In First Impressions George Freedman, DDS, gives readers a brief summary of products that have recently been introduced to dentistry, based on his clinical experience.
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Optima MX2 INT |
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Electrical handpieces are better for preparation, less tiring for the practitioner, and far less noisy for both the dentist and the patient. It is well-established that the constant torque and speed of electrical handpieces make tooth preparation faster, more effective, and more efficient. Bien Air, the original developers of the electric handpiece, has recently introduced the Swiss-engineered Optima MX2 INT, a very versatile unit that offers preprogrammed modes for all the main restorative operations as well as endodontics. The innovation is that the Optima MX2 INT is a true all-in-one system; only 2 contra-angle handpieces are required to perform virtually all dental procedures, increasing efficiency and decreasing clinical time. The micromotor and handpiece offer absolute control of the cutting action of the bur, controlling its speed and torque and automatically reversing the rotational direction. Another innovation is that its ball bearings are lubricated for life, making the handpiece sterilizable and maintenance-free. The speed range of the MX2 micromotor is 100 to 40,000 rpm, offering high speed for general cutting operations, low speed for deep excavations and polishing, and ultralow speed mode for endodontics with Ni-Ti instruments. There are 40 functional modes that are preprogrammed, and all major functions are modifiable at any time, providing the practitioner with absolute latitude for comprehensive tooth preparation. The navigation among the various programmed functions is simple and straightforward. The intuitive MX2 INT can be adapted to most dental chairs, and it is available with (high-intensity) or without lighting. If you are still utilizing air-driven handpieces, you might want to consider upgrading your operatory to bring it into today’s electronic age.|
UltraCem |
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There are numerous cements available to the dental practitioner. They range from the historic zinc phosphates to the recently developed single-step resin cements. They serve a wide variety of functions in the dental practice, from luting nonbondable indirect restorations to micromechanically adhering ceramic inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, and ve-neers. They also provide a variety of de-livery modes: powder-liquid, paste-paste, pad-mix, and automix. The crucial decision for the dental team is to utilize the most appropriate cement for every clinical situation. Ultradent Products recently introduced UltraCem, the first liquid-powder, resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement that is mixed and delivered through a syringe. Indicated for the cementation of indirect restorations such as inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges made of resin, PFM, and metal, as well as orthodontic bands, it has the highest bond strength in this category and is simple to use and does not require additional precementation bonding steps. It offers sustained fluoride release for caries-prone patients, minimizing recurrent decay as well as postoperative sensitivity. The SpeedMix syringe ensures excellent luting convenience. UltraCem is also available in an economical hand-mix bottle kit that allows the clinician to control both viscosity and the amount of material that is utilized. The flexible structure of the set cement is similar to the tooth’s natural chemical composition, reducing the risk of fracture and decementation. UltraCem’s flowable viscosity allows for complete and rapid seating of the restoration, and its low film thickness minimizes the space between the tooth and restoration. The ionic bond to the tooth structure offers an enhanced marginal seal, reducing the risks of microleakage.Dr. Freedman is a founder and past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a co-founder of the Canadian Academy for Esthetic Dentistry, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry. He is a visiting professor at the Universita di Firenze, Florence, Italy. He is the materials editor for Dentistry Today. He is the author or co-author of 11 textbooks, including his most recent textbook Contemporary Esthetic Dentistry (Elsevier), more than 700 dental articles, and numerous webinars and CDs, and is a team member of REALITY. He lectures internationally on dental aesthetics, adhesion, desensitization, composites, impression materials, and porcelain veneers. A graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Freedman maintains a private practice limited to aesthetic dentistry in Toronto. He can be reached at (905) 513-9191 or epdot@rogers.com.
