Here Come the Innovators: The 2016 Innovator Profiles

Inside every issue of Dental Products Report, we share news of new products and technology, along with innovative ways to put them to good use in everyday practice. Once a year we take that coverage to a new level with stories like the ones on the following pages.

There are a wealth of tremendous products available to today’s dentists. In fact, there are so many that it can be difficult stay on top of all them and to know what might really make a difference in your efforts to best treat your patients.

That’s where DPR steps in to provide some assistance. It’s important to know about the latest and greatest in dental products. It’s also critical to know how best to implement these innovations, to understand how and when to use them. It’s also vital to be sure that when you reach for a product that it can be counted out to consistently deliver great results.

The nine companies featured in this year’s special section all have a long track record of producing products, services and education to assist you in reaching your goals.

Dr. John Flucke, Chief Dental Editor and Technology Editor for DPR, summed up these goals so well in a past Innovator Profile special section that we’re bringing his comments back one more time: “At the end of the day, everyone in this noble industry is working for the patient. Ensuring the best patient outcome is what we are all tasked to do and it is a tremendous privilege and a blessing to be allowed to do just that. It doesn’t matter whether you are the CEO of a dental supply company, a writer for a dental publication, or a doctor in the trenches seeing patients every day-we should all remember that it is the oral and systemic health of every human being that should be our focus and our goal.”

This years innovators include:

Chicago Dental Society

SurgiTel

ACTEON North America

Carestream Dental

Instrumentarium

3M Oral Care

BISCO

Ultradent Products

Zirc

Click on the company above to learn more, or continue to the next page to see them all.

Chicago Dental Society

Dr. Philip Fijal, CDS President Elect, sat down to answer some questions about the Chicago Dental Society.

How has the CDS changed with the times to ensure the best opportunities for its members?

One of the things we continuously look at is the changing demographics of our profession. We engage with members and non-members to lead a path through the changing environment of the dental practice. We try to understand what the new dentist wants from membership and what services they most likely need, and have gained insight from our more seasoned members as well. We work hard to stay nimble so that we can still maneuver the ship in the rapidly changing waters of the health care industry.

How do you ensure that the Midwinter Meeting “stays fresh” and keeps its place as a “must-attend” event for dental professionals?

Being the leader in scientific dental meetings in the country, the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting is a well-planned and well-organized yearly event that I truly believe is a “must-attend.”

Premier speakers are chosen to provide attendees with a wide variety of lectures and hands-on learning opportunities. Special events featuring some of the finest talents are also planned. The Midwinter Meeting also offers the best exhibition in dentistry. Last year, we featured more than 700 exhibitors. Exhibitors display the latest equipment, materials and products for the attendees to see, touch and order. The results have spoken for themselves, with an average attendance of nearly 30,000.

Each year following the meeting, a very detailed critique process takes place so that each aspect of the meeting can be continually improved.

Related reading: Chicago Dental Society's 2015 Innovator Profile

With all of the online opportunities for education, what are some of the challenges you have faced with in-person education?

It could be assumed that the younger generation would be more likely to want online-based education. We have introduced classes specifically for the new dentist, sort of a new dentist track, so there is something specific for their interests. We also host a New Dentist Reception during the Midwinter Meeting. Although the younger generation is well connected electronically, they still desire the face-to-face interaction that classroom learning and socializing can provide. And I think that is even truer for that slightly seasoned generation. No matter how convenient we find electronic learning, our needs still come back to a face-to-face connection with a speaker and our colleagues.

What are some of the latest happenings with the CDS Foundation?

The Chicago Dental Society Foundation, formed in 2007, has become the true philanthropic arm of CDS. One of its most significant accomplishments is the CDS Foundation Clinic in Wheaton, Illinois. The clinic treats the needs of the underserved in the Chicago area. The clinic is filling a void felt throughout Chicagoland by providing high quality dentistry for a much deserving population of patients.

The CDS Foundation provides grants for dental education programs, and also organizes oral health awareness campaigns and a variety of outreach programs. I am personally very proud of what the CDS Foundation stands for and have been a contributor from its onset. We have all been very blessed to be a part of this profession and I know a great many give back in whatever way they can. The CDS Foundation is a wonderful vehicle through which much good can be done.

What are some of the goals for CDS for the rest of this year and beyond?

A very important goal for CDS is to maintain relevance. Through continual evaluation and improvement, we maintain the ability to respond rapidly to the needs of our membership.

As member demographics continue to change, practice styles evolve and technology advances, we need to keep an ever-sharp eye on the importance of member connectedness. It is the human touch that makes us successful as practitioners. And it is that same touch that we need to nurture each other as fellow dentists.

Through our nine branches, our Society’s way to offer more local influence, we stay connected with monthly branch meetings and social events. We make a point to invite new dentists in the branch and dental students to branch meetings, as well as introduce them to fellow members. We also offer social events such as our New Dentists Rooftop Reception as a way of reaching out to both non-members and members we haven’t seen in a while.

What’s the one thing you’re most proud of when it comes to CDS?

The Society’s desire to continually improve itself, as well as the overwhelming support of our member volunteers. We have strong board leadership and a solid foundation formed by a committee structure that evaluates and directs the activities of the Society. And we have the most committed staff in the profession that keeps it focused. With that many eyes on the target, one would think we could get pushed off course. But our strength is the Society’s mission to be a leader in the profession that keeps everyone pulling in the right direction.

What’s the one thing you’re most proud of regarding the Midwinter Meeting?

I’m proud of the continued success of our meeting and the unending willingness of our volunteers to put in the hard work necessary to create it. The 2017 Midwinter Meeting is its 152nd year. To be successful for so long, everyone involved-both past and present-should feel an overwhelming sense of pride. We are truly blessed and honored with its success, and proud to be “The Respected Leader in Scientific Dental Meetings."

Featured Meeting: 

CDS Midwinter Meeting

Come back to Chicago Feb. 23-25, 2017 for the 152nd Midwinter Meeting. Hosted by the Chicago Dental Society, the meeting features three days of lectures, demonstrations and participation courses coinciding with three days of commercial exhibits­-all under one roof in Chicago’s McCormick Place West Building.Registration begins Nov. 1 at cds.org. Find more information leading up to the meeting by following the Chicago Dental Society on Facebook and Twitter.

Chicago Dental Society |  312-836-7300  |  cds.org

SurgiTel

An ADA survey found 80 percent of dentists report work-related pain. This chronic pain not only affects the day-to-day performance by dental team members­-it can also shorten careers. This is why the use of ergonomically designed loupes is critical to clinicians. And that’s where SurgiTel can help.

Since 1993, SurgiTel has been innovating in the field of clinical vision technology. Their unique loupes, headlights and other optical accessories provide clinicians with the enhanced vision and ergonomics to help them work better. They achieve this through their unique patented designs which meet clinical ergonomic requirements. SurgiTel is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Why this is all so important

Improperly designed or fitted loupes with shallow declination angles (DA) can force users to excessively tilt their head, creating serious ergonomic problems such as eye strain, headaches, neck pain/injury and upper back pain/injury.

Improperly designed LED headlights may distort the color of objects and even damage the eye due to excessive blue light. Before purchasing loupes, you owe it to yourself to understand the ergonomic issues related to using loupes and the eye safety issues related to using LED lights.

Related reading: New prism loupe and headlight from SurgiTel offer greater performance, comfort and style

The new Ergo Max Loupe brings together high-power magnification, ergonomics and comfort

Not all frames used with loupes were developed for loupes. Many traditional loupes with “adapted frames” cannot achieve true custom DAs for the best working postures, which is the main cause of chronic neck pain.

SurgiTel’s new Ergo Max frames allow Through-The-Lens (TTL) Loupes to be built with a wide range of custom DAs in order to prevent or alleviate chronic neck pain. The Ergo Max frames have been developed by SurgiTel specifically for ergonomic loupes and can mount all magnification levels (2.5x to 8.0x).

Early evaluations by clinicians describe Ergo Max as being “a very big deal” and that it “will be transforming the health of dentists and surgeons worldwide.” With adjustable Front-Lens-Mounted (FLM) Loupes, you can customize your declination angle at any time to meet the ergonomic need for any procedures.

Dr. Darryl Hatchett, DDS, of Denver, North Carolina shares his experience:

In the last three years I developed increasing pain in my anterior neck and shoulder. I saw a physical therapist and was given exercises to help me work on my scalene muscles which had become aggravated with the heavy loupes and an excessive forward head tilt. The exercises would help me through the weekends, but once I was back at work with my loupes on, the pain would start all over again. I was very eager to get help with the discomfort I was having. Tim, the SurgiTel rep, came in and showed me various loupes. I decided on the Micro Prism 4.5x Front-Lens-Mounted loupes. Tim showed me how to customize my loupes, including adjusting the declination angle. It only took about a week for the pain to decrease in my anterior neck and shoulder. I feel that this is due to the increase in declination angle and how much lighter the SurgiTel FLM’s were than my old Orascoptic TTL’s. I measured the declination angle of my loupes to compare: My SurgiTel’s are 47 degrees and my Orascoptic’s were only 28 degrees. I can also easily change end caps on the loupes to increase or decrease the working distance if I so desire-yet another great feature.

I am very happy with my new SurgiTel FLM loupes. I feel that SurgiTel is way ahead of the game in ergonomic features. The extremely light weight and easily customizable features are much better than other brands in the overall comfort of the practitioner. At different times in the past three years, I have wondered if I would have to change careers due to too much pain. Thanks to SurgiTel, I no longer have to worry-or go see a physical therapist!

More from SurgiTel: Aero 2.0 Loupes designed to deliver comfortable versatility

Features

Custom declination angles

Mounts high-power Keplarian loupes

Correct posture with ergonomic loupes

SurgiTel  |  800-959-0153  |  surgitel.com

ACTEON North America

Tim Long, COO of ACTEON North America, sat down to answer some questions about ACTEON.

What’s the one thing you want customers to know about ACTEON?

I would like people to know that ACTEON is not just a company that provides “products.” ACTEON provides solutions for dental practices as well as our dealer partners. For example, combining our digital radiography solutions such as Sopix² sensors and PSPIX² allow clinicians to obtain images from the entire patient population from pediatrics to adults while decreasing patients’ radiation exposure. We also have a complete solution for prophylaxis where a clinician can identify and highlight calculus and gingival inflammation with SoproCARE^®. They can also treat and maintain these patients with NEWTRON^® ultrasonic scalers and AIR-N-GO Easy^® sub gingival polishing with glycine powder.

Lastly, ACTEON now offers support to clinicians that is unprecedented in the dental industry. We offer a one-year comprehensive warranty on all devices and a team of clinical trainers that provide peer-to-peer training on almost all ACTEON devices.

How do the Sopix^2® sensors stand out from the competition?

Sopix^2® sensors provide superior image quality at lightening speed, but some of the value added features put the Sopix² in a class by itself. Automatic Controlled Exposure (ACE^®) technology integrated in the Sopix² allows the sensor to shut itself off after it has received sufficient X-ray energy for a perfect image. This eliminated the need for retakes due to overexposed images and reduces the amount of radiation to the patient. Sopix² also has free imaging software included with every purchase and also works in Mac and PC environments. Lastly, the Sopix² has a five-year manufacturer warranty included in the purchase price.

Related reading: your guide to radiation in the dental practice

With PSPIX², what’s the biggest advantage to having this technology in your practice?

PSPIX² provides cordless digital imaging in a compact device, providing superior imaging quality while improving office workflow. PSPIX² is so small it can be placed chairside and provides images in as little as nine seconds. PSPIX² can also be added to offices already using digital sensors to compliment the sensors and treat patients that are non-compliant or cannot tolerate a rigid digital sensor.

How can dentists and hygienists work with the NEWTRON technology to benefit their patients and bottom line?

NEWTRON^® piezoelectric ultrasonic technology benefits the practice’s bottom line, providing superior versatility with over 80 tips available for multiple applications such as endodontic procedures, margin preparation, implant maintenance and many other uses. NEWTRON benefits patients by providing superior comfort over other technology. I have hygienists approach me all the time saying how their patients love when they have switched to NEWTRON piezoelectric technology from other methods of scaling.

Featured products

Sopix²

This digital sensor utilizes a unique technology that protects images against overexposure, and with its patented ACE technology automatic controlled exposure, it controls the amount of X-ray energy accumulated by the sensor and is said to result in clearer images. Once the sensor receives enough X-ray energy, it stops accepting radiation. This ensures the first shot is always perfect and clear, reportedly resulting in less retakes and over exposed images. For maximum patient comfort, the corners have been rounded.

PSPIX²

This next-generation phosphor plate scanner, the PSPIX² combines revolutionary size, modern design and remarkable ease-of-use. The PSPIX² is said to represent the next level of PSP design, technology and function. It is designed for a very small footprint, high-quality and contrasted images, incredibly fast acquisition times and removable parts for easy sterilization.

Expasyl

The Expasyl system for temporary gingival retraction benefits from an excellent risk-benefit balance: Its viscosity has been specifically calculated to effectively open the sulcus without damaging the epithelial attachment. The quality of opening is the same as this obtained with a cord, without lesion, resumption of bleeding or pain. Your movement is both safe and efficient. Plus, there is no need to wait for tissue healing since they are perfectly preserved.

PURE NEWTRON

The PURE NEWTRON range of ultrasonic scalers uses a Cruise Control^® System that adjusts the ultrasonic power in real time to adapt to the resistance encountered by the tip. Plus, the LED lit, color-coded power dial is designed to make power selection simple, while the ergonomic NEWTRON SLIM B.LED handpiece offers greater handling and accessibility. Compatible with nearly 80 tips, each PURE NEWTRON device performs almost all applications, including scaling, perio endodontics and restorative procedures.

ACTEON North America  |  877-4ACTEON  |  acteonusa.com

Carestream Dental

Dr. Daniel Delrose of Ellenton, Florida, sat down to answer some questions about Carestream Dental.

When did you first begin using digital intraoral scanners? 

My partner and I started utilizing digital dentistry in 2000 and since then we have used five different digital impression systems. The reason we’re so enamored with intraoral scanners is their accuracy. Even as far back as the year 2000 they were accurate. You know when you take a digital impression you don’t have to worry about errors in the stone models or errors when you’re mixing material to make an analogue impression. In our office the only time we mix impression materials is for denture cases, and I’m sure we’ll eventually be able to use a scanner for removable. 

Why did you decide to invest in the CS 3600? 

We started with the CS 3500 four years ago. We were the first office in the U.S. to use it. When we found out there was an intraoral digital scanner we could move from operatory to operatory that wasn’t on a cart or tethered to a laptop, it made us really happy. At the time we pulled carts from room to room. We even had to change the tires on one of our carts. And back then, when we bought one digital system we’d have to buy two or three because we have four doctors in our practice. Right now we have one scanner in the office for all four doctors and that’s the CS 3600. 

We beta tested the 3600 for Carestream Dental and have used it for about nine months. One of the benefits is the open architecture. Most other systems tell you which labs you can use. There are a few lines of code in the STL files that only their labs can open. With Carestream Dental, you can send STL files to any lab you want. 

The CS 3600 is easy to use and very ergonomic. It fits in the palm of your hand and feels and looks like an intraoral camera. My surgical assistant and I were working on a patient with a broken tooth who needed a crown, and I had to leave the room. When I came back the opposing was already on the monitor. The assistant had only been out of dental school for a month and hadn’t been trained to use the scanner. She saw someone use it once and quickly realized it worked just like an intraoral camera and was able to take the scan on her own. 

Related reading: Carestream Dental launches two new products to simplify doctors' workflow

What are the main benefits? 

Patient compliance increases because they don’t have to worry about gagging. It also saves time. When you use digital impressions, restorations don’t take any time to deliver and they fit perfectly. There’s no extra appointment for the patient. 

That also benefits the doctor. The CS 3600 is definitely a practice builder. You have more time in the schedule to see more patients. It also generates new patients. I had a patient in last week who started coming to the practice because his neighbor told him about our amazing technology. 

Once you start taking digital impressions it makes you a better dentist. You can blow up the images 30 times on the computer and see everything. If you need to take another image there’s no money or time lost. You just re-prep and take another scan. 

What other features make the CS 3600 stand out? 

The biggest thing is mobility. Also, the software is really intuitive so anyone in the practice can use the scanner. The other nice thing is the Intelligent Matching System. Intelligent Matching means you can go from place to place and it puts it all together at the end. If I’m scanning and someone taps me on the shoulder to ask me a question, I can start the scan where I left off. It’s just amazing.

More from Carestream Dental: Applying the CS 8100 in your practice

Featured product: CS 3600

Carestream Dental’s new intraoral scanner, the CS 3600, is designed to simplify the scanning process with high-speed, continuous scanning and full HD 3D images. The CS 3600 also features an Intelligent Matching System that allows users to freely fill in missing information for any area in the data set. Additionally, the broad 13 mm scanning range is engineered to allow users to capture scans in a way that feels most natural to them. The CS 3600 also comes with two rounded, interchangeable tips in different orientations so users can capture scans in hard-to-reach areas while considering patient comfort.

Carestream Dental  |  800-944-6365  |  carestreamdental.com

Instrumentarium

Dr. Terry L. Work, DMD, of Scottsdale, Arizona, sat down to answer some questions about Instrumentarium.

Tell us a little about your practice.

I’m a general practitioner and I practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. I was in the Navy for four years and I’m a diplomat with the International Congress of Implantology. I’ve been in private practice with my wife for the last 25 years. It’s true general dentistry, but we handle almost all our patient needs in house and don’t refer out very often.

CBCT imaging is one reason we are able to manage my cases in house. It is really useful in helping me know what I’m getting into before I do a surgery, or when I perform an endo procedure. If I’m going to place implants I combine it with my iTero digital scanner to make surgical stents. I use CBCT imaging for much of my diagnostic needs, it’s really invaluable.

We spend a lot of time trying to get things organized in terms of a digital workflow and not just because it’s cool, although it’s cool, but I buy technology because it will make me a better dentist. So that’s the criteria I use to determine whether I purchase something. Will it make me a better dentist? If the answer is yes, then I will usually embark on it.

Related reading: Instrumentarium OP300 Maxio perfect fit for dental offices

How does 3D imaging help your practice and help you as a practitioner?

I use it for a lot of reasons. First, I can provide better care for my patients in terms of improved accuracy and predictable outcomes. It is also convenient for my patients since they don’t have to go to an imaging center. It’s also convenient for me as I have access to a 3D image anytime it’s required.

I purchased this unit three years ago. One of the advantages of the OP300 is its size. I was able to replace an older panoramic system with this unit which offers both 2D panoramic imaging and CBCT scanning. So, I can do either/or, which is a big advantage. Plus it has a very small footprint, which is really nice.

OP300

How easy is it to learn to use and how is vendor support?

Ease-of-use with the OP300 is great. The Invivo5 software from Anatomage that comes with the system is really, really good. On top of that, the support from Instrumentarium Dental™ is absolutely amazing. They are really thorough about making sure that you have good training. If you get new staff members and members that need training, they come right out to provide that to our new employees. It’s outstanding. It’s just a good company.

And the 3D software, Invivo5, is incredible. I have used several different software programs throughout my career, and Invivo5 is far and away the most effective, most user-friendly and most powerful in its class. In addition, when an update is available, they are really good about providing that and helping me learn about new features.

What types of procedures do you use this system for?

I place implants in my practice, so I use it to evaluate the area and do my treatment planning. I also do root canals, so if I’m having trouble finding a canal while I’m doing a root canal, I take a 3D image. I remove wisdom teeth, and there are times where a panoramic radiograph makes it look like the tooth is really close to the nerve so I’ll take a 3D image to accurately assess the distance and proximity of the nerve. Additionally, I had a patient come in today with a big infection around a tooth, so I looked to see if maybe a canal was missed , which would explain why there was an infection. Thanks to the scan, I realized the tooth was cracked, so I told the patient we needed to remove that tooth. I was able to explain, with certainty, that it’s not restorable and show them why.

I also use it to measure a patient’s airway. I can take a CBCT scan and use Invivo5 to analyze the airway volume and make decisions on treatment options armed with this and other information I gather.

It’s just another step in educating your patients. When you have this 3D image, rather than a conventional radiograph, you can show them and say, ‘Hey this is you, this is the bone without the skin and here’s the problem.’ You show them a big hole in the bone and they ask, “when can we fix that?”

And they just appreciate the fact that my office is up to date on technology and also that I’m not making them run around. I’m not asking them to get up and go to someone else’s office to have this done. They really appreciate the convenience.

Related reading: Instrumentarium's 2015 Innovator Profile

Has this OP300 been a worthwhile investment in your practice?

My experience has been that it pays for itself easily just because of the number of images we take given our patient flow. After the first month there was no question that it was a good choice.

What is the one thing you’d like to say to a colleague who had yet to incorporate 3D technology?

It just helps you advance your practice. I would say it gives you the confidence to perform procedures that you might not otherwise.

This is just another stepping stone to expanding your practice, and increasing your patient’s confidence in you and your practice.

If you’re sending them other places for other things, I think their view might be, well if it’s that important to have a cone beam scan taken, why doesn’t he have one? So that would be the question I would ask (a colleague).

Are there any other benefits you have experienced since implementing the technology?

There have been times when I have taken an image and found something I didn’t expect on an adjacent tooth. CBCT technology often sheds light on undetected issues before they become a major problem. That elevates your patient care and reinforces how critical it is to be thorough.

Featured product: OP300

OP300 combines an advanced panoramic imaging system with either cephalometric, cone beam 3D or a combination of both, giving you a truly adaptable platform for different imaging applications and dental specialties. Multilayer Panoramic imaging, freely positionable Field-of-Views, Low Dose Technology™ and Instrumentarium Dental ADC™ for 2D, make this system a powerful tool for viewing the complete dental arch.

Instrumentarium  |  800-558-6120  |  instrudental.com

3M Oral Care

What drives the 3M Oral Care commitment to innovation?

Our commitment to innovation comes to life in how we work with and service our customers in dentistry and orthodontics. When we’re successful, we make people healthier, happier and more confident. 3M Oral Care has received the Most Innovative Company in the Dental Industry honor from the Anaheim Group for more than a decade (11 years running). That’s a testament to what 3M excels at-applying science to help keep people healthy. Every day, we explore new ways to impact lives, as we consistently pursue new product and process innovations with a focus on promoting lifelong oral health. 

Is there an overall guiding principle behind product and technology evolution in the past five to 10 years? 

At 3M, we also know that science is just science, until you make it do something; change something; improve something. There’s more to innovation than just new technology. You have to listen to your customers and then apply your innovative spirit to real-world challenges. We believe the right science applied the right way touches people worldwide, generating breakthroughs that make lives better, easier, and more complete. Science is in our DNA. We are a company of curious minds and problem solvers working together to meet the needs of our customers and the world around us. 

Related reading: 3M once again named Most Innovative Company

How do you decide where to put your developmental energies? Do you look to industry trends, or do you stay ahead of the game and anticipate what is needed? 

We decide how to direct our R&D engines by staying true to our core beliefs, most of which center around making our customers’ jobs faster, easier and better. If you create products that eliminate steps from a procedure, you’re maximizing efficiency. If those same products are of a quality that brings the treatment to a higher level, then you’re really getting somewhere. Naturally, our first and best source of what to develop next is our consistent communication with our customers. If they are facing challenges in deciding what cement or impression material is right for them, we create a guide to outline the benefits of each. If they want a particular level of polish on their direct restorations, but don’t want messy steps, we develop a polishing wheel that does just that. We listen. We process. We analyze. We create. 

Of course, not all innovation stems from products. 3M has been heavily involved in shining a light on gray market activity in recent years. When we talk about the gray market, we are talking about products sold through an unsecured supply chain. 3M has implemented comprehensive measures within its business processes to prevent diversion and counterfeiting, essentially minimizing the incentives for gray market sales. We proactively monitor gray market sales, catch unauthorized products and then stop them at the source. We seek legal and regulatory actions to deter illegitimate dealers. Finally, we make it a priority to educate our customers, authorized distributors and their employees about the danger the gray market poses to all of us. The bottom line is that gray market products put patient safety at risk, and it is up to the entire industry – manufacturers, distributors and individual dentists and labs to do their part to keep patients safe. By working together, we can all help protect the integrity of the industry that we’ve worked so hard to build.

Trending article: 3M True Definition Scanner chosen as 2015 New Product of the Year by the Business Intelligence Group

What products and procedures are you particularly  excited about?

The direct restorative products have a couple of excellent stories to tell. They offer esthetics headlined by Filtek™ Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative – and efficiency, with Filtek™ Bulk Fill Restorative. Our indirect procedure team focuses on choosing and using the appropriate temporization, cements and impression materials (check out the Easy Cement Guide and the Impression Materials Troubleshooting Guide) highlighted by Imprint™ 4 Impression Materials and RelyX™ Cements. The 3M™ True Definition Scanner brings accurate, affordable digital technology to the forefront of the dental practice. And, our preventive line of products provide a continuum of care. 

Tell us something else about 3M Oral Care.

With its commitment to improving lives through science, 3M continues to improve on its own innovations. The maker of countless award-winning products, under such brands as Filtek™, RelyX™ and Scotchbond™, 3M’s breakthrough innovations are often sourced from within its own walls. Interdisciplinary collaborations have inspired many of 3M’s greatest innovations in the industry, including pioneering the use of zirconia restorative materials and introducing nanotechnology for enhanced esthetics and strength in universal restorative material.

Trending article: 3M helps dentists make great first impressions

Featured products

Direct Procedure Efficiency

Simplify your day with faster, easier, posterior restorations - featuring Filtek™ Bulk Fill Restorative, Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive and Elipar™ S10 Curing Light.

True Definition Scanner

The consistently accurate scanner features a small wand, making scanning faster, easier and more comfortable for patients and dentists. Unlike “closed” systems, its digital impression files can be used with any system that accepts STL files.

Preventive Family

Vanish™ 5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish with Tri-Calcium Phosphate flows better and reaches areas traditional varnishes may miss, while Clinpro™ 5000 1.1% Sodium Fluoride Anti-Cavity Toothpaste delivers optimum fluoride to the tooth.

RelyX Cements

3M’s line of cements deliver proven solutions for every cementation need. The RelyX™ line includes resin cements, veneer cements, resin-modified glass ionomer cements and temporary cements.

3M Oral Care  |  800-634-2249  |  3m.com/oralcare

BISCO

Dr. Joseph Kim, DDS, JD, FAGD, FICOI, a general and implant dentist in Sugar Grove, Illinois, shares his experience with CORE-FLO DC LITE.

What qualities do doctors want in a core build-up material?

The most important quality in any restorative material is predictability. For a core build-up material, this translates to consistency of preparation, strength and durability, and color. Of these, the ability to consistently execute an excellent prep -especially at the junction of the dentin and the core build-up material-is one of the most coveted features. The phrase, “cuts like dentin” is often used, but I have yet to find any material, other than dentin, that cuts like dentin. Rather, I have found that materials which approach the physical properties of highly filled composite resins result in my most consistent preparations. Regarding strength and durability, it must be mentioned that an optimal adhesive bonding agent is necessary to realize the full potential of core retention and resistance to direct and off-axis loads. Unfortunately, over the years, many clinicians, myself included, have found this out the hard way.

More from BISCO: How to bond lithium disilicate restorations using BISCO eCEMENT

Why do you prefer CORE-FLO DC LITE for your build-up needs?

The main reason I use CORE-FLO DC LITE is because this material sets up like a rock. It’s actually pretty shocking the first time you use it, to see something resembling a medium- to high-viscosity flowable composite turn into such a hard material. Prepping it with diamonds is very similar to cutting into highly filled composite resins, and it cuts smoothly but with a very real tactile resistance. This provides the appropriate feedback my hand needs to advance the handpiece with confidence. Weaker core materials seem to cut more like butter and nothing at all like dentin. Unintentional gouges in the prep are a thing of the past. This level of hardness in CORE-FLO DC LITE can only be a good thing for transferring the forces of mastication down the long axis of the tooth. The other reason I like it is that it effortlessly conforms to the shape of my matrix. It takes a little getting used to, but the self-leveling feature seems to minimize any significant air inclusions.

What can you do with CORE-FLO DC LITE that was difficult or impossible with other brands?

In all honesty, I don’t use this product because I can’t get the job done with something else. I use it because it is a superior product. I can prepare teeth with greater confidence due to the tactile feedback, I no longer have huge divots in the core build-up and my preps look tighter. The fact that my in-house lab technician can’t tell the difference between all-dentin preps and preps with CORE-FLO DC LITE, even under magnification, speaks volumes. The icing on the cake is that it sets up super fast in self-cure mode, which I prefer over light curing whenever possible, in order to minimize marginal stresses.

More from BISCO: How to use TheraCal LC as a liner in a Class II resin-based composite restoration

What would you tell someone who is happy with their current build-up product to get them to try CORE-FLO DC LITE?

In our suboptimal dental economy, clinicians cannot afford to redo or otherwise worry about what is essentially the foundation for many of our crown and bridge preparations. I realize that core build-up materials suffer from an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality, but it’s hard to ignore it when a patient comes in with a “loose crown” with the core still attached to it. Too often the weakest link in our crown and bridge work is not predictable.

If you’re absolutely happy with your current material and getting completely predictable results with it, don’t change. But if you know the feeling of inadvertently cutting a groove into your core material, or you’re taking forever to create a smooth curve at the line angle, or you’ve had the core fall out when you’re removing the temp, or you’re having issues with bubbles, CORE-FLO DC LITE will deliver a tangible level of predictability to your crown and bridge practice. 

More on CORE-FLO DC LITE

CORE-FLO DC LITE is a dual-cured, radiopaque, fluoride-containing core material. CORE-FLO DC LITE is indicated for core build-up, post cementation and as a dentin-replacement material. It is a self-leveling low viscosity material said to be perfect for cases where a band may be required, lower viscosity is desired or initial subgingival margins are present and not visible (e.g. fractured cusp). CORE-FLO DC LITE’s compressive and flexural strength is designed to offer the clinician reliability and durability when fabricating direct restorations.

BISCO  |  800-247-3368  |  bisco.com

Ultradent Products

Dr. Carlos A. Spironelli Ramos, DDS, MS, PhD, an endodontist and Endodontic Segment Manager for Ultradent, shares his experience with Ultradent's Endo-Eze Genius system.

What inspired you to develop and create the technology behind the Endo-Eze Genius Motor and Files?

As an endodontist and professor, I was always looking to simplify the endodontic technique. We know the classic endodontic instrumentation technique with hand files is time consuming and very unpredictable, especially when you don’t specialize in endodontic treatments. Plus, it was very difficult to enchant my undergraduate students with some of the current techniques available. Hand instrumentation takes time and is hard to control. On the other hand, all the engine-driven techniques have downsides. Rotary instrumentation can create a nightmare of broken files due to achieving fatigue of the instrument very fast; oscillation is safer, but takes time and the final shape is not tapered enough to provide nice cleaning and obturation; and a single file technique doesn’t fulfill the endodontic fundamentals of properly enlarging the final millimeters of the apex. So we created a simple, two-instrument sequence that first uses asymmetric reciprocation movement to open space safely and then uses rotation to remove debris. Plus, we are able to enlarge the apical third without overflaring the canal with a super tapered instrument, giving the maximum taper possible without removing sound dentin unnecessarily.

What sets this system apart from other engine-driven systems in the market?

Pretty much everything! Basically what we have now are rotary or reciprocation systems. Rotary systems use a full rotation movement that is dangerous due to torsional and cyclic fatigue. Even when they use different designs and NiTi thermo-treated files, rotary systems are not safe enough to guarantee the file will not break during the procedure, especially at the curvature level. On the other hand, reciprocating movement is used only in a technique that proposes the use of merely one instrument for all instrumentation, which appears to not be sufficient to fulfill the goals of a complete shaping. With the Genius system, the operator takes advantage of the safety of asymmetric reciprocation movement, which avoids overstressing the file, using the final proper diameter with the second and final file. Plus, with the same file, the operator can use the rotary movement to remove debris. It is the only file designed to be used both in reciprocation and rotation. It’s a matter of starting with reciprocation to open space safely and then finishing in rotation to appropriately remove debris.

More from Ultradent: Ultradent unveils MTA Flow repair cement

What makes the Endo-Eze Genius system such an important tool in your practice?

It is important to have an instrumentation system that allows you to shape the root canal under the endodontic principles. More than that, we need simplicity and safety when doing the instrumentation procedure. With a safer and less time-consuming technique, we will have more time to be dedicated to the irrigation process, which is even more important than the physical instrumentation. Nowadays more and more studies show the importance of the volume of irrigants during the irrigation procedure.

Is this a system that GPs looking to get more involved in endodontics should consider? If so, why?

I really think that both GPs and endodontists will notice that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. The Genius system is based on safety and efficiency, resulting in a simple and easy-to-understand system. Asymmetric reciprocation is not new in the endodontic arena. Dr. James Roane came with the balanced force technique in the 80s, and his techniques were exhaustively studied and showed excellent results. Studies show that asymmetric reciprocation movement can double the time it takes an NiTi file to fracture. With the new electric micro stepper motors being used in endodontics, we can set the angles of rotation in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This opens a vast range of possibilities regarding the best approach for using asymmetric reciprocation. Our job was to test various file designs to identify the safest and most efficient range of angles and speeds. After a lot of work, we came with a very simple two-file technique that resulted in a dual-action file-this means the operator can use reciprocation and rotation without changing the files or motor. Of course in complicated anatomies the expertise of an endodontist will be necessary to create different solutions, but that’s exactly what makes a difference between the two professionals.

How have products such as the Endo-Eze Genius made it easier for clinicians to deliver better, more predictable care to patients?

That’s a very important point. The latest research published in the Journal of Endodontics shows that 84 percent of GPs perform some level of endodontic treatment in their offices. Of this group, 65 percent are using engine-driven instrumentation and NiTi files. In another survey, it was shown that training and education is the biggest differentiator in the decision-making process concerning engine-driven techniques. By offering Genius, we are offering safety, efficiency and simplicity all in one instrumentation system. Ultradent also has a complete program of CE seminars with hands-on training on how to use the Genius system, so dentists understand how to use the system properly.

More from Ultradent: How user-friendly Uveneer saves one practitioner time and energy

Featured Product: Endo-Eze Genius System

The Endo-Eze Genius system is an endodontic system that gives you both the safety of reciprocation movement and the efficiency of rotary movement. The Genius endodontic motor, contra-angle, and files are designed to work together as a complete system.

The Genius endodontic motor is designed for reciprocating and rotary files. An adaptable, easy-to-use motor, it is perfect for any endodontic procedure. The Genius motor has various torque settings and quiet, smooth, adjustable speeds. The auto-stop settings interrupt movement when a set torque limit is reached to help prevent file separation.

The Genius 8:1 contra-angle is designed to work with the Genius motor. This contra-angle enables endodontic files to reach the required speeds for any procedure.

Genius files are compatible with both reciprocating and rotating movement, providing safety and efficiency during every endodontic procedure. We recommend using the Genius files with the Genius endodontic motor, which has pre-programmed settings designed specifically for Genius files.

Ultradent Products  |  888-230-1420  |  ultradent.com

ZIRC

Getting organized is the key efficiency at your practice and ZIRC has developed a system to customize the best products it has to offer along with consultation with an efficiency expert.

We recently spoke with Dr. Lori Trost, DMD, about the advantages of the Z.O.B.E. system and how it has positively impacted her practice.

How did you first find out about Z.O.B.E.?

Our office has been using several ZIRC products-the Crystal HD mirrors along with Mirror Magic. As we were going through their catalogue we noticed this neat organizational system-Z.O.B.E. (ZIRC’s Organizational Box of Efficiency). We were all intrigued, so we tried it. It was easy to implement, made sense, and saves time.

Related reading: Find out what's in ZIRC's Z.O.B.E. experience

Can you describe in detail how the Z.O.B.E. concept works?

This system helps offices boost their efficiency and streamline their inventory by providing procedural, color-coded tubs that bring your needed materials chairside. Each procedural tub has been specifically designed to offer the “right storage space”-slots and compartments for the dental products we use daily. This system keeps your materials centralized and inventory more streamlined. It truly helps to reduce the time you waste looking for something that’s misplaced, hidden in a drawer, or lost in another operatory. Every time you leave the operatory-you lose time and money, and appear un-organized. Z.O.B.E. keeps us focused!

What benefits did you realize from using Z.O.B.E. at your practice?

Our practice has found three main benefits from utilizing the Z.O.B.E. system:

We all know that time is money and organization promotes efficiency. One of our main practice goals is to spend as much time chairside with the patient. The Z.O.B.E. system helps us achieve that daily. By being more organized and prepared, we can provide more focused and intentional customer service we strive for.

Z.O.B.E. saves us time and money. Our inventory is streamlined and centralized, which in turn helps us with ordering and expiration dates, etc. Our dental assistants truly love the level of order it brings to their restorative world!

This system also brings the highest level of readiness to a practice-especially for a multi-doctor/hygienist practice. By adding the color-coded bands to the set-ups and procedures, you are able to create customized dental toolkits that everyone can figure out!

What is the single most important thing to know about Z.O.B.E.?

This system offers each practice and dental health care professionals within the practice to completely customize their materials’ storage and accessibility, while reducing contamination and improving efficiency. By identifying what materials you use, organizing them, and then safely storing them-you have created a win-win in productivity.

More on ZIRC: ZIRC's 2015 Innovator Profile

What types of items are sent in the Z.O.B.E. package?

Colored procedural tubs are the foundation for Z.O.B.E. These tubs have been designed with specific compartments that provide ultimate and easy access for dental materials we use in a variety of procedures. Also, ZIRC is kind enough to provide a complimentary consultation to help you figure out just what you need and how to use it!

For what size practice is the Z.O.B.E. system best-suited?

This system can be implemented in any kind of practice-small, large, busy, even part-time. Z.O.B.E. will help you and your team achieve a new level of systemized readiness and standardization unique to your practice.

More on the Z.O.B.E. System:

The ZIRC Organizational Box of Efficiency (Z.O.B.E.) is a box of over 25 of ZIRC’s top-selling products designed to boost the organizational efficiency of your practice. It ships to your practice at NO COST (Free Z.O.B.E. Free Shipping. Free Return). Your whole team can have fun exploring the products and figuring out how best to use them in your practice. While you’re exploring the contents of the Z.O.B.E. system, your ZIRC efficiency expert will consult with you and listen to your and your team’s needs. Your ZIRC expert will then review the amount of patient flow for each procedure, and you’ll receive a custom plan that’s right for your practice. Plus, if you ship Z.O.B.E. back within one week, you’ll receive 20 percent off your order!

ZIRC  |  800-328-3899  |  ZIRC.com