Hygiene Pearls For Your Practice

Joe Blaes, DDS

IBarrier™ Disposable Sleeves

from Crosstex.

In this age of digital dentistry, it is occasionally difficult to follow the necessary infection control guidelines in our offices. There has been a recent increase in the use of iPads and other tablet computers in the dental treatment rooms. One of the products saving our technology from contamination has been plastic barriers that can be easily used and discarded. Now, thanks to Crosstex, a leader in barrier protection, you can reduce the risk of cross-contamination with the iBarrier, a single-use, touch-sensitive barrier sleeve for tablet computers. Tablets are now being used in dentistry for a variety of patient information and their use is expanding day by day. They have a frequently used surface that presents a new risk for cross-contamination caused by touch, airborne aerosols, splash, and spatter. The iBarrier is easy to use - just slip the tablet into the sleeve, peel off the protective seal strip, and seal the sleeve closed for tight custom fit. This also protects the tablet from damage by water or other fluids. The touch-sensitive material does not impede the operation of the tablet. This is great protection for patients and the team.

Order iBarrier from your dealer or visit www.crosstex.com for more information.

Waterpik® Water Flosser For Kids

This unique unit has been designed for users over six years of age. It is uniquely sized for kids' hands so it is easy for them to use. The Water Flosser For Kids has an extra-safe, kid-proof electrical system and a simple pressure control for easy operation. The reservoir holds 60 seconds of water and can also be used as a lid for the unit, providing hygienic storage. It comes with two unique tips, has a two-year warranty, and comes with 20 fun, removable cling decals for decorating the reservoir. The Waterpik® Water Flosser For Kids has been proven to be five times better than brushing alone at removing food particles and plaque from around orthodontic braces with the orthodontic tip.

Go towww.waterpik.com for more information.

DiamondClean™

from Philips Sonicare™.

It seems to me that people are always asking for a power tooth brush that does more. I had a patient tell me the other day that she wanted a power brush that whitened her teeth. A few months ago, I would have laughed and said nobody makes one. Philips to the rescue! I now have an alternative power brush to recommend for whitening teeth and a lot more. The Sonicare DiamondClean is the latest innovation that takes power toothbrushing to its most sophisticated level yet. In addition to its stylish, first-of-its-kind charging glass, Sonicare DiamondClean has unique features to improve gum health in just two weeks and whiten teeth in just one week versus a manual toothbrush. The uniquely designed brush head is the first great feature - it has 44% more bristles (each bristle tip is diamond shaped) than the previous standard sized ProResults brush head, providing superior plaque removal and whiter teeth. The power handle features illuminated brushing modes that are selected by scrolling down with one button. There are five brushing modes: Clean - for a whole mouth two-minute clean; White - removes surface stains to whiten teeth; Polish - brightens and polishes teeth to bring out the natural brilliance; Gum Care - gently cleans and stimulates gingival tissues for three minutes; Sensitive - extra gentle for sensitive teeth. The brush is recharged by induction while resting in its glass or through its hard travel case via a USB port connected to your laptop. I can tell you from my own experience that this is one powerful brush!

Visit sonicare.philips.com for more information.

Sheer White!™

by CAO Group Inc is the latest advancement in the whitening market.

I came across this product at the Greater New York Meeting and was fascinated by the delivery system. I tried one of the whitening films at their booth even though my teeth are covered by porcelain because I wanted to test the delivery system. This one is different. It goes on easily because it is sticky. You apply the film to the facials of the teeth slightly covering the gingival tissue; then you fold Sheer White! over the incisal onto the lingual of the teeth. The film seals tightly to teeth and gums to keep 20% carbamide peroxide gel against the teeth. The gel does not run down the throat as it does with trays. It stays where it is placed and it whitens fast. It can be worn for two hours or even overnight, and the longer wear time means faster whitening. This product does not require an impression; there are no models to pour and no trays to make. It is easy to teach your patients how to use Sheer White! and they will prefer it over trays or strips. Because the film fits so tightly and is so comfortable, they can speak normally with no lisping or drooling. It tastes good too! They can even have a drink while wearing it. Because patients are comfortable, they are more compliant with finishing their whitening and they get faster results. Whitening results are similar to that with trays - except no trays are required! Patients A2 or lighter usually require one patient kit; patients A3 or darker may require more (just like with syringes). If your patients require touch-up treatment, what could be easier than Sheer White! It is a very comfortable whitening system and it is also a great value. When it is compared to other professional products, it can be less expensive to dispense, and when you consider the costs of taking an impression, pouring and trimming a model, fabricating a tray, and your extra chair time - it is no contest!

To request a FREE sample of Sheer White!, call 1.877.236.4495 or email [email protected]. It is available through Henry Schein Dental by calling (800) 372-4346 to order.

GUM® Proxabrush® Go-Betweens® Cleaners

from SUNSTAR.

SUNSTAR introduces a great new design for the ever popular Proxabrush Go-Betweens Cleaners. This includes a newly designed handle and newly designed bristles that remove up to 25% more plaque. The new Cleaner has triangular shaped bristles that penetrate and remove plaque rather than rolling over it as the old round shaped bristles did. The new handle gives your patients better comfort, control, and grip, making them much easier to use. Patients will be able to clean posterior teeth better with the bendable neck on the new handle. Get this - it stays clean between uses with an antibacterial filament. The Cleaners now have coated wire on all sizes, which include those for tight, moderate, and wide contacts. These are great for your patients that need an interproximal cleaner for teeth with recession or after periodontal surgery. My hygienists have had several of their perio patients use the new Proxabrush Go-Betweens Cleaners with great success. I find that the patients are more successful with the Cleaners if they receive training from the hygienist in the office.