|
ARTISTE Nano Composite |
|||||||
There is no shortage of composite materials. Many are very good; some are spectacular! The difficulty for the dentist lies in selecting a comprehensive restorative system wherein a single kit offers all the various colorations, highlights, opacifiers, and surface polishes that are required to aesthetically restore teeth to their natural form and function. Pentron Clinical Technologies has recently introduced the ARTISTE Nano Composite system, a unique approach that simplifies the art of cosmetic dentistry. ARTISTE allows the dentist to develop extraordinary aesthetic results through straightforward, easy-to-follow, intuitive, and repeatable techniques. (Ease of use is the key to any dental restorative system where a number of qualitative decision-making steps are required during every procedure.) The overall strength and performance of the ARTISTE Nano Composite material are notable in their own right; excellent flexural strength and modulus as well as compressive strength and modulus. How will the restorations look at recalls? In tests measuring color stability after accelerated aging, ARTISTE Nano Composite was a leader. Most composite materials have either strength or color stability—ARTISTE Nano Composite has both. Long-term wear is also a concern. ARTISTE offers exceptional polish aesthetics, surface wear, and color stability. ARTISTE Nano Composite displays both very high smooth-surface finish and high-gloss retention, wear factors that compare favorably with composite market leaders in simulated tests of up to 10 years. The ARTISTE technique of aesthetic restoration is typically simplified to 2 steps, dentin and enamel, eliminating excessive layering and unnecessary technique sensitivity. Additional chroma, tint, masking, and opaque materials are available and catalogued for easy shade selection. ARTISTE Nano Compositeís hallmark is its simplified approach to recreating both basic anatomy and vital polychromatic characterization. For more information, call (800) 551-0283 or visit pentron.com. |
|
NSK Ti-Max NL9000S |
|
In dental practice, we use handpieces for many hours every day. It is essential that they be as ergonomic and comfortable in the dentistís hand as they are efficient and effective in tooth preparation for the patient. One of the key determinants of handpiece effectiveness is the torque. With low torque, as the bur cuts into tooth structure, friction slows it down. With high torque, the burís rotation continues, irrespective of how much resistance it meets on its path. Brasseler USAís NSK Ti-Max NL9000S new high-speed handpiece blends power, precision, and comfort. An innovative twin nozzle drive system and proprietary rotor give the NL9000S superior torque as it cuts tooth structures with constant and stable action (rated at 21 W of cutting power). An internal regulating valve ensures that the air pressure is controlled effectively. Ceramic bearings offer a longer-lasting, high-performance turbine. Since ceramic is both harder and lighter than stainless steel, ceramic bearings decrease operating friction, resulting in a quieter handpiece with reduced vibration and extended life. The Ti-Max solid titanium body provides a durable, comfortable handpiece design with an excellent ergo-nomic grip that allows the dentist great precision control. The ergonomic shape provides a superior tactile sensitivity that is so important in operative procedures. The NL9000S of handpieces are available in high torque, standard, and miniature models; all are constructed of solid titanium for a lighter, stronger, more durable handpiece. The clean head system prevents fluid and debris from being retracted into the handpiece, en-hancing infection control and prolonging bearing life. The cellular optic rods of the NSK Ti-Max NL9000S are not only brighter but tend not to degrade during repeated autoclaving. |
|
Oral-B Triumph With SmartGuide |
||
Research and development have focused on improving toothbrushes for more than 100 years. In fact, toothbrushes have gone from manual to electronic, improving brush head size, shape, and bristle technology. Neglected, however, is how to motivate patients to use all this technology that is literally at their fingertips. Motivation is only part of the story. Dental professionals can motivate patients to brush effectively for a week or so after recall appointments. What about the next 5 months? The new Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide toothbrush provides not only motivation, but also live feedback as patients are brushing their teeth. Patients readily see the SmartGuideís wireless display as they are brushing (as opposed to handle screens that cannot be seen during brushing). The Bluetooth-connected brush handle and visual display provide constant interactive patient feedback. Both the brush head and handle have embedded microchips that communicate with the wireless display to track usage, notify the countdown time (encouraging minimum 2-minute brushing), guide the patient successively to each quadrant, signal excessively hard brushing (rotations slow and stop if the hand pressure is too great), and alert for brush head replacement. As patients brush their teeth in the privacy of their bathrooms, the SmartGuide is a constant companion, an oral hygiene conscience, that encourages optimal brushing every time, the entire time between recalls. The Oral-B Triumph has oscillating-rotating brush heads that provide ultimate plaque control, reversing gingivitis and healing oral tissues. The Floss-Action Brush Head gently removes plaque between teeth and at the gingival margin, while the ProWhite Brush Head holds toothpaste that gently removes stains for naturally whiter teeth. Smart brushing with the SmartGuide! |
|
KUT Diamond Burs |
||||
The dental bur is the basic unit of dental instrumentation in both high-speed and low-speed dentistry. From the dentist’s perspective, the major concerns in the areas of dental burs are how efficiently they work, how well they continue working throughout the procedure, and, of course, how much they cost. (Annually, a dentist’s bur consumption can be significant.) Generally, the adage “you get what you pay for” is applicable to most products. With most dental merchandise, however, it pays to examine the product before a decision is made. The recently introduced KUT Diamond Burs, from Dental Film Club, are very efficient in tooth preparation (natural diamond particles); they cut very rapidly and continue to do so for multiple tooth preparations (ISO-exceeding stainless steel shafts maintain concentricity and accuracy). While they are considered disposable diamonds, there is no contraindication to actually sterilizing them for reuse. (Single-use diamonds are, of course, better for the patient, for ongoing disinfection/sterilization, and for effective tooth preparation management.) Always having a fresh bur makes a lot of sense; the problem occurs where burs are priced at levels where the clinician cannot realistically afford to use a new bur for every patient. KUT Diamond Burs are at a low-enough cost level where a new diamond can readily be justified for every patient. They are sterile, single-packaged in dispensers of 25 individual burs. Thus, there is no risk of cross-contamination while picking up a new bur. KUT Diamond Burs are available in numerous shapes and sizes for all types of operative procedures. All “kut” consistently well at the same low price. |
|
Evolution Chair |
||
Dentists, dental auxiliary, and the dental staff spend hours every day sitting on chairs or stools. Some are designed better and more comfortably than others. Unfortunately, the human skeletal frame has not been specifically designed for sitting in chairs. Even intentionally ergonomic chairs are effective in holding the body upright for only short periods of time. Thereafter, the postural muscles tire and the body slouches, allowing the spine to twist out of alignment. This, in turn, permits the postural muscles to weaken and can lead to back pain and, possibly, greater risks of back injury. The Evolution Chair from HANSAmed introduces a dynamic element to the sitting experience. It keeps the postural muscles active throughout the length of the sitting activity. This not only maintains the body in a correct, upright position for the spine but also allows the de-velopment of the trunk’s core strength while sitting. A better posture and stronger musculature can contribute to overall individual health, particularly for those who are required to sit for extended periods of time. Sitting on the Evolution Chair helps to build the multifidus, rotatores, and transverse abdominus muscles that are within the trunk, small spinal stabilizer muscles that are essential for conditioning the bodyís core. The Evolution Chair is a high-quality, burst-resistant ball contained within a high-impact base frame on casters. By sitting on the ball and adjusting to the bounce, sway, and tilt of the ball, the core muscles are continuously (but subconsciously) engaged. The constant small adjustments needed to maintain balance build the endurance and strength that facilitate ideal posture. Active sitting complements a regular exercise program. Exercise while you sit! |
|
DURAFLOR Halo 5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish |
||||
Fluoride varnish has been a significant part of the dentistís preventive armamentarium for more than 30 years. The efficacy and ease of use of dental varnish are well-established. The benefits of fluoride varnishes include that they rapidly relieve dental hypersensitivity by coating the dentinal tubules and that they provide an on-site source for fluoride ions that work to strengthen the enamel and dentinal surfaces of the teeth. In fact, fluoride varnishes are an optimal topical fluoride choice. The downside of the traditional varnishes is that they are bright yellow, and older patients (such as teens and adults) are not inclined to allow this nonaesthetic material to remain on their teeth beyond the dental appointment. Medicom has introduced its new DURAFLOR Halo 5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish, an aesthetic update of its popular DURAFLOR varnish. The new DURAFLOR Halo has all the positive features of the well-established DURAFLOR, with a 5% sodium fluoride concentration in an aesthetic, tooth-colored white gel. For the finicky patient, there are 2 flavors, spearmint and wild berry, both sweetened by noncariogenic xylitol. DURAFLOR Halo is just as effective as DURAFLOR for hypersensitive teeth; an easy paint-on application provides immediate pa-tient relief. It also acts as a longer-term close-proximity source for fluor-ide ions at the tooth surfaces. DURAFLOR Halo is easy to apply: simply place a thin layer of the varnish on the tooth surface, where, on contact with saliva, it hardens within 10 seconds. For maximum benefit, DURAFLOR Halo should remain on the teeth for 4 to 6 hours. And now that DURAFLOR Halo 5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish is tooth-colored, the aesthetic liability is no longer a patient concern. |
Dr. Freedman is past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a founder of the Canadian Academy for Esthetic Dentistry. He is the Chairman of the Clinical Innovations Conference (London, United Kingdom) as well as the Dental Innovations Forum (Singapore). Dr. Freedman is the author or co-author of 9 textbooks, more than 220 dental articles, and numerous CDs, video and audiotapes, and is a Team Member of REALITY. He is a past director of CE programs in aesthetic dentistry at the Universities of California at San Francisco, Florida, UMKC, Minnesota, Baylor College, and Case Western Reserve, and was the founding Associate Director of the Esthetic Dentistry Education Center at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr Freedman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry and lectures internationally on dental aesthetics, dental technology, and photography. A graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Freedman maintains a private practice limited to aesthetic dentistry in Toronto, Canada, and can be reached at (905) 513-9191 or epdot@rogers.com
