Kristin Hohman has served as Associate Editor of Dental Products report since 2019. She has a background in journalism and digital content. Kristin can be reached at khohman@mjhlifesciences.com.

Kristin Hohman

Both in the posterior and anterior regions.

For monolithic or minimal buccally reduced dental frameworks made of zirconium dioxide or lithium disilicate. One system allows labs to realize all its Zr and LDS ceramic restorations, micro-layering and painting techniques, and anterior or posterior restorations.

The Initial IQ ONE SQIN is a paintable color-and-form ceramic system that offers esthetic restorations comparable to conventionally layered restorations without the demand of a lab’s time. Based on the GC Initial “IQ philosophy,” the system consists of different ceramic materials adapted to be used together, assuring efficient and esthetically convincing finalization of monolithic and buccally reduced restorations. The system comprises Lustre Pastes ONE, Spectrum Stains, and SQIN.

The Initial IQ ONE SQIN gives lab technicians the choice of micro-layering or painting techniques. The GC Initial IQ Lustre Pastes ONE are used as a color and individualization layer, assuring a perfect connection firing before application of the SQIN powders. In the micro-layering technique, SQIN is easily applied in a layer thickness of 0.1 to 0.6 mm over the painted and fired Lustre Pastes ONE surface. The refined mixture of feldspar-based glasses creates a lifelike 3D effect, resulting in color depth and lifelike translucency. In the painting technique, the Lustre Pastes feldspar-based 3D paint-on ceramic adds color depth and lifelike translucency with a very natural glaze to monolithic restorations.

Articles

This ceramic system is a true 1-solution system for ceramic restorations.


5Ws* Initial® IQ ONE SQIN Ceramic System

Craig Spodak, DMD, is a third-generation dentist who joined his father’s practice, Spodak Dental Group in Delray Beach, Florida, in 1998. He took over the practice in 2006 and it has since grown into a 13,000-square-foot facility that houses 18 operatories, 10 general and specialty clinicians, and 54 team members. The practice offers orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial, plastic, and periodontal surgery, as well as other specialty services.

Dr Spodak currently uses both Candid and another clear aligner in his practice. However, he believes that Candid is likely a better starting point for clinicians who haven’t tried orthodontics yet.

“We’re talking about general dentists looking to expand and diversify their portfolio—this is a wonderful thing for them, it really is. And if I had to recommend to the people that are not doing [orthodontics] right now, this is the way I’d recommend them doing it.”

Dr Spodak had heard mention of Candid through colleagues, he says. “A couple of doctors had started talking about it and that there was a more fluid solution for the typical general practitioner who is either not using orthodontics or afraid to move teeth or afraid to start.”

Age inappropriate wear and crowding are affecting many patients, yet their dentists are not speaking to them about occlusion, he continues.

“The best dentistry is [often] no dentistry, in my humble opinion,” Dr Spodak says. “The problem in the marketplace is that there’s not a solution to provide what I consider an orthodontic partner to those most general dentists who are just afraid to do it. So I see Candid as the perfect fit. With the other companies, it just is too steep of a learning curve. It’s too scary for them, they need someone to partner with them. And then from an infrastructure standpoint, they need that as well, and that’s what Candid provides.”

CandidPro is an Orthodontics as a Service solution that lets dental practices treat clear aligner cases with enhanced clinical oversight in as few as 2 office visits. Candid offers 2 suites of tools and support: One for clinicians, which includes treatment planning by a US licensed orthodontist, patient tracking, a doctor portal, and practice support; the other for patients, including remote monitoring, CandidApp, CandidMonitoring, and 7/365 support. Both suites work together to provide optimal outcomes and efficiency. Patients receive affordable, custom-fit, premium orthodontic aligners at home, while still receiving professional-led care.

The plastics used in clear aligners have greatly improved over the last several years, Dr Spodak says. But it’s really the process and the behind-the-scenes support that sets Candid apart from other clear aligner manufacturers.

“It’s about having an orthodontic partner to help you design the cases, having someone in case you feel things may go awry or wrong. And then having the tech support to manage your patients so that you can grow and scale your business…”

Dr Spodak also points to the technology behind Candid as one of his favorite features, including the Scanbox Pro scanner. In addition, he says, Candid creates a halo effect around your practice.

“They mastered the packaging, they have amazing technology, the Scanbox Pro, and it really creates a halo effect for your practice,” he says. “[Patients] get this cool scanner. So [patients] don’t say, ‘Candid is cool.’ [They] say, ‘My dentist is cool. Look what my dentist gave me. Oh, you’re going in for visits, I can scan it.’ There’s a halo effect for that. That’s probably the coolest part.”

Dr Spodak says he would love to see Candid add retail scanning centers, which could make it easier for patients to access care. He also mentioned that he would like to see Candid set up its own in-house payment plans instead of leaving that up to each individual clinician. This isn’t a hurdle for clinicians who understand how third-party financing works. However, for those who are not familiar, their pricing may make patients hesitant to accept treatment.

“The average consumer spends far more on their cable, their cell phone, their haircuts than they would for their teeth. But it’s the manner within which we asked them to pay that makes it so prohibitive for them. We’re scaring patients away,” he says.

A look at why one clinician believes Candid is the perfect entrypoint to offering clear aligner treatment. 

Up Next: Candid’s Orthodontics as a Service

When it comes to restorative materials, clinicians have no shortage of options. Material selection hinges on a variety of factors, including esthetics, durability, and function—all of which shift in priority based on the patient and clinical situation. Plus, restorative materials include representatives from a broad class of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.

 With so many elements to consider, choosing the right restorative can present a challenge.

Permanent, esthetic restoratives have long been significant contributors to restorative dentistry and overall oral health.

 Consider how each element of the oral cavity (teeth and soft tissue) must function properly to allow for basic actions, such as chewing, swallowing, breathing, and speaking.

 It’s clear that material selection is critical.

Most restorative materials are characterized by physical, chemical, and mechanical features.

 Practicing dentistry depends not only on the knowledge of various clinical techniques but also on an understanding of the science behind those applications.

Here, we look at the “why” of restorative material selection.

The development and regular use of adhesive materials transformed many aspects of restorative dentistry.

 Approaches to cavity preparation have changed in recent years because with adhesive materials, it is no longer necessary to prepare the cavity to provide mechanical retention.

 Adhesive protocols are capable of conserving large quantities of sound tooth structure, which helps eliminate or reduce microleakage, making adhesive critical to the success of contemporary, esthetic restorative materials.

Adhesives are so important that when it comes to indirect restorations, the bonding protocol is the most crucial factor, according to Olga Zarta, DDS, a prosthodontist and the director of specialization of operative aesthetic materials at Bosque University in Bogota, Colombia, and Rafael Santrich, owner of VM Lab Technologies Inc, in Aventura, Florida. Santrich is also the director of the Top Colombia study group, to which Dr Zarta is a member, and both helped publish “Adhesion Protocols in Dentistry” in September 2021. These protocols are designed like a chart, offering clinicians a helpful resource on what adhesives or cements should be used for different clinical scenarios.

“The issue here is not the cement,” Santrich says. “The issue is how [they] treat the surface of the restoration—let’s say zirconia, glass ceramic, or whatever it is—that’s a big issue.”

Dr Zarta prefers composite cements for both direct and indirect restorative cases. “They have more stability…if we use a flowable composite, [it] goes everywhere,” she says.

Rolando Nuñez, DDS, MSc, manager of clinical research at BISCO, Inc, has a different approach. He prefers to bond in almost every case. “I believe the best way to achieve a good restoration is to bond,” he says. “I particularly prefer to bond everything, whether it’s zirconia, [IPS] e.max, composite—bond everything to both the surface and the tooth.”

However, there is a convenience factor, where clinicians choose to use products that do not offer a high-bond strength because of the preparation’s height and taper, which may provide enough retention without bonding, Dr Nuñez explains. Plus, bonding everything has its limitations.

“Clinically, when you do bonding, you have to isolate,” Dr Nuñez says. “But when you use these materials that are easier to use and moisture tolerant, you don’t need to necessarily fully isolate. You can isolate without having to use a rubber dam to do the procedure.”

Although the introduction of CAD/CAM systems has blurred the line between direct and indirect restorative materials, allowing for the in-office production of ceramic restorations,

 there is still some distinction between direct and indirect materials. Unlike indirect restorations, direct restorations are typically placed onto the tooth structure in 1 visit and do not require laboratory preparation.

 Materials for direct restorations are separated into 4 categories, which include the following:

Amalgam was the industry gold standard for over 150 years because of its durability and effectiveness on load-bearing teeth.

 However, the days of amalgam are largely gone, explains Dr Nuñez. It’s fallen out of favor because it contains mercury, which patients don’t want in their bodies, and because of its clinical value, he says.

“Amalgam had its place and has its place in history,” Dr Nuñez says. “When done properly, an amalgam can last a long time. That’s something you can’t debate. However, when it’s used in large areas, if the of the preparation is not adequate, amalgam can transfer the load of mastication and induce cracks and fractures.”

Because of its metal composition, amalgam transfers energy from the load during mastication, which can result in cracks in the material, Dr Nuñez explains. Amalgam is a mixture of metals—approximately half its weight consists of a powder alloy that is made up of silver, tin, and copper, whereas the other 50% of its weight is made up of elemental (liquid) mercury.

 Mercury is used to bind the alloy particles into a pliable, durable filling.

The issue with mercury isn’t merely its presence in the oral cavity. Instead, the issue arises when the abrasion from brushing or chewing creates heat, causing the mercury to emit a gas that is then inhaled into the lungs.

 High exposure to mercury vapor has been associated with adverse effects on the brain and kidneys.

 However, the US Food and Drug Administration does not recommend removing amalgam fillings unless recurrent caries develops.

Developed as a more esthetic alternative to amalgam, resin composites generally consist of an organic polymerizable resin matrix, inorganic filler material, and a coupling agent.

 However, despite the efforts to minimize mercury-based amalgam, composite’s durability, strength, and cost have prevented it from entirely replacing the need for amalgam.

 “Composites are way more forgiving than amalgam based on their interaction with the tooth,” Dr Nuñez says.

Many resin composite materials need to be light cured, and adhesion to tooth structure requires intermediary agents containing reactive chemicals.

 Contemporary developments in resin composite materials include modifications in curing type, filler particles, and resin composition.

 An ncreased depth of cure and reduced shrinkage and curing time have driven recent technology.

Resin composites are usually classified by resin type, particle filler size, or curing type, although the 3 classifications below are not exclusive and often overlap:

Other than these classifications, composites are also characterized by type, which include the following:

 As the name suggests, universal composites are formulated to be used anywhere in the mouth and can produce long-lasting, natural-looking restorations.

 These composites have more fluidity to their composition and are typically used for small restorations or as bases and liners.

 Unlike universals and flowables, bulk-fill composites can be layered thicker in the preparation with less curing. Bulk fills are often used in the posterior, but, like all materials, their use is constantly evolving.

Generally, Dr Nuñez finds universal composites to be the most adaptable composite material. “When you think about a universal composite, it’s an interesting material because it gives versatility to the clinician, so [they] can use it in a wide array of clinical situations when it comes down to direct restorations,” he says. “They have the physical properties, the strength, [and the] esthetics. They’re able to hold the gloss over time, [and they have] great wear resistance, so they’re very versatile.”

Because of their versatility, Dr Nuñez feels every clinician should have universal composites as part of their armamentarium. However, universal composite isn’t without its limits, he adds.

“The frustration for me, regarding the use of that product, is that sometimes certain clinicians have higher esthetic demands,” Dr Nuñez says. “There are some composites out there that are very specific for high-end esthetic cases. So, even though these universal composites will do the job, sometimes it is required for a more specific product.”

When it comes to flowables, Dr Nuñez believes it’s important to have a good flowable composite on hand. Even though flowables should not be a clinician’s first choice in many cases, the material can get you by, he says. “Their polishability [and wear resistance] are not as good, so the frustration could come from using it and expecting better results than you’re actually going to achieve,” Dr Nuñez says.

However, that does not mean flowables do not have a place in the operatory; it’s a matter of using a flowable composite for the right case. “There are times [when] flowable is indicated, but sometimes there is a little misuse or overuse of flowables, [which] can lead to issues when it comes down to performance,” Dr Nuñez says.

Although the phrase glass ionomer is technically incorrect, it’s commonly used to refer to glass polyalkenoate cements, which combine glass powder with polyacrylic acid as a biocompatible adhesive.

 Glass ionomer was initially intended as a cement and cavity liner (mainly for nonload-bearing fillings), but the material has been developed to improve its mechanical properties and water solubility.

 This material is particularly efficient at fluoride recharging, although how much this actually prevents caries is still debated.

Newer generations of glass ionomers have improved their wear resistance, Dr Nuñez explains. However, they should be used only in the posterior region, he says. “In the anterior region, there is no way a glass ionomer can compete with the esthetic result that a universal composite can achieve. I would probably choose that glass ionomer to be used as a base in the posterior region, and then covered with composite. I wouldn’t use it as my final restorative.”

This is why Dr Nuñez believes universal composite is the best bet for direct restorations. “Universal composites will perform well in most clinical scenarios,” he says. “If esthetics is not out of high demand…the universal composite should be the material of choice.”

The question of indirect restoration materials is somewhat more challenging. To start with, indirect restoratives vary in terms of physical and mechanical properties, clinical indications, and composition—all of which clinicians must consider when selecting material for an indirect restoration.

Indirect restorations are based on impressions and are usually fabricated at a dental laboratory. However, the recent advancement of CAD/CAM has blurred the lines between direct and indirect materials, allowing clinicians to fabricate restorations in-house for same-day dentistry.

Indirect restorations can be cemented or bonded to the tooth. Indirect restorations generally consist of 5 categories of materials, including the following:

Although metals have been used throughout history because of their strength and durability, ceramics have overtaken metals in contemporary dentistry, borne out of a desire for tooth-colored materials.

 However, ceramics, such as zirconia, silicate glasses, porcelains, and glass ceramics, are susceptible to fracturing and chipping.

 Plus, their hardness may cause wear damage on opposing teeth, leading to concerns about longevity.

“Zirconia has come a long way when it comes to esthetics,” Dr Nuñez says. “The main reason to use zirconia is [its] resistance. So, in certain areas where you want that resistance, mainly in the posterior region, zirconia became popular.”

When zirconia was first introduced on the market, it was not esthetic. “It was dull looking [and], opaque,” Dr Nuñez says. “In the anterior region, you want something a little more translucent [and] more esthetically pleasant.”

Thanks to more modern developments of zirconia, the material is more translucent and esthetic than it was previously. This has led to more clinicians using zirconia for a broader range of cases, Dr Nuñez says. However, Ivoclar’s IPS e.max is a glass ceramic that has become incredibly popular thanks to its wide range of indications. And there are other glass ceramics that work well for CAD/CAM, he says.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns can be more cost effective in certain parts of the world. However, despite their long track record of clinical performance, they’re outdated and have been outpaced by materials with better metaphysical properties, Dr Nuñez explains.

As for resins, Dr Nuñez says it’s a matter of philosophy. “Composites are great for onlays, for example—some people like to do composite veneers,” he says. “One of the main reasons people like composites is they’re easily repaired in case they chip or crack. Then you can bind to them fairly easy intraorally.”

For anterior restorations, Dr Nuñez would choose a glass ceramic, given its esthetics. In the posterior region, he would lean toward a zirconia crown. With the material choices dentists have, there is no right or wrong answer here, he adds.

“Nowadays, there is no strict rule. I don’t have one, because I feel all these materials are suitable for any indication between these 2. When it comes to composites, I will probably stick with onlays, which are in the posterior region. I wouldn’t go with a composite in the anterior region, when it comes to indirects,” Dr Nuñez says.

Denson N, Wells M, Tipton DA, Godoy FG, Babu JP. Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on direct, tooth-colored restorative materials: an in vitro study. 

Sofan E, Sofan A, Palaia G, Tenore G, Romeo U, Migliau G. Classification review of dental adhesive systems: from the IV generation to the universal type. Ann Stomatol (Roma). 2017;8(1):1-17. 

Materials for direct restorations. American Dental Association. Updated March 9, 2021. Accessed June 9, 2022. 

https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/materials-for-direct-restorations

Patel N. The case against amalgam fillings. Forbes. October 21, 2019. Accessed June 9, 2022. 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbooksauthors/2019/10/21/the-case-against-amalgam-fillings/?sh=5941d8954d1e

Dental amalgam fillings. FDA. Updated February 18, 2021. Accessed June 8, 2022. 

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings

Materials for indirect restorations. American Dental Association. Updated February 9, 2021. Accessed June 10, 2021. 

https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/materials-for-indirect-restorations#:~:text=Indirect%20restorations%20generally%20consist%20of,composites%2C%20and%20metal%2Dceramics

Selecting the right materials for the right case can make or break your restorations. 

Material Answers: A Restorative Guide

Any dental lab looking to utilize an end-to-end digital workflow.

This hybrid machine combines wet and dry processing in a single unit. The Ceramill Motion 3 allows for fully automated dental arch restorations.

The Ceramill Motion 3 is a 5-axis hybrid milling unit that enables an end-to-end digital workflow. This provides dental labs with a diversity of materials and indications while allowing for laboratory infrastructure management. Its intuitive user interface and guided CAD/CAM production and maintenance allow you to focus on your core business.

With the connection to the AG.Live platform, you’ll be able to access the Ceramill Motion 3 at any time from any location, allowing you to monitor production and customer service. Its integrated analysis tools are said to make lab business processes even more efficient. The unit’s tools and blank holders are equipped with radio frequency identification technology, simplifying the handling of tools and consumables. The C-Clamp sculpturing technology allows for the fully automated processing of full arch restorations.

This new hybrid milling machine combines wet and dry milling for fully automated restorations.

5Ws* Ceramill Motion 3

In his 30th year as a lab technician, Mike Archibald, CDT, is just as dedicated and passionate as he was at the beginning of his career. Owner of Mike Archibald Dental Studio and 50 Shades Dental Studio, LLC, Archibald trained under his father, who started the Archibald Associates laboratory and school of dental technicians. There, Archibald had the benefit of learning firsthand in his father’s lab while also having the opportunity to sit in on courses from Gordon Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD, who lectured there.

As he moved on to start his own dental labs, Archibald continued his father’s good working relationship with Ivoclar, whose products he’s used and loved since day 1.

“When I say that I believe in and love a company like Ivoclar, it comes from the very first day of my job, the very first day I started,” he says.

Up until several years ago, he wasn’t sold on zirconia.“I didn’t truly believe in it at that point,” Archibald says. “I knew it was here for a reason. It just wasn’t my go-to. There were lots of issues with zirconia back in the day because it wasn’t esthetic. You had to layer a bunch of ceramic on it, [which] would end up chipping,” he explains. “ It [was] hard to manage. What you saw at the bench was different [from] what you saw in the mouth.”

As zirconia materials developed and improved, Archibald says he first tried IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime about a few years ago on its release. His experience with this zirconia changed his mind on the material.

“It’s truly the most boutique zirconia core on the market and, in my opinion, that’s because of the multichromatic layering in it,” he says. “The high opacity gingival and up to the gradient and translucent incisal. For somebody [who] respects and loves what we do like I do, [suddenly], zirconia became a real valuable tool. We can actually do incredible work with this material now, with minimal layering.

“Now we can take an everyday prep and, depending on the prep, we can generate the right IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime core for that particular situation. I can minimally layer the facial and get almost any result that I want. The only thing, of course, [is] I’m not doing it with is veneers. But other than veneers, it’s really become my go-to,” he says.

IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime is a millable zirconia created using an innovative manufacturing process known as gradient technology to create a seamless progression of shade and translucency. This allows the material to be used for highly esthetic restorations. The high-strength zirconium oxide material (1200 MPa) is known for its high accuracy of fit and exceptional quality. It ingeniously blends esthetics with flexibility and accommodates all applications and fabrication techniques.

IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime is a millable zirconia created using a manufacturing process known as gradient technology. This allows for 2 zirconium oxide raw materials—3Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP—to be combined into 1 puck, allowing for the strength of 3Y-TZP and the esthetics of 5Y-TZP. Indicated for single crowns and wide-span bridges, IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime is suitable for any fabrication technique.

Ultimately, dental lab technicians are artists who create beautiful restorations. But they’re also uniquely responsible for helping create the smiles patients expect­—and IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime helps Archibald deliver on that expectation.

“If I’m not doing a feldspathic or a no-prep veneer case, I prefer to do it out of IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime,” Archibald says. “That’s simply because esthetically, it gives me what I want. Cosmetically, it gives the patient and the doctor what they want. [I can guarantee the] longevity of the crown. I can give them the results that I as the artist want, but most importantly, what the patient deserves.

“At the end of the day, everything that we do should be for the patient, and [it] should be the very best for the patient,” he continues. “And I could never do that—I could never feel comfortable doing that before IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime.”

Archibald says that in his past experience with other materials, it could be that he would think he had just finished a masterpiece, and then find the values just didn’t match. However, since switching to IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime, that simply isn’t the case anymore.

“It’s just as accurate as any other material on the market,” Archibald says. “I’m just grateful that we have a product that I can stand behind and be proud of.”

This passionate ceramist made Ivoclar’s IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime his go-to for zirconia.

Zirconia Offers Lab Owner Esthetics, Durability 

Eliminate the paper hassle when doing referrals by choosing digital workflows.

End Referral Frustrations by Going Digital

Many patients can benefit from a hybrid teledentistry workflow.

It’s Time to Embrace Teledentistry’s Hybrid Workflow

There are effective ways to be less invasive when helping pediatric patients in the dental chair. 

Treat PRR, Small Class I Pediatric Cases With a Bioactive Restorative

Choosing an open architecture workflow for your digital dentistry can boost efficiency. 

Choose an Open Architecture Workflow for Digital Dentistry

Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool when it comes to diagnosing in the dental practice. 

Use Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Diagnostic Precision and Practice Efficiency

Help patients get a better image of the procedure by showing them intraoral scans. 

Erase Skepticism With Your Intraoral Camera

Safe and effective cleaning agents should be used prior to cementation to best results. 

Limit Contamination During Bonding with a Nonacidic Cleaner

Dry field isolation is crucial when trying to obtain a smooth restoration. 

Obtaining Dry Field Isolation in Class V or Cervical Defect Case

Reconsider Your Endodontic Referrals 

Essix Retainer Technique

Essix Retainer Technique is Designed With Healing Abutment in Mind

Using a desensitizer like Hemaseal & Cide can reduce instances of sensitivity.

Prevent Postoperative Sensitivity With Antimicrobial Desensitizer

Thermoplastics are a great alternative to other, more costly products.

How to Use Thermoplastics for Provisional Crown, Bridge Fabrication

MatrixTemp has provided a unique technique for temporary crowns.

A Simple, Economical Workflow for Fixed Prosthetics

Digital scanning and Carbon 3D printing have changed my attitude—and my patients’ attitudes—about dentures. 

Going Digital Makes a Big Difference

Robin the Robot Alleviates Pediatric Patients' Anxiety 

Many patients aren't aware that they clench and grind their teeth. This simple device can alleviate the tension.

A Simple Device Can Offer Grinding Relief

Thank you, Leonardo DaVinci

Simplifeye lets you work smarter, not harder when it comes to getting paid.

Increase Cash Flow by Making It Easier for Patients to Pay

SmartMirror is 21st Century Technology for 21st Century Challenges

By offering telehealth services, dental providers can bridge the access-to-care gap.

Telehealth Takes Your Practice to the Next Level

The Occlusinator® PRO Composite Finishing System allows me to create beautiful anatomic carvings in seconds.

This Should Be in Everyone's Toolbox

Sunbit's Buy Now, Pay-Over-Time solution has been a game-changer for this practice's patients and staff. 

Eliminate Cost as a Barrier to Treatment

Stationary intraoral tomosynthesis (sIOT) delivers the quality and resolution of 2D radiography without most of the metal artifacts seen in CBCT.

Take Advantage of a New 3D Imaging System For Intraoral Imaging

Tip: this technique can be used every day to make doing some restorative procedures efficient, productive, and enjoyable: Class I, V, and incisal edges are a slam-dunk combo.

A Slam Dunk for Class I, V Restorations

vTail provides easy connection to the products and the reps clinicians need, giving them time for quality dental care and a more relaxed quality of life outside the office

Connect With Dental Manufacturers on Your Time

Technique Touch-Ups 2022

Experts from across the industry share their favorite tips, tricks, and solutions to make dental care better for patients and easier for you.

Dental Products Report's Technique Touch-Ups 2022

The mints are available on the company’s website and on Amazon.

Movemints can be used anytime to seat clear aligner trays and help eliminate dry mouth and discomfort for patients.

Movemints Clear Aligner Mints were created by an orthodontist to help patients with invisible braces enjoy a fresher, more comfortable treatment experience. Movemints provide a safe and great tasting alternative to traditional chewy foam or plastic aligner seating products.

Movemints have a unique shape designed to fit between top and bottom trays, which gives patients a hands-free option to discreetly seat aligners on the go or in public. Many patients experience discomfort when wearing plastic trays, including dry mouth. Movemints are sugar-free and sweetened with xylitol, a naturally occurring substance that helps prevent dry mouth.

These uniquely shaped clear aligner mints keep patients comfortable while fighting dry mouth.

5Ws* Movemints Clear Aligner Mints

As clinicians, you’re probably familiar with a version of this scenario: A patient needs to be seen by a specialist; your front desk staff gives that patient the contact information for several specialists with instructions to call and schedule their own appointments; the patient never calls to schedule that appointment; your office is none the wiser; and, since the specialist’s office wasn’t aware a patient was referred to them, they’re left in the dark about the whole transaction.

Does that sound familiar? It did for Sutor Periodontics and Dental Implants, Dr Mark Sutor’s practice in Bloomington, Indiana. But when the practice was introduced to Refera, that process was completely overhauled, says Joanna Anderson, the practice’s professional relationship coordinator. Refera is a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant (HIPAA), paperless referral management platform that makes it easier to track referrals to and from general practitioners and specialists. It’s designed to reduce the likelihood of patients falling through the cracks during the referral process, especially when paper referrals are used.

Dr Sutor’s practice was using the old paper method, Anderson says. “For the most part, it’s been the good old carbon copy, paper referral that...gets sent out.”

One of the challenges with paper referrals is that they sometimes only contain very basic patient information, Anderson explains. “[They] come back with the basic information of ‘generalized recession on tooth number 4,’ and maybe or maybe not a phone number, maybe a first name, sometimes the first and last name.”

That changed when the practice began using Refera several months ago. The system has simplified referrals to and from the practice, offering better communication between the referring and receiving practices and offering piece-of-mind that the patient will receive the care they need.

“For our general dentists—we take it real seriously that they put a lot of time and effort and trust, quite frankly, into referring their patients over to us,” Anderson says. “And so the fact that they know when they send that patient over, [with Refera] we’re receiving it, we’re acknowledging it in a super short period of time. We feel like we owe that back to the dentists to know that we’ve taken that over and handled it. Thankfully, they consider us to be someone that will handle their patients really carefully and quickly.

Refera is an online platform that allows practices to refer patients to any other practice. It also enables practices to receive referrals from other practices via a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant system that includes attachments and the ability to track referred patients. This helps ensure that patients receive prescribed care and that no potential patients slip through the cracks.

“I think it’s nice for them to have that kind of answer very quickly,” she continues. “They’re not sitting there wondering, in the middle of the night where Mrs. Smith is because they know, ‘This has been taken care of and Dr Sutor’s responded back and said when they’re scheduled and we know they’re being taken care of.’”

Anderson also really appreciates how the Refera platform has consolidated all of the needed information for each party involved. “It’s really cool to have that patient receive that on their phone right away with all the information in 1 place,” she says. “We have it, the GP has it, the specialist has it—it just ties everything together in a really professional layout.”

While the practice has tried other referral systems in the past, they’ve never found one that has worked as well as Refera, Anderson says. That’s because other platforms require you to use the same system as the practice you’re referring to. But practices don’t have to be actively using Refera to send referrals out, she explains.

“The other software that we’ve used, maybe when you refer to Dr Sutor, you have to use this one, but then when you refer to an orthodontist down the road, you use this one because this is what they like,” Anderson says. “So with [Refera], even if they’re not actively using it with that practice, they have the ability to send and receive a referral. So, they can still send their referral to us as well as oral surgeons, endodontists, orthodontists. They’re all in one place. They’re easily accessible, everything is laid out for them. The background work is already done for us, they click the button, they get the same professional referral.”

Overall, Dr Sutor’s practice has been very pleased with the Refera platform. It keeps each practice accountable but also ensures the patient experience is as seamless as possible.

“It’s really neat to be able to offer that to [patients], knowing they’re being handed off from one to the other in a really nice way—that they know that there’s no cracks to fall through,” Anderson says. “Everything’s just right in front of both offices all the time, and they’re going to take good care of them.”

Refera modernizes referrals so patients don’t fall through the cracks. 

A Seamless Approach to Patient Referrals

Prominent Figures in Military Dentistry

In recognition of Memorial Day, we’ve compiled important or influential dentists who were veterans or served as dentists in the armed forces. 


The Gemini EVO laser combines the benefits of higher 100-watt peak power with the versatility of dual-wavelength design. The 100 watts of superpulsed power provide faster cutting, less heat, and clean incisions in soft tissue. It features a streamlined display and user interface for more intuitive, user-friendly control.

The 2 wavelengths (810 nm and 980 nm) can be used individually or together, providing 3 wavelength modes. The Gemini EVO has 16 preset procedures divided into 3 categories for efficient, intuitive use. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easy to update software or obtain technical support, and allows the laser to sync with the Dashboard to provide you with valuable data about your machine and procedures. Three photobiomodulation adapters are included (3 mm, 7 mm, and 25 mm) so you can take full advantage of your new dental laser.

This diode laser combines power with versatility and dual-wavelength design.