Joseph Blaes, DDS
Pearl #1 - The RAPTOR System by Bisco (Figure 1). This is a great, new system for finishing posterior composite resins, and it is especially applicable to those who like a lot of anatomy in their composite resins. RAPTOR stands for Rapid Adapting Precision Transformer for Occlusal Resins, a system designed by a dentist, Dr. Patrick Roetzer. Thanks, Pat, for a great time-saver. He took his design from the popular amalgam finisher, the Acorn
Burnisher. I found that, in my hands, the RAPTOR system saves about half the time that I normally would spend adjusting and polishing posterior composites. The burs feature angulations and planes that quickly establish proper occlusal anatomy and get pretty close to proper occlusion. The RAPTOR is designed to be simple and stable. It will not "walk" on you the way other burs do. Final finishing is done with a specially designed, 30-flute safe tip "Christmas Tree," together with some other needle and egg-shaped burs. The safe tip prevents gouging of the tooth structure. The assortment kit comes with two sizes of the RAPTOR, one for molars and one for premolars, and the rest of the burs in an autoclavable bur block with a protective cover. This one definitely is faster, easier and better. Call Bisco at (800) BIS-DENT to order. Ask for the technique video; it will help you get started.
Pearl #2 - The Reveal Intraoral Camera by Welch Allyn (Figure 2). As part of a swing through upper New York State, I visited the Welch Allyn Company this summer. What an experience! I toured the factory and watched in amazement as they built an intraoral camera from scratch. They don`t use a Panasonic or Toshiba camera and then disguise it as their own. They actually build their own camera! They make their own fiber-optic bundle (a process that Welch Allyn has done for years for their medical products). "So what?" you say! So, this camera is like no other on the market. Next time you are at a show, check it out. I have been using an intraoral camera for eight years now and have used many brands, but this one is different. This camera produces images like no other. Welch Allyn has been in the image business on the medical side for years. The camera plugs into a "box," so it is portable. Welch Allyn has made several changes in the camera, but the new and improved one still plugs into the same "box." New and improved does not mean that your old one is obsolete. The R&D people at Welch Allyn have several new items that will plug into the same "box." How about an RVG system? How about a headlight for your glasses? They have both of these waiting for approval, and the price will amaze you. The Reveal Intraoral Camera is sold exclusively by Patterson Dental. Welch Allyn made that arrangement so that service could be done in your office by a qualified technician. So, contact your Patterson dealer for more information or to order.
Pearl #3 - Dentists: An Endangered Species by Dr. Paul Homoly. If you have been a reader for any length of time, you know that I do not recommend many books. I was on a long flight to Portland, Oregon, this summer and read what I consider to be a "must-read" for dentists who want a practice model that will allow them to survive and thrive in dentistry. I have heard Dr. Paul Homoly speak and know that his technical expertise and his marketing skills always were way ahead of the pack. I always have believed in the value of relationship-building in my practice. In his book, Dr. Homoly writes that the greatest values in dentistry are found within relationships, not restorations. This is a book for doctor and staff. You can buy just the book or you can take advantage of what I consider to be a great package offer. The package includes the book; a studio-produced, three-hour audio program that reinforces the book and includes staff training; and a computer disk that contains all the forms that you will need to get going. You can order this series from PennWell Books at (800) 752-9764 or directly from Dr. Homoly at (800) 294-9370. Don`t miss this opportunity to move your practice to the next level!
Pearl #4 - Composi-Tight by Garrison Dental Solutions, Inc. (Figure 3). The biggest problem that composite-users have faced from the beginning is tight anatomical contacts. They have been hard to achieve. This is a great, new matrix system created just for composites that solves the problem of contacts. The system consists of small, naturally contoured bands and a G-Ring that fits at the interproximal of the tooth. You place the band and wedge it. Then the G-Ring is placed into the interproximal area with rubber dam forceps. The force of the G-Ring will cause the contact to open slightly by pushing the two teeth away from one another. The result is an anatomically accurate contact at the tooth`s natural height of contour. This is a real forward leap in the use of posterior composite materials. The G-Rings are unique in that they have burnished ends to grip the teeth at the gum line, thus keeping the bands and the G-Rings firmly in place. This ring will not spring loose and fly out of the mouth. With the Composi-Tight System, I am able to achieve a broad contact at the natural height of contour on the tooth. The G-Rings come in two lengths that allow you to do an MOD restoration or multiple restorations in the same quadrant. Dentists who seem to have thought of everything invented this system. If you are doing posterior, two-surface composites, you need the Composi-Tight System. For more information or to order, call (888) 437-0032.
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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.
