Fast, easy, and precise

Joseph Blaes, DDS

Pearl No. 1 — BisCover from Bisco. Here is a new product that will make polishing any composite surface faster and easier. For years, the problem with adding another material to the surface of the composite to improve the finish or to give it a "shine" was that the surface would end up "sticky," and it would not give the surface that you wanted for the patient. Now you can give a high-luster finish to all of your composite restorations easier and faster than ever before with the new BisCover. It can be used inside and outside the mouth to finish both temporary and permanent restorations. It can be used on direct and indirect composite restorations as well as acrylic- based appliances. Because of its proprietary chemistry, BisCover cures without any sticky oxygen-inhibited layer. Simply brush it on and light-cure with a conventional halogen curing light to a hard, smooth polished surface.Your patients will rave about how it looks and feels. BisCover has cut the finishing time for temporaries in half!

This is a great product that every dentist needs on the shelf. For more information, visit their Web site at Bisco.com or call (800) 247-3398 to order.

Pearl 2

Pearl No. 2 — Step-Flow® Foot-operated Sink Valve by Step-Flow, Inc. I came across this device at the ADA meeting in New Orleans. I was in the process of installing some new cabinets in the office and was looking for a foot controller for the water. This system has many advantages that make it the best valve of its type. First, it is priced well below competing models. The Step-Flow does not required electricity or batteries to operate. The below-sink installation is simple, does not require a plumber, and it converts any sink to touchless operation. The operation is entirely mechanical, so you do not have to leave the water on. I once had a leak in a solenoid-powered faucet that almost flooded the entire office. Not a nice experience! The Step-Flow provides water only when needed and eliminates cross-contamination from touching faucets and handles. This feature makes operations so much easier when our hands are full.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.stepflow.com, or call 888-783-7356 to order.

Pearl No. 3 — AdheSE® from Ivoclar Vivadent. Check out a new self-etching adhesive — AdheSE from the folks at Ivoclar. AdheSE has a new monomer that resists hydrolysis (a good thing), making it more stable (another good thing). It is different chemically from some of the other self-etch materials. Ivoclar has clinical studies where patients have been seen at one year recall before they entered the market with this product. There are numerous centers in the states and around the world demonstrating consistent results on prepared enamel. Regardless of the test methods, storage or thermocycling, the results are good and consistent (very important). AdheSE is recommended for direct, light-cured restoratives on prepared enamel and dentin. So much for the scientific stuff. It's important — but how does it really work at the chair? I can tell you that I have been using it for the past three months and find it to be easy to dispense (a good thing) and easy to apply (another good thing). According to ongoing testing, AdheSE has high bond strength numbers. For more information, visit the Web site at www.ivoclarvivadent.us.com or call (800) 533-6825.

Pearl 4

Pearl No. 4 — Digital Dentistry by Dr. Thomas K. Hedge. A good friend of mine, Dr Tom Hedge, has put together the ultimate guide to digital photography in the dental office. Dr. Hedge has done all the research for you in this comprehensive guide to using images in your dental practice. There is an extensive array of cameras and software available. Some work very well, and others are not suited to dentistry. Dr. Hedge sorts through the mire and tells you how to use it effectively. If you are confused about which camera to buy, you need to buy this book right away! Buying the right camera is a simple decision based upon how much you want to invest. Dr. Hedge makes all the information easy to understand so you can get the best use of you new camera. He covers the economics of digital photography, the history of digital photography, and digital video. Other chapters cover email newsletters, laboratory communication, imaging and imaging programs, PowerPoint applications and tips, image management, camera reviews and comparisons, camera use, an explanation of digital terms, resolution, storage and memory management, lighting and flash use, studio lighting, armamentarium, and patient management. The book also includes a CD that contains PowerPoint templates for patient presentations and sample presentations, sample images, and health history forms The book is well organized and supported by a newsletter that keeps all the information up-to-date. To order, call (513) 777-7017 or email [email protected].

Pearl No. 5 — Do Your Dentures Suck? A Clinical Video from Aesthetic Porcelain Studios. Here is the solution for extremely resorbed flat ridges when implants are contraindicated because of physiological, psychological, or financial reasons. This is one of the best clinical denture videos that I have seen. Dr. Ian Shuman describes several different clinical denture techniques from relining to starting from scratch. His techniques are simple and concise, allowing for a system that is repeatable over and over. The video is worth the price just for the denture technique information, but an added bonus is the amazing EZ Suctioncup' Denture System. Thirty years of research and development have proven the effectiveness of the new, simplified technique for enhancing the retention and stability of upper and lower dentures. A simple process, a new or existing denture is lined with a large number of tiny suction cups. Made from a special silicone material, the cups will adhere to the soft tissue without adhesives or irritation. For more information or to order this video, call David Block at Aesthetic Porcelain Studios at (800) 544-9605 or visit the Web site at www.aestheticporcelain.com.

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." Dr. Blaes is a member of the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration. He may be reached at [email protected].