Pearls for your Practice

by Joe Blaes, DDS

Composi-Tight 3D XR™ Sectional Matrix System

from Garrison Dental Solutions.

Placing composite class II restorations with anatomically shaped contact has become easier, faster, and better with this new matrix system. When I decided to quit using amalgam, one of the major problems was contacts. I thought I was doing well until I took a post-op radiograph and found that I had contact only at the marginal ridge. My restorations lacked the broad, wide contact of natural teeth. In order to get better contacts, I began doing mostly porcelain and resin inlays. While this was a good solution, it was more time consuming for me and more expensive for my patients. I remember meeting Dr. Edgar Garrison at the 1997 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, where he was exhibiting his new matrix systems that promised to provide better and more anatomical contacts. I tried them and became a disciple of the product. Ed and I became good friends over the years. Today, his sons, Dr. John (who still has a full-time dental practice) and Tom, keep improving the Sectional Matrix System. This latest system makes improvements on the original Composi-Tight 3D system. The tenacious grip, along with enhanced Soft Face™ technology and Dynamic Tip Angle™, make the new Composi-Tight 3D XR system the best choice for class II restorative procedures. If you do composite restorations, I am sure you have experienced a matrix ring springing off the tooth. In the early years, this was a daily occurrence. The new XR system eliminates ring "spring-off" on short, malpositioned, or pedodontic teeth. It also significantly improves retention between the canine and the first bicuspid. Three-dimensionally contoured tips with Soft Face™ adaptable silicone hug the matrix band to the tooth. Flash is virtually eliminated, greatly reducing finishing time and improving the quality of the contacts. This ensures long-time success of the restoration. The slotted bottom fits directly over the wedge, simplifying placement and allowing for wedge adjustment. I encourage you to buy a complete set, which includes accessories such as the ring placement forceps. They are designed to give a strong, positive grip that puts you in control. Don't make the mistake I did by using a regular rubber dam clamp forceps because they simply do not work for placing sectional matrix rings. Only Garrison Ring Placement Forceps are designed to provide the control you need to simplify ring placement. They also will open the rings wider for easier placement over large molars. I encourage you to check out the Composi-Tight 3D XR Sectional Matrix System, designed by dentists for dentists. Everything you order from Garrison Dental Solutions is backed by its risk-free, six-month, money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with a product, return the unused portions and the company will issue a refund.

For more information, call (888) 437-0032 or visit www.garrisondental.com to order.

To have Dr. Joe Blaes present his lecture, "Pearls For Your Practice®," for your study group or dental society, please call (866) 274-4500.

TPH® Spectra™ Composite

from DENTSPLY Caulk.

When I try a new composite, I look, as I am sure you do, for a number of qualities. Without a doubt, the first is how it reacts when you use it to build a restoration. Does it stick to the instrument? Is it easy to place with an instrument? Does it do the things that you

expect of a composite material? This one claims it has preferred handling because it is available in a high and a low viscosity. You will find that this composite will work just the way you want it to, whether you like to pack and sculpt or spread and flow. You make the decision. You might even want to combine the two and use them at different stages of the restoration. The next claim of this composite is rather difficult to prove. Caulk claims that the TPH Spectra resists staining. I think much of this depends on how well the clinician finishes and polishes the composite. But the company has done a study and proved that red wine does not stain the composite; however, the TPH composites have been around for more than 20 years and have developed quite a heritage in the dental industry and with dentists. What this means to practicing dentists is that we can trust that this composite will have the same great performance and physical properties that we have come to expect from the TPH Composite brand. The other item I look for is simplicity in the shades of the composite. If I have to do much blending to get the desired shade, then I have wasted time. In today's economy, I need to get things done faster, better, and easier. I can tell you that TPH Spectra is introducing a simplified shading with seven of the most essential shades to cover the entire VITA® shade range. This provides a chameleon effect that defies detection for a lifelike restoration. Add to this excellent polishing with the DENTSPLY Caulk polishing systems and radiopaque composite that is easily distinguishable on an X-ray, and you have a composite line that you need to consider.

For more information, call (800) LDCAULK (532-2855) or visit www.tphspectra.com.

NUPRO® White Varnish

We have all come to know NUPRO as Pioneers in Protection™. This new product delivers rapid fluoride release in a uniquely formulated varnish for hypersensitivity relief. NUPRO White Varnish claims to release seven times more 5% sodium fluoride than its competitors over a two-hour period. A much shorter wear time is required for this new product, which will please patients. This product has been designed for easy handling and application. It can be applied to a wet tooth surface, which eliminates often painful drying of the tooth surface. It is uniquely formulated to minimize clumping of the material and has no annoying dripping or stringing. The product is easy to see during application and it sets to a clear finish, which patients like. NUPRO White Varnish spreads easily on teeth, leaving a uniform layer of the material. The packaging handling options take advantage of NUPRO’s unique snap-on prophy grip that can be held between the fingers, or it can rest on its base on a tray. NUPRO White Varnish comes in grape and raspberry flavors.

For more information or to request samples, call 800-989-8826, visit www.nuprovarnish.com, or email [email protected]. My hygienist, Karen, enjoys the convenience of this product.

FlexCare Platinum Power Toothbrush

from Philips Sonicare

Contact your Sonicare representative to set up a demonstration or to buy a specially priced trial, unit or visit www.philipsoralhealthcare.com for more information.

iProphy Air

from NSK Dental

is a new air-driven prophylaxsis motor. The good news is that the attached nose cone will accept any disposable prophy angle, so you can continue to use your favorite prophy angle with the iProphy Air. The new ergonomic design from NSK has reduced the weight of the unit considerably, and has also reduced the length of the handpiece. This weight and length reduction should be a great help to

the health of the hygienist by giving him or her a handpiece that has better balance, which will reduce the muscle and joint pain that hygienists so often experience. The iProphy Air swivels at your fingertips, providing excellent maneuverability during polishing procedures. The hygienist will find that the unit is slimmer than some others, giving it a much better feel overall. NSK ultra-precision micro machining technology has been applied to all parts of iProphy Air, which remarkably reduces vibration and noise to the lowest level. Hygienist and patient comfort will be greatly enhanced with the iProphy Air’s virtually silent operation. The iProphy Air will work with all standard plastic and metal angles and connect directly to all four-hole tubing. The nosecone conveniently separates from the motor. The bottom line is that this slim, short, and lightweight handpiece provides good balance and less fatigue for the dental hygienist.

Visit www.nskdental.us or call 888-675-1675 for more information.

Schick 33

from Sirona Dental

For a free in-office demonstration, call your local Patterson representative, your local Patterson branch, or 800-873-7683.