Frustrated by years of poor air rotor performance and the frequent need to overhaul or replace the expensive turbines that drive dental drills, Ottawa dentist Derek Turner founded Turner Technology Instruments in 2002. His team has created a triangular shaped bur and matching air-driven turbine to enhance the performance of these dental instruments.

According to the company, the new shape reduces slippage and increases longevity because the turbine and bur now turn in unison.

"That's what really makes it unique and what it does is provide more power and more durability," said TTi CEO and president Jean Castonguay. "To allow the dentists not only increased cutting power but consistent constant cutting power throughout the entire life of the turbine - two years."

Standard drill handsets use a round bur, which is friction grip held. The problem, Mr. Castonguay explained, is that this style is prone to turbine slippage and blockage, which will often go undetected.

"The turbine will continue to turn and that will cause havoc within the turbine, and the turbine will not have a long life."

Modern handsets are also failing dentists due to more stringent sterilization guidelines imposed in the 1990s to reduce incidents of blood-born viruses being transmitted through dental instruments. Repeated sterilization damages the bearings, which causes power to decrease to about 65 per cent before the turbine fails and stops turning.

Mr. Castonguay said the biggest market in the dental industry is instrument repair, therefore suppliers have little inclination to develop improved and longer-lasting products.

"The industry is not doing anything about it because the actual market for repair for handpieces is five times bigger than the handpiece market so there's very little incentive for the industry to change the technology."

TTi recently purchased a repair business - The Handpiece Clinic - to corner both sides of the industry. TTi's subsidiary ProDrive Systems, meanwhile, is developing 12 different models that will retrofit into almost all of their competitors' products.

"When it's sent in for repair, rather than put in a traditional technology turbine, they'll put a ProDrive turbine. It's like putting a better motor in a car," Mr. Castonguay said. "We'll be able to apply our turbine bur technology in about 96 per cent of the handpiece models that are currently in the market." Mr. Castonguay said their triangular bur will be the first and only alternative shape to hit the market. "We have a patent on any form of drive mechanism, whether it's triangular, rectangular, anything where the turbine turns the bur we have a worldwide patent on it."

ProDrive is now testing prototypes. FDA and Health Canada approvals are expected in March, with the product launch scheduled for May. ProDrive says the product has already garnered support from dentists, according to a survey of 125,000 dentists in the U.S.

"The Strategic Dental Marketing (SDM) Survey indicated that 96 per cent of the dentists surveyed said they would try our handpiece and 85 per cent said they would try our replacement turbine," Mr. Castonguay said. Canadian Dental Association president Jack Cottrell said power and durability is primarily what dentists were seeking."We want durability, we're looking for power in order to be able to get the job done, and all of these features that go along with it." Other important innovations include interior fibre optic lights that provide extra illumination at the back of the mouth, quieter drills, and small, strong handpieces that reduce operator fatigue.

Mr. Castonguay said ProDrive is currently negotiating with international players including Meisinger, Ultradent and SS White, who have expressed support and interest in the new product.

"Our principal company, Meisinger Burs, has been around since 1870. They have lots of market information that they've shared with us," he said. "Meisinger is one of the world's leading bur companies and all of our burs are manufactured by them."

The partnership with Meisinger is mutually beneficial. Meisinger is looking to combine technologies because their company specializes in bur tips whereas ProDrive's technology relates to the back end of the bur where the drive mechanism fits into the turbine.

"The long term for them would be to incorporate our back end in their line so they would license our technology for their own purposes and pay us a royalty," Mr. Castonguay said.

Meisinger USA president Alex Miller said ProDrive is in a position to "take a major role and really change the way the dental industry looks at handpieces and burs."

To his knowledge no other company has tried to increase the performance of all handsets on the market. Nor has any company successfully positioned themselves to dominate bur sales by requiring users of upgraded handsets to purchase their own burs.

"There's nobody out there who can compete with them," Mr. Miller said. "Just a proprietary bur by itself wouldn't work, but if you are increasing longevity for a doctor, you're allowing them more productivity ... By giving a long-term relationship with these doctors, you're coming out with a package."

Source: Tina Barton, Special to the Ottawa Business Journal, www.ottawabusinessjournal.com

Posted by DDSGadget at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

3D Systems Corporation, a leading provider of rapid 3-D printing, prototyping and manufacturing solutions, announced that it launched its new dental lab system, the InVision (TM) DP (Dental Professional). 3D Systems expects to begin shipments of its new InVision(TM) DP system during the second quarter of 2006.

The InVision (TM) DP 3-D Printer quickly and efficiently produces castable wax-ups for copings and bridges for up to 16 elements from scans and designs done directly in the dental lab. It provides dental labs with an integrated solution that includes a 3-D Scanner, design software and a customized InVision(TM) 3-D Printer. The system converts digital input data to castable wax-up shapes using a proprietary material designed specifically for dental molding applications.

"We are delighted to be able to deliver to our dental lab customers a revolutionary new rapid manufacturing solution designed to help them improve their bottom line," said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer. "What dental labs need today is the ability to increase their productivity and improve the quality, consistency and delivery of their product to dentists' offices. Our comprehensive, turnkey InVision(TM) DP system solution harnesses our extensive rapid manufacturing experience to enable dental labs to transition smoothly from current legacy techniques to the digital mass customizing age."

With the launch of a system targeted to the dental lab industry, 3D Systems is responding to the growing demand for rapid and affordable dental services. Based on a recent study made by economists at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as reported on Fortune.com, Americans spent $84 billion in 2005 on dental treatments. That figure is expected to grow up to almost 7% annually through 2014, when total outlays are expected to be $147 billion. Currently, dental labs in the United States produce approximately 55 million dental prostheses annually, and with the ever-growing emphasis on improved dental health and cosmetic appearance, this volume is steadily increasing.

"As you may recall, several months ago an independent panel of technicians, in the second annual WOW! issue of the Journal of Dental Technology, named our InVision(TM) 3-D Printer one of the most innovative and ground-breaking technologies for the dental industry. We are very proud of the fact that our InVision(TM) 3-D Printer was named one of 13 impressive technologies because of its significant productivity, accuracy and economy," continued Reichental.

"Of significant importance to our dental lab customers is the fact that our integrated InVision(TM) DP 3-D Printer solution is capable of producing readily castable customized master patterns for 150 individual copings in less than six hours.

"Beyond the dramatic increase in productivity, for the first time our dental lab users can identify fabrication conflicts prior to construction, and the reduction in grain sizes and larger number of grains results in improved internal fit and margin adaptation when compared to conventional dental technologies, attributes that result in enhanced overall patient experience."

About 3D Systems Corporation

3D Systems is a leading provider of rapid 3-D printing, prototyping and manufacturing solutions. Its systems and materials reduce the time and cost of designing products and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing by creating actual parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used for design communication and prototyping as well as for production of functional end-use parts: Transform your products.

More information on the company and its products is available at www.3dsystems.com, or via email at moreinfo@3dsystems.com.

Source: www.tmcnet.com

Posted by DDSGadget at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are all kinds of sectional matrix and ring systems available on the market now.

I have been using a Tofflemire retainer and have not been getting good proximal contact with Class II Composites, especially when they are large. All the matrix-ring systems look the same to me. What success and
problems have you had with dental restorations and what would you recommend for me to get started?

Posted by DDSGadget at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I have seen digital x-rays in my periodontist´s office and in my endodontist´s office. I can see the application for perio and endo.

The periodontist can drill a pilot hole and snap a digital radiograph in seconds to check the angulation and depth. He can also check the proximity of adjacent roots or other anatomical structures. The endodontist can rapidly determine depth of file penetration, other canals, etc. But I wonder about the use of digital x-rays for caries? What is the consensus out there for general practitioners. Are digital x-rays adequate for caries diagnosis?

Posted by DDSGadget at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

How many of you have computers in the operatory? We have one in each room.

Currently we place a sheet of clear plastic over the keyboard. This makes it very difficult to type. Sometimes we cover the keyboard and leave it covered until we finish and then we remove the plastic cover and type our entry. I am just wondering what everybody else is doing, especially in paperless offices.

Posted by DDSGadget at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

  Eliminate the fibrous attachment thru cutting rather than tearing! The NEW Osseous Technologies of America (OTA) Periotomes offer a completely new approach to Atraumatic exodontia. Available in set of 3 periotomes for only $110!
Buy Now!

Posted by DDSGadget at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

3M announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire OMNII Oral Pharmaceuticals, a provider of differentiated preventive dental products, solutions and support for dental professionals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Increasing recognition of the link between oral health and overall health is focusing much more attention on the need for preventive oral health care. As a result, there is growing demand for more and better preventive care solutions.

3M ESPE and OMNII share a commitment to quality dental products, oral health, and bringing the best and most current science to the dental market. "3M is committed to continuing to strengthen and expand its position in the dental industry. Adding OMNII's preventive expertise, products, and capability to educate, will enable us to deliver even more value to dental practices and participate in an exciting and rapidly growing segment," said Tom Engels, division vice president, 3M ESPE.

"3M ESPE's market position, as well as science and technology in the prevention area, combined with our national team of educationally-driven preventive care specialists will have further impact on patient oral health and further enhance their value to dental professionals," said Kevin Thomas, chief executive officer, OMNII Oral Pharmaceuticals.

3M is the second-largest supplier to the dental industry in the world. The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products and services used by dental professionals worldwide to improve oral health. These products are designed to meet restorative, crown and bridge, orthodontic, preventive, infection control, and cosmetic dentistry needs.

OMNII employs approximately 100 people and is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Fla. The transaction is expected to close in April, subject to customary closing conditions.

About OMNII

OMNII Oral Pharmaceuticals - The Preventive Care Specialists

OMNII has brought many firsts to dental professionals including the first unit-dose and white fluoride varnishes, the first line of stannous fluoride brush-on gels and oral rinse concentrate and the first professionally-dispensed tooth whitener. The power of OMNII resides in its educationally driven staff of field sales consultants who deliver timely, informative and scientifically fair and balanced information on the latest preventive care strategies to serve patient needs. The company's focus has made it one of the premier preventive dental care organizations in the United States.

Source: www.genengnews.com/

Posted by DDSGadget at 01:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Any thoughts on JADA's recent articles which discuss the importance of saliva and its potential to be used as a diagnostic tool in dentistry?

Below are some quotes from various researchers:

"Our research team has been working on methods and point-of-care devices that could allow saliva to be used as a diagnostic fluid," said Craig Miller, primary investigator and professor of oral medicine at UK. "Our initial emphasis is on the identification of biomarkers in saliva that will allow us to diagnose periodontal disease. We have made great strides in doing just that, as evident by our recent data published in JADA.

This could impact the practice of dentistry and medicine in the very near future, as health care practitioners use saliva, possibly instead of blood, to diagnose and monitor oral and systemic health. With time and continued research funding, we are hoping to realize portable devices that can diagnose a wide variety of disease conditions using saliva."

In this issue of JADA, which was devoted to studies on the salivary glands, two feature stories and two editorials evaluated the future of saliva as a diagnostics tool. The second feature story was a study from the University of California - Los Angeles, which examines markers in saliva of patients that are correlated with oral cancer.

"Point of Care diagnostics is the holy grail for the health care in the 21st century," said Daniel Malamud, professor at New York University, in his guest editorial, "Salivary Diagnostics: the Future is Now," also appearing in the March 2006 issue of JADA. "Within the discipline of POC diagnostics the use of saliva and other oral samples as the source of biomarkers is particularly appealing since their collection is relatively noninvasive and well-tolerated by the patient."

Source: MedicalNewsToday.com

Posted by DDSGadget at 02:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Lingualcare, Inc. announced that it will be presenting atthe Medtech Insight and Windhover Information's "Investment In Innovation (In3) WEST: A Preview of Early-Stage Medical Technology Companies" Conference, Feb. 23-24, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine in Irvine. Lingualcare is the developer of iBraces, the only 100-percent customized, invisible braces for orthodontic treatment of adolescents and adults. iBraces are placed behind the teeth and have each patient's unique prescription built into the braces to deliver efficient, effective treatment.

"Lingualcare is pleased to participate in the Investment In Innovation Conference and excited by the opportunity to introduce our company to leading investors and strategic partners from across the country," said Lea Nesbit, Lingualcare CEO. "Orthodontics is a $12 billion fee-for-service healthcare segment, and there is a tremendous opportunity for products like iBraces that combine great aesthetics, patient comfort and excellent treatment results. We are looking for an investment partner who will share our passion and commitment to improving the patient experience."

More than 3 million adolescents and adults seek orthodontic treatment each year. A recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 99.7% of adults believe that an attractive smile is an important social asset and that 74% of adults believe that an unattractive smile can hurt your chance of career success. The same survey found that 50% are currently unhappy with their smile. For those reasons, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment.

"There is an untapped market of adult as well as teen patients who desire corrective orthodontic therapy but will not initiate due to the unsightly appearance of orthodontic appliances," said Dr. Neil Warshawsky, an orthodontist practicing in Chicago. "iBraces transcend this barrier by not only treating these patients in comfortable, cosmetic appliances, but they do it in a manner that people do not even know that it is occurring."

"The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that 75 million Americans could benefit from orthodontic treatment," said Nesbit. "We believe that there are millions of adults who would like to have straight teeth but who will not wear braces. iBraces give orthodontists a new tool to grow their practices and reach a whole new group of patients."

"Almost every person we treat with iBraces will refer not 1 but 2 patients in as a result of their experience, and that is before the cases are even completed. As an orthodontist, this excites me as I know this sets me apart and gives our practice huge potential for future growth," added Warshawsky.

Posted by DDSGadget at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have heard both sides of the story on Cerec III.

Some of my colleagues love it and some are getting rid of it. I was dissatisfied with the marginal fit from Cerec I. Are any of you using Cerec III and what kinds of success are you having? Do you find there are marginal gaps? Are the proximal contacts satisfactory?

Posted by DDSGadget at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This may sound really naive but with all the different options out there for curing composite I can´t figure out which light to buy.

I have heard speakers recommend halogen lights, lasers, LED lights and so on. I have heard about soft, slow cure and fast cures with lasers. I don’t know what to believe. What are you all using and what do you recommend?

Posted by DDSGadget at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)