-Tx Removable Attachment System. Building on 15 years of clinical experience with the award-winning LOCATOR®, it is said to be a better, simpler and stronger system that relies on the same restorative techniques as its predecessor.

ZEST Anchors

800-262-2310
 

CHAIRSIDE Soft Reline Material

This is a soft, silicone-based reline material for patients that require relief for full and partial maxillary and mandibular dentures. Ideal for immediate dentures following surgical procedures, it is tasteless, odorless and provides a secure long-lasting smooth finish that prevents contamination and odor. An auto-dispensing cartridge uses less material, allows for quick material preparation and has an efficient working time.

ZEST Anchors

800-262-2310

That's it for this year's top 50 products. Did you use any of these products this year? We'd love to hear from you! We think it's been a great year, but we can't wait to see what's coming in 2017!