Joseph Blaes, DDS
Pearl 1 - Autoclavable Aluminum Bur Blocks From Brasseler USA. My clinical team tends to dislike the bur and diamond systems that I get from Brasseler, because they have a hard time remembering what diamonds and burs should be returned to which bur blocks after a procedure. They either have to ask me (I am usually no help) or they have to look in the catalog to compare the number with the shape. This really slows up the sterilization procedure and makes the team like the idea of disposable diamonds. Well, Brasseler is always trying to help dentists and their clinical teams by providing better products. Brasseler uses lasers to etch their bur blocks. It is an amazing process to watch at their factory in Savannah, Ga. Since they were already laser-etching the numbers on the blocks, the solution was to begin to etch the shape of the burs and diamonds on the blocks. Now all the team has to do is match up the shapes, and the burs and diamonds are quickly returned to their proper places. All new kits have this new etching. In a few months, you will be able to get customized laser-etched bur blocks for your own special selection of burs and diamonds. You can choose from a great variety of sizes and number of slots. Thanks, Brasseler, for another great solution! To order, see your local representative or call Brasseler at (800) 841-4522.
Pearl 2 - The Zaris™ Professional Tooth Whitening System by 3M™. Just when you thought that no other company could bring out another bleaching system, 3M introduces a new, innovative system. The innovative part of this system is in the fabrication of the bleaching trays. Without a doubt, the best way to start a bleaching case is to deliver the trays and bleach the same day that the patient decides to do it. But, most of the time, impressions are made and the patient must return at a later date to receive the bleaching trays and begin treatment. The biggest problem has not been taking the impressions or pouring models, but painting the teeth with block-out resin and then curing the resin before making the bleaching tray. What if you could skip this step? 3M`s Zaris System allows you to do just that. 3M has come up with a unique peel-and-stick gel retention insert that replaces time-consuming block-out resin. This material has a patented microreplicated surface to hold bleaching gel in the tray and against the teeth for faster results. So with new, fast-setting materials to pour the impressions with, the bleaching trays can be made in less than 15 minutes. The kits include easy-to-follow directions for quickly fabricating the bleaching trays. The trays were comfortable in my mouth and the syringes of bleaching gel were easy to use. Everything you need is supplied in a convenient kit form. 3M has a convenient two-syringe touch-up kit to help patients maintain the great results. Also included are some great, free education materials. A clever smile-catching mirror is included so that patients can actually get a look at their teeth when no one else is looking. I liked the mint flavor of the gel and the good fit of the bleaching tray. If you are doing a lot of bleaching in the office, this could save you a lot of time in the process of making the trays. Faster, better, easier. To order, contact your authorized 3M Dental distributor. For more information, visit w
Pearl 3 - Intraoral Camera Mirror Attachment by Polaroid. This is an FYI for those who have bought the Polaroid Macro 5 SLR or Polaroid Macro 3 SLR cameras. Polaroid now offers an Intraoral Dental Photography kit that retrofits these cameras, making them even more valuable in the dental treatment room. The mirrors attach to the front of the cameras so you can take perfect photos without anyone`s help. The Polaroid Macro 5 SLR was a great camera before now, but with the addition of the mirrors, it is an excellent camera. If you want to enhance your cosmetic practice, call Polaroid immediately at (800) 662-8337, ext. H012, and find out where to buy one of these cameras! Or just call Photomed at (800) 998-7765 and they will ship one right out to you.
Pearl 4 - Symmetry Facial Plane Relator by Clinician`s Choice. Peter Jordan has come up with another great product for the restorative practice to use in smile management. When planning an esthetic rehabilitation, it is essential that the midline of the new teeth coincides with the facial midline of the patient. Without something to guide the laboratory, this has often been difficult to achieve. With this new system, it becomes fast and easy! With the Symmetry Facial Plane Relator, the dentist can communicate an accurate measurement of the horizontal plane and the vertical plane for the dental laboratory. In just 60 seconds, the dentist can record an accurate bite registration, as well as the exact relationship of the patient`s facial midline to his horizontal plane. All in one easy step. What a simple idea! For more information, call Clinician`s Choice at (800) 265-3444.
Dr. Blaes has a general practice in the St. Louis area. He is known for his expertise in dental materials and techniques and his innovative systems designs. He writes and lectures on "How To Increase Productivity and Profitability." He may be reached at (573) 686-2388. To purchase these products as well as other recent Pearls, please visit www.dexpo.com.
