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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BeautiCem SA Fluoride-Releasing Self-Adhesive Resin Cement |
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Cements have been morphing exponentially during the past decade. The profession has shifted dramatically from the older, nonadhesive, nonaesthetic luting cements to the newer, aesthetic and fluoride-releasing adhesive resin- and ionomer-based cements. Traditionally, the cement has been the weakest link in the crown and bridge system; the restoration was impervious to breakdown and the marginal tooth structure could be maintained effectively in the long term. The often nonadhesive cement was the weak link between the 2. Shofu has recently introduced BeautiCem SA fluoride-releasing self-adhesive resin cement, a radically new concept in affixing indirect restorations. The main innovation is a bioactive surface reaction-type prereacted glass ionomer filler that offers fluoride release and recharge, antiplaque effect, and acid neutralization. Any time the fluoride ion concentration in the mouth is greater than that of the cement between the tooth and restoration, the BeautiCem SA recharges. When the oral fluoride ion concentration drops below that of the cement, fluoride is released at the margin. This is of tremendous value for the health of the marginal area and the longevity of the restoration because the bacteria that attack tooth structures are particularly vulnerable and sensitive to the presence of fluoride. By protecting this interface, the oral health of the patient is greatly improved. BeautiCem SA is indicated for inlays, onlays, posts, and all PFM and ceramic restorations as well as alumina and zirconia crowns and bridges. The cement contains a new polymerizable monomer in the base resin and specific adhesive monomers: carboxylic adhesive for the dentin and phosphonic adhesive for the enamel. The film thickness is less than 12 µm, and the self-adhesive (no primers, no conditioners, no agents) cement seats with virtually no oozing. My favorite shade to use is the translucent.|
SOPROLIFE |
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Caries diagnosis is the fundamental task and responsibility of the dental professional. The teeth are essential: they are extremely important for healthy function, appearance, and self image. The intact outer structures of the teeth are the lifelong protections that maintain the integrity of these highly functional organs. As soon as this outer coating is breached by decay, the entire structure of the tooth is at risk. All too often, small occlusal or interproximal caries that is left untreated progresses to destroy significant amounts of the tooth’s structure, condemning the tooth to extensive restoration or removal. For many years, the explorer was the only tool whereby a dentist could determine surface decay in a tooth; unfortunately, simply passing the explorer from one pit and fissure to the next has the unintended effect of transferring bacteria, and hence further decay, from one tooth to the next. Radiographs can be of tremendous assistance in the early diagnosis of interproximal decay where the enamel tooth structure is relatively thin; less so for early occlusal decay on a molar where the x-rays have to pass through large thicknesses of healthy enamel. In recent years, the new, noninvasive, nonradiographic technology of fluorescence has been adapted to diagnose decay from the earliest stages. SOPROLIFE by Acteon North America is a multifunctional device that can be utilized in 3 modes: Daylight for routine intraoral needs, Diagnosis for detection of caries, and Treatment for the evaluation of the caries excavation process. The process involves the teeth being illuminated by a specific wavelength of light and the various tissues, healthy or not, emitting characteristic autofluorescence that is excellent for diagnostics, often indicating caries at the earliest stages that may be missed by x-rays. |
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Rite-lite 2 |
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Selecting an appropriate shade for a restoration has always been important, but never more so than today. Our patients are in tune with and concerned about the appearance of their smiles, and even a slight color differential is likely to be noticed. Redoing a direct or indirect restoration is very expensive from a chairside perspective and should be proactively avoided by correct shade selection in the first place. The Rite-lite 2 by AdDent offers the practitioner an easy and inexpensive technique for accurately determining tooth shades under a variety of lighting situations. It allows the dentist to be able to deliver a restoration that matches the adjacent teeth not only under controlled dental lighting conditions but also in real life as well. The dentist looks through the metal ring at the teeth to be matched. Its LED bulbs provide 3 separate color temperatures: daylight at 5,500°K, room light at 3,200°K, and ambient light at 3,900°K, giving the dentist an unprecedented ability to eliminate metameric failure issues at the very beginning. The customized mauve card, which is similar in color to oral tissues, helps to illuminate visual distractions and value problems. Wireless and portable, the lightweight Rite-lite 2 is convenient and effective both chairside and at the lab. The color matches are best when the lab technician and dentist utilize the same color-matching modality. It is useful for direct anterior restorations as well. It is best to determine the shade at the beginning of a procedure, before the teeth have desiccated (whitened) or stained (darkened). Rite-lite 2 can show the correct shade, every time. |
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.
