Joseph Blaes, DDS
Pearl 1 - Prodigy Condensible by Kerr. This is Kerr`s entry into the new "packable composite" market. Most of the packables now on the market have increased the particle size in order to achieve the resistance necessary to make it a packable. The current debate is whether these large particles cause shrinkage. In my practice, I have not detected any shrinkage of the packable materials.
Kerr has found a way to incorporate packability without increasing the size of the filler particles. Prodigy Condensible uses the same technology found in Prodigy and Herculite HRV hybrids. They have placed a unique additive in the resin that makes it packable. Since the particle size is not increased, Kerr is able to pack the material in a compule or unidose tip. This makes it much more convenient to dispense. A little more hand pressure on the dispensing gun is required, but it works well. It also is sculptable so that you can carve the material before curing it. Prodigy Condensible polishes nicely, and, with a good shade selection, it will give you a very esthetic result. This is a good addition to the packable market. You can order from your dealer or call Kerr at (800) KERR-123.
Pearl 2 - DASH Gloves by DASH Medical Gloves. This latex-glove manufacturer is doing something about the allergies that many health-care workers experience. New processing dramatically reduces chemical irritants and lowers the latex protein. DASH offers powder-free latex gloves, lightly powdered latex gloves, and a latex-free synthetic glove. They offer a broad range of glove sizes for a comfortable fit. My hygienist was having some skin-rash problems and switched to these gloves. Her rash has since cleared up and has not reappeared. If you are having problems, try this line of gloves. Call DASH at (800) 523-2055 for samples or to order.
Pearl 3 - FluoriCheck Water Analysis Service From Omnii Products. Omnii has introduced the first nationally available, doctor-dispensed fluoride test for determining the fluoride levels in homes. Fluoride supplements no longer can be prescribed based on the broad assumption that the parts per million (ppm) fluoride levels of communal or private water supplies are consistent. Well location and depth, surface water source, water system age and in-home water filters all can lead to varying ppm levels within the same community. There are currently no fluoride-content, food-labeling requirements for any foods or beverages, including bottled water. Dentifrices marketed to children may be increasing the level of unintentional ingestion of therapeutic fluoride levels. All of these factors have been attributed to an increase in the incidence of fluorosis nationwide. Establishing the most important baseline - the ppm fluoride content of a child`s primary drinking water source - can better control this. Until now, the availability of testing services to determine fluoride ppm levels in drinking water have been limited, unpredictable, and inconvenient. The FluoriCheck Water Analysis service eliminates these problems. Easy-to-follow instructions ensure quick and accurate results. Call Omnii at (800) 445-3386 to order or for more information. This could be a great practice-builder!
Pearl 4 - Finesse All-Ceramic From Dentsply/Ceramco. More and more dentists are looking for highly esthetic, metal-free restorations. Ceramco has introduced a new all-ceramic system that utilizes a pressable ceramic core system with innovative low-fusing porcelain. The system has significant clinical advantages, including strength, biocompatability, and marginal integrity. The Finesse low-fusing porcelain gives you the advantages of superior wear characteristics, kindness to the opposing dentition, and chairside polishability. All of this on a beautiful, strong, pressed ceramic core. This is a system you should try. Check with your dental lab or call Ceramco at (800) 487-0100.
Pearl 5 - The Electric Micromotor Handpiece by Bien Air. Wow! What a handpiece! I cannot believe the torque of this new handpiece from Bien Air. This is an electric micromotor-driven handpiece that will accept a number of different speed handpieces. I have used the high-speed handpiece to prepare a number of crowns and have not been able to stop using the handpiece. It cuts quickly through porcelain and nonprecious metal with incredible torque. Enamel cuts quickly away. Crowns preps are quick and simple. The system is very quiet - the high-pitched air rotor scream is gone. Patients don`t miss that scream at all! They are even more pleased by the absence of vibration from the handpiece and bur. I prepped 10 crowns the other day in record time without the usual hand fatigue. The speed range is great - from very slow for fine, precise work to fast for bulk reduction - all with no loss of torque. The control box can be quickly retrofitted to your unit so that you can use your regular foot control and water supply. This is one you need to see to believe. Bien Air is a Swiss-based company with offices around the world. They are the number-two dental handpiece seller in the world. Order from your dealer or call (800) 433-BIEN for more information.
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 (314) 434-6808.
