Information provided by 3M ESPE.

 interest in the area of dental materials-bonding, composite resins and esthetic dentistry-I’m always examining products with an eye toward simple techniques and patient-pleasing esthetic results.

	Recently, I was greatly impressed to discover a high-gloss finishing and polishing system that is effective for both anterior and posterior, direct and indirect restorations. 

 from 3M introduces a two-step approach that achieves a paste-like gloss with the convenience of a rubberized system. The flexible shape adapts to all tooth surfaces, producing a life-like, high-gloss finish for the dental restoration. 

Used with Filtek™ Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative (3M), the polishing system delivered excellent results while maintaining the integrity and anatomy of the restoration. When a young patient presented with a small anterior diastema, I used 

 to close the diastema, then completed the case using the 

, delivering beautiful esthetic results with a high-gloss shine that greatly impressed the patient. 

	As a complete system, the Esthetic Restorative Solution from 3M combines the time-tested Filtek Supreme Ultra restorative with the new Sof-Lex diamond polishing system to impart a very natural-looking gloss in a technique that is kinder to gingival tissues when compared with conventional discs. It brings together the diamond paste-like polish in the convenience of a rubberized system, which I can appreciate in my practice. 

	Step 01: A young female patient presented, after orthodontic treatment, with a small anterior diastema, mesial to the right lateral incisor (

). The patient’s main esthetic concern was to eliminate the space and increase the size of the lateral incisor. Additionally, to ensure optimal stability of the orthodontic treatment, proximal contact among all anterior teeth is desirable. 

	Step 02: Isolation with a rubber dam pushed the gingiva apically to provide accessibility to the cervical area and allowed me to create proper anatomical contour and emergence profile (

	Step 03: A mylar strip was used to protect the adjacent tooth from etching (

). The mesial proximal, facial and lingual areas were etched. I prefer to use a selective-etch enamel technique with 

 from 3M to increase the bond strength.  

	Step 04: To prevent contact of the adhesive with the adjacent tooth, another mylar strip was placed and adhesive was applied for 30 seconds and dried for 30 seconds (

	Step 05: Filtek Supreme Ultra shade XWE was placed in two increments and each increment was light cured for 20 seconds. The first increment was placed over the facial aspect of tooth #7 (

	Step 06: This increment was then spread and feathered towards the middle of the tooth to improve blending (

). The second increment was placed to fill the palatal aspect of the diastema with the help of a mylar strip. This completely closed the diastema.

	Step 07: To begin the contouring and polishing process, the proper length was first established with a 

 (3M). Second, an incisal-facial line angle was formed. Third, the mesio-facial line angle, as well as the incisal, facial and palatal embrasures were defined (

	Once contoured, the surface characterization of the adjacent teeth was copied onto the restoration using a fine diamond. In my experience, a speed of about 5,000 rpm using the diamond is ideal to create microanatomy.

	Step 08: Next, I utilized the Sof-Lex diamond polishing system, which consisted of two steps: a beige pre-polishing spiral (

) that smoothed and removed scratches in the restoration to prepare the surface for high-gloss polishing ... 

	Step 08 continued: ... and second, I used a pink diamond polishing spiral that imparted a smooth, high-gloss polish (

). These spirals reached small crevices and easily adapted to all surfaces. Finally, the proximal surface was polished with finishing strips.

	Step 09: Upon finishing the restoration, the patient was very satisfied by the ideal contour, surface smoothness and life-like luster (

	Step 10: The patient returned one week later for a final post-operative appointment (

). She was still very satisfied with the final restoration. 

For more information about 3M Sof-Lex polishers, call 

Articles

Dr. Marcos Vargas explains how using 3M materials and a breakthrough new polishing system help him create amazing and esthetic smiles.

How to close diastema using time-tested materials

	As more dental professionals adopt digital scanning, user experience is more important than ever. With that in mind, 

 has announced technological transformations to the 

The system includes a new wand with a slim profile, reported to be the smallest on the market.

The new system will be released this fall in tandem with 3M™ True Definition Scanner Software 5.0 that is designed to support faster, easier scanning with the same accuracy.

 system was built for fast scanning-once the field is prepared, an adept user can scan a diagnostic arch in as little as 60 seconds. The new wand is designed to fit in the hand like a traditional dental handpiece, with a narrow, angled tip and a slim profile said to be so ergonomically balanced it allows for one-handed scanning.


	This reportedly enhances the reach to the challenging posterior anatomy. The small profile and fast scan time are engineered to make scanning with the redesigned 3M True Definition Scanner system more comfortable for dentists, orthodontists, their staff and patients.

 member Dr. Parag Kachalia for this thoughts...

A closer view of the newly designed scanning wand.

TECHNIQUE: How to perform a crown restoration with the 3M True Defintion scanner and Trifecta method

“The digital world continues to move incredibly fast, and to keep pace with these trends, we continuously draw on the 3M innovation engine to bring fresh ideas to the table,” said David Frazee, Vice President and General Manager of 3M Digital Oral Care.

“Not only is this wand the smallest on the market, but it’s designed to be incredibly intuitive, comfortable to hold and fast and easy to use.”

For more information on the new 3M True Definition Scanner system, visit 

 As more dental professionals adopt digital scanning, user experience is more important than ever. With that in mind, 3M Digital Oral Care has announced technological transformations to the 3M True Definition Scanner.

3M is bringing new technological innovations to its True Definition Scanner [VIDEO]

Accuracy, efficiency and esthetics are likely the top concerns for many dentists when performing crown and bridge work. The accuracy and efficiency considerations are closely tied together, as an inaccurate fit will severely compromise the efficiency of the procedure. 

Similarly, efficiency and esthetics can be tied together as well, since achieving the most esthetic results can sometimes mean taking a little extra time. However, the advent of digital impression taking and more advanced milling materials in recent years has resulted in new workflows that allow dentists to achieve an ideal balance between all three factors. 

 is a cornerstone for these new workflows. This digital scanner has demonstrated a fit rate of 99.7 percent, meaning the need for retakes, remakes and adjustments is drastically reduced in many practices.

With crowns and bridges that simply fit the first time, dentists can be assured that their schedules will not be thrown into disarray due to adjustments or remakes. 

An additional benefit of working with the 3M True Definition Scanner is its flexibility. The system’s open architecture means its scans can be used with any system that accepts STL files. Dentists can use the scanner as a starting point not only for crowns and bridges, but clear aligners, implant workflows and more. 

Crown and bridge work remains the bread-and-butter application for many users of the scanner, however, and rightly so. With a simple scanning procedure that takes just minutes, dentists can quickly capture the data necessary for lab-fabricated or in-office restorations.

Patients benefit as well, with both a more comfortable impression-taking procedure, as well as a seating 

 appointment that is often shorter than that for a restoration made from a traditional impression. 

The case illustrated here demonstrates the simple use of the scanner to create a strong and esthetic crown utilizing 

Read more about the case presentation and the step-by-step 

The patient, a 70-year-old man, had a large MOD amalgam restoration on tooth No. 20 with recurrent caries underneath (

At the time the restoration was initially placed, the patient had chosen it knowing it would serve as a core build-up while he prepared to make an investment in a crown. 

A few years had passed, and the patient was now ready to proceed with crown placement. 

The tooth was prepared routinely for a Lava Plus crown (

). The prep in this case involved margins placed at the gingival crest, however, the 3M True Definition scanner can be used with subgingival margins as well. 

was applied for hemostasis and a size #00 cord was placed for tissue retraction (

). Dry angles were used for isolation throughout the scanning process. A fine coat of scanning spray was applied to the teeth (

) and the 3M True Definition Scanner was used to capture images of the operative arch, opposing arch (

) and bite. The scan process was completed in minutes. 

 The scan was submitted to the lab with a request for a Lava Plus zirconia crown (

). This material was selected due to its high compressive strength (important given the patient’s bruxism habit), as well as its esthetics, as the patient was seeking an improvement over the amalgam restoration.

 and the patient was given post-op instructions. 

 The patient returned to the office for seating of the final crown (

) and the temporary crown was removed. The final crown was tried in the mouth, with the proximal contacts checked first, followed by the margins and occlusion. Once a proper fit was confirmed, the patient was asked for final approval on the shade and overall feel of the crown in the mouth. 

The preparation was cleaned with glutaraldehyde and the area was isolated. The prep was dried and cotton rolls were placed to help maintain a dry field. 3

was dispensed into the crown and the crown was seated on the prep. This resin modified glass ionomer cement is easy to use with a tack light cure option that shortens the cleanup. Excess cement was tack cured for five seconds and then removed, and the patient was instructed to bite on a cotton roll for the remaining set time of five minutes. 

Contacts were then flossed and final polishing was performed. The final result in this case was a much more esthetic restoration that can be expected to serve the patient for many years (

The quick scanning and seating processes in this case are very typical for users of the 3M True Definition Scanner. Because the scanner provides the dentist with a chairside view of the data being captured, it is immediately obvious if more attention is needed in any area. 

By ensuring an accurate scan is made, the dentist can then be much more confident that the restoration produced in the lab or with an in-office system will fit with minimal adjustments. The ideal combination of accuracy, efficiency and esthetics can be easily achieved with this cutting edge technology.

This article originally appeared in the June 2014 issue of Dental Products Report. For more great articles about products in action, click here to subscribe to DRP's newsletter: bit.ly/1oJNUaR  

How to efficiently restore teeth with a digital scanner [VIDEO]

Each week, DPR explores a different dental technique how to with our Technique Geek series. You can get each Technique Geek 

We feature video techniques of a product in use, offering step-by-step examples of clinical success.

In this Technique Geek featured video, you’ll view the steps to perform a selective etch application technique using 

 is 3M ESPE’s new adhesive for both Total-Etch and Self-Etch applications.

According to 3M ESPE, it offers one simple adhesive 

 application technique for both direct and indirect indications and bonds to all surfaces including enamel, dentin, glass ceramic, zirconia, noble and non-precious alloys, and composites - without additional primer. The flip top vials and unit dose delivery make it easy to use.

Don't miss these other dental video techniques:

How to complete an anterior restoration using a dual-shade technique

How to place a full crown on tooth No. 23 [VIDEO]

Here’s how you can align a patient’s teeth in six months

How to create a crown on tooth No. 19 with the 3M True Definition Scanner

Each week, DPR explores a different dental technique how to with our Technique Geek series. You can get each Technique Geek in your inbox for free here.

How to use the selective etch application technique with Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive [VIDEO]

Here are five reasons you should consider the 3M ESPE Elipar™ S10 LED Curing Light.

 provides a comfortable grip that best fits your technique.
	
	

 The wider, 10 mm light guide illuminates up to 80% more curing surface for a 

 system with one cure mode used for all indications.
	
	

 The more focused light output produces up to 3 times more intensity at the clinically relevant distance of 7 mm, resulting in a 

05 Stainless steel exterior is virtually unbreakable

 and sealed against contamination for the best in hygiene control.

3M ESPE’s Elipar™ S10 LED Curing Light: Hold one and you'll want one

Here are five reasons you should consider 3M™ ESPE™ Vitrebond™ Plus Light Cure Glass Ionomer Liner/Base.

 Exhibits excellent handling characteristics with a 

 allowing for easy placement and 20-second curing, faster than powder-liquid formulas.

 Offers a strong bond to dentin, sealing tooth structure to 

 and reduce risk of post-operative tooth sensitivity.

 Provides easy handling and a consistent mix with the award-winning 

reduce the effect of polymerization shrinkage

 by more than 50% compared to flowable liners.

, including adhesion to tooth structure and fluoride release.

Reasons to Buy Vitrebond™ Plus: Versatile protection for every restoration

	Lava™ Design Software 7 from 3M ESPE offers a new and powerful software platform that delivers greater design flexibility, customization capability and “best in class” functionality. Lava Design 7 offers a full range of indications and exciting new features including parallel scan and design, rescan, opposing arch and full arch scanning. Additionally, an integrated file transferring system makes data transfer within the Lava™ Network simple. Data can be easily exchanged with Authorized Lava™ Design and Milling Centers, qualified partners working with a 3Shape or Dental Wings scanner and several other partners.

 Lava™ Design Software 7 from 3M ESPE offers a new and powerful software platform that delivers greater design flexibility, customization capability and “best in class” functionality. Lava Design 7 offers a full range of indications and exciting new features including parallel scan and design, rescan, opposing arch and full arch scanning. Additionally, an integrated file transferring system makes data transfer within the Lava™ Network simple.

Design refined

	Flexibility and efficiency are necessary qualities in products for the dental laboratory, and a recent upgrade to the 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Design Software used with the Lava™ Scan ST Design System offers both. Now, Lava CAD operators can scan abutment links without the need for a scan locator. This added flexibility and compatibility make the process of creating custom Lava abutments much simpler.

	While it has always been possible to fabricate a custom abutment by scanning a waxup, this software upgrade allows the user to customize a digital implant abutment while using the virtual tools for a better design and more productive experience. The new capability of the software requires little training for lab technicians, allowing it to be implemented quickly and easily. Users simply select the “custom” abutment link, place the model with the titanium abutment link in the Lava Scan ST and digitize the case. At that point, a virtual design of the custom abutment can begin immediately, eliminating the need to scan a waxup or to use scan locators.

	The elimination of scan locators is an important development with this upgrade, with helpful benefits to the laboratory in both productivity and inventory costs. This extended abutment module provides flexibility and compatibility with conventional systems, giving users access to the entire implant market, and making it easier for labs to create custom abutments with Lava zirconia.

	The following shows use of the software to create custom zirconia abutments for Tooth Nos. 8 and 9, for a case in which Tooth Nos. 7-10 were being restored (7 and 10 conventionally).

The model and case information arrived from another laboratory, and titanium abutment links were placed in Tooth Nos. 8 and 9 on the model (

). The model was then placed into the Lava Scan ST and scanned, after which a digital model appeared on the screen (

 The software automatically detected the margins of the links and marked them. The alignment function was used to detect any undercuts in the link (

). An automatic calculation is performed to identify any sharp corners of the abutment links. At that point, the system adds extra space in these areas so the abutment fits smoothly over them (

 The cement gap space was then designed according to 3M ESPE’s recommendation (

), and then the abutment was ready to be designed. The software generated an image of the abutment’s position in the mouth, and a drop-down menu was used to change the shape of the abutment (

 The shape of the abutment above the margin could be further customized (

). If the technician wants to make changes to the abutment after zirconia sintering, that can be done prior to scanning for the restoration. A 3D view in the software was used to preview the fit of the abutment over the titanium base (

). Sprues were then added to the design and the data was digitally sent to the mill (

). At this point the user can choose to design a coping over the abutment that was just designed.

	Once milling was completed, the abutments were tried on the model (

), and copings were made for Lava crowns (F

). The case was now complete and ready for crown restoration.

 Flexibility and efficiency are necessary qualities in products for the dental laboratory, and a recent upgrade to the 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Design Software used with the Lava™ Scan ST Design System offers both. Now, Lava CAD operators can scan abutment links without the need for a scan locator. This added flexibility and compatibility make the process of creating custom Lava abutments much simpler.

Custom abutment flexibility

	Maintaining excellent hygiene can be a challenge during orthodontic treatment. However, this problem can be addressed with the use of 3M ESPE’s Vanish™ XT extended contact varnish, combined with ongoing daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. Vanish XT immediately creates a protective barrier on the tooth and provides a long-term release of fluoride, calcium and phosphate. The varnish can be applied either directly following bracket placement or later, depending on the patient’s level of risk, and its effectiveness continues for up to six months after placement. This treatment program is very straightforward and can help patients maintain the health of their teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

	Vanish XT extended contact varnish is a site-specific, light-cured, virtually invisible varnish coating that offers long-term durability, and as previously noted, releases fluoride, calcium and phosphate. Immediately after it is applied, Vanish XT extended contact varnish creates a coating that provides a barrier against demineralization and acid erosion. In addition to its immediate protection, the varnish can be recharged over the course of six months with fluoride dentifrice or other fluoride-containing products.

	Laboratory data show Vanish XT extended contact varnish releases more fluoride than a conventional fluoride varnish over a 24-hour period, maximizing its effectiveness from the first day it is applied. Additional in vitro studies demonstrate that the varnish creates a caries inhibition zone under and around the areas where it is applied.

	The glass ionomer technology in the varnish makes it unique versus other in-office desensitizers. Vanish XT extended contact varnish delivers the same benefits that other glass ionomer materials offer-adhesion to tooth structure and sustained fluoride release. Furthermore, it has been shown in a laboratory study to provide greater dentin adhesion than a leading resin-modified glass ionomer.

	The varnish also has several characteristics that make it easy to use for clinicians. The liquid/paste formula is dispensed from the Clicker™ Dispensing System, which can dispense 80 clicks from one clicker, and which provides simultaneous dispensing of each component for a consistent, pre-measured mix. It is moisture tolerant, so there is no need to completely dry the tooth surface. Additionally, it offers a combination of a prolonged working time with a short set time achieved by light curing. Vanish XT extended contact varnish offers clinicians and patients an ideal set of benefits with an easy-to-follow technique.

.To apply the varnish around orthodontic brackets, first clean the tooth surfaces of plaque and debris with a light prophy. Wash and clean around the bracket with water and air dry. For uncut enamel, pre-etching for 15 seconds is required at the site surface.

	This technique results in a micro-mechanical benefit in addition to the existing chemical adhesive benefits of the varnish’s glass ionomer component. (If you are applying Vanish XT extended contact varnish directly after bracket placement, the additional etching step is not necessarily required because the enamel has already been etched.) Thoroughly rinse with water and air dry.

. Dispense the varnish with the Clicker dispenser, and mix the liquid and paste thoroughly on a pad for a minimum of 15 seconds (Fig. 1). One click from the Clicker provides enough varnish to apply to up to 6 teeth, depending on type and size of application.

. The varnish can be applied with either an instrument such as a ball brusher, or with a brush (Fig. 2). A thin layer of approximately 0.5 mm is sufficient.

. After applying, light cure for 20 seconds with a curing light (Fig. 3). The material has a delayed auto-setting mechanism, which ensures that material shielded from light polymerization will eventually cure.

. After curing, simply wipe the coating with a moist cotton applicator to remove the thin film on the surface. The varnish results in an esthetically pleasing, virtually invisible, and durable coating on the tooth surface (Fig. 4).

	For additional and ongoing benefits, daily use of a fluoride dentifrice will help continue the remineralization benefits by recharging the extended contact varnish with fluoride. With Vanish XT extended contact varnish and orthodontic treatment, patients can both protect and straighten teeth simultaneously-helping to achieve a healthy and esthetically pleasing smile.  

W. Edward Gonzalez, DMD, is a pediatric dentist in the Tampa Bay, Fla. area.

 Maintaining excellent hygiene can be a challenge during orthodontic treatment. However, this problem can be addressed with the use of 3M ESPE’s Vanish™ XT extended contact varnish, combined with ongoing daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. Vanish XT immediately creates a protective barrier on the tooth and provides a long-term release of fluoride, calcium and phosphate. The varnish can be applied either directly following bracket placement or later, depending on the patient’s level of risk, and its effectiveness continues for up to six months after placement.