First Impressions: October 2011

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.

Triotray Pro Triodent Corporation

Impressions are always stressful in the dental practice. Since impression materials are expensive, and chair time costs even more, it is essential that impression be perfect first time, every time. One of the most common errors that lab technicians have identified in impressions that they receive is distortion; the impression material is not held rigidly enough during its polymerization phase, allowing it to move away from the prepared tooth surfaces. This problem is most often seen when disposable dual-arch (or triple) trays are used. These trays are typically made of plastic and will bend or flex when pressed. Triodent’s Triotray Pro is a reusable, rigid, dual-arch tray with disposable mesh inserts. The framework is made of rigid stainless steel, preventing flexure of the tray and distortion of the impression. The flared walls create a self-locking design that makes the use of adhesives optional. The disposable mesh insert is easily removable once the case is completed. The tray is then autoclaved and fitted with a new mesh insert. The Triotray Pro is available in 2 sizes and is indicated for crowns, single-unit bridges, and provisional restorations. It is compatible with all impression materials and is quick and easy to use. After the initial tray purchase, the Triotray Pro inserts are much less expensive than most disposable trays. The rigid frame is as accurate as a full-arch tray (to the delight of lab technicians) and keeps the tongue out of the way in passive position. No remakes due to distortion are good for the practice’s financial health. The impression tray is an indispensable part of the procedure’s success. For more information, call (800) 811-3949 or visit triodent.com.

G-aenial Universal Flo and G-aenial Flo GC America

As flowable composites are increasingly used in a wider array of dental restorative procedures, dentist professionals look for materials with improved properties and a broader range of applications. Traditional flowable composites tended to have lower viscosity (placement difficulties) and lacked radiopacity (post-treatment diagnostic issues). They were also not indicated for functional areas since they tended to wear rather quickly. GC America’s G-aenial Universal Flo and G-aenial Flo are next-generation nanohybrid flowable composites. The Universal Flo has higher strength, greater wear resistance, and more gloss retention than earlier flowables, and it even compares favorably to conventional composites. It inserts like a low-flow flowable but functions like a restorative. Highly thixotropic, it is indicated for restorations Classes I to V. The G-aenial Flo is a partner product to the Universal Flo, very flowable for excellent handling and highly radiopaque. It is indicated for small cavities and for use as a liner. G-aenial materials are easy to polish and maintain a high gloss for extended periods intraorally. They are easy to contour, offer improved adaptability to the cavity walls, and exhibit excellent flexural strength. Aesthetically, the 15 shades in 3 opacities should cover every clinical situation. The improved delivery technology features a new syringe that is ergonomically adapted to hand anatomy and a rectangle flange that prevents it from rolling over. The nonstick tip has a long nozzle to improve accessibility and is tapered for optimal positioning and controlled placement. The fine tip diameter (0.9 mm) permits targeted placement of minute amounts of restorative material. G-aenial Universal Flo and G-aenial Flo provide aesthetics, strength, and handling with no compromises! For more information, call (800) 323-7063 or visit gcamerica.com.

Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser (WP-100) WaterPik

Many of our patients do not floss. They don’t like to floss. They don’t want to floss. They find the process too difficult, too messy. Excuses abound while compliance is low. Numerous studies attest to the importance and benefits of at-home interproximal cleansing. How to bridge the gap? Water Pik’s Ultra Water Flosser (WP-100) is an easier alternative to string flossing, and it is clinically proven to remove plaque biofilm, reduce inflammation, and decrease gingival bleeding. Compare the effectiveness of manual brushing with the chairside dental water spray! Water flossing has been available for several decades, but it is only recently that its significant advantages have been clinically reviewed. Laboratory tests indicate that 99.9% of plaque can be removed with a single 3-second application. The primary indications for water flossing include the areas that are the most challenging for string floss: implants, crowns, bridges (subpontic), orthodontic brackets and wires, and of course, patients with periodontal pockets. Debris is washed away rather than jammed into existing pockets. Water flossing massages the gums and enhances circulation; it is clinically documented to improve gingival health twice as effectively as string flossing. It also removes bacteria from deep between the teeth and below the gingival crest where bushing and flossing cannot reach. The WP-100 is smaller and quieter than previous models, with 10 distinct pressure settings ranging from 5 psi to 90 psi, and 6 unique tips designated for specific oral conditions. Water, mouthwash, and similar liquids can be used. The 90-second reservoir capacity is adequate to effectively water floss the entire dentition. The Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser (WP-100) is easy and pleasant to use, increases patient home-compliance, and leaves the mouth feeling fresh and clean. For more information, call (800) 525-2020 or visit waterpik.com.

Envision A Smile Cosmetic Imaging Software Envision A Smile

How do you communicate dental concepts to a patient who has no dental training? How can you provide a potential cosmetic patient with a realistic after-treatment case presentation image before you even start? Chairside imaging software has been available for more than 2 decades, but it has major limitations. The process is time-consuming (too expensive to be done by the dentist) and technique-sensitive. Good imaging technicians are hard to come by and to retain. The Envision A Smile Cosmetic Imaging Software solves all of these problems and more. The service simulates the patient’s completed case from chairside photos and delivers the images within 3 days. Envision A Smile develops a built-in case presentation mode, a personalized slide show of “before” and “after” images with 3 separate views to assist in the all-important marketing phase. Images are far easier for patients to understand, and to see their potential new smile as part of their own face is highly motivating. The process is simple and requires no staff resources: (1) select appropriate patient photos according to the guidelines, (2) fill out the order form, (3) submit the images by e-mail, and (4) schedule the consult with the patient after 3 days. Once the images are returned and reviewed with the patient, they can be printed or copied on to a CD to take home. There, patients can discuss their great potential new look with family and friends. The system is easy to learn, includes a Library of Smiles from the world’s leading cosmetic dentists, and comes with 2 hours of live online training. The images may be shared with the lab technician as well. Case acceptance is miles ahead with Envision A Smile. For more information, call (877) 841-1122 or visit envisionasmile.com.

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 special advisor of First Impressions and Buyers’ Guides for Dentistry Today. He is the author or co-author of 11 textbooks, more than 600 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.