In the market for magnification?

Joseph Blaes, DDS

Pearl 1 - Prismatic Loupes by Orascoptic Research. Now, we have more power from the folks at Orascoptic. These new loupes are available in 3.8 times, 4.3 times, and 4.8 times magnification. They are the TTL ("through-the-lens") type of loupes designed to provide a large field, bright optics, and exceptional resolution. The frames are made of titanium for strength and are lightweight. The high-powered lens has an adjustment that allows you to set the distance you like to work from perfectly. This is really great because you don`t have to move your body back and forth to find the working distance set for the glasses. In the past, if the person measuring you for the magnifiers did not measure the working distance correctly, then you had some stress problems moving your body into position. The loupes are lightweight and do not seem heavy on the nose. The magnification is fantastic. Now, you can really see the margins on those crown preps! The Zeon Illuminator fits these loupes and provides great lighting exactly where you need it. I do not use fiber-optic handpieces any longer because the lighting is so much better with the Zeon. If you are in the market for magnification (and you should be if you don`t have any), then go see the folks at Orascoptic. You can try the glass risk-free - what have you got to lose? Call them at (800) 369-3698 today!

Pearl 2 - The Bora High-Speed Handpiece by Bien Air. This is a Swiss handpiece company that you probably have not heard of before. But you should be aware of it because it makes excellent handpieces in all sizes and shapes. I was introduced to this handpiece at the California meeting in Anaheim in April and have been using it since then. I am very impressed. The handpiece has held up well after multiple sterilizations, and the push-button bur changer works well. The handpiece system comes with a quick-release coupling that allows it to rotate 360 degrees and is compatible with all the Bien Air motors. A new air hose system allows exhaust air to be channeled away from the patient and operator. The fiber optics is a double glass rod system that seems to be holding up well. Are you tired of replacing handpiece bearings? Then try the Bien Air GYRO air-bearing handpiece. This revolutionary handpiece does not have any bearings - nothing to wear out! The very first handpiece I had was an air-bearing by Encore. The firm went out of business, or I would still be using that handpiece. Bien Air has improved on the Encore design, providing a number of new advancements. It requires no greasing or any other kind of lubrication, so it is great for your cosmetic cases. It does require a learning curve on cutting with it because you can stall it out easier, but that is not a great problem. Take a look at this one - think of all the time and money you would save on bearing replacements! Bien Air also has a great electric handpiece that we are just beginning to look at - more on that later. This is a solid company with many innovative products. Be sure to check it out. For more information, call Bien Air at (800) 433-BIEN.

Pearl 3 - Shorter-Than-Short and New Finishing Strips From Brasseler. I picked up both of these products at the ADA meeting in San Francisco and both are showstoppers. Shorter-Than-Short is a new system of diamonds that have a shank that is shorter than the standard short-shank burs. Many times, I have wished for a little less shank on a bur with a young child or an adult with severely limited opening. In fact, there were even times when I would cut off the shank with a "joe dandy" disc, but that did not work very well. Now, Brassel-er has solved that problem with these new diamonds that are designed to be used in our small-head handpieces and come in a number of standard shapes and grits. Everyone should have one of these sets on the shelf. You never know when you will need it, and you certainly will be thankful when that unusual case comes in. So order a kit now. The other showstopper is a new Diamond Finishing Strip that is cleverly designed with holes in it. I assume that the idea came from the highly successful Vision Flex, the see-through diamond discs. The strips are very thin and the holes make them self-cleaning. With regular diamond finishing strips, debris tends to build up and clog the diamonds, making them less efficient. The strip also gets thicker and harder to handle. This problem is solved with this new strip. It is quick-cutting and easy to work with in a tight contact area, which is where I generally have a lot of problems. The holes also allow better vision of the filling or tooth you are shaping with the strip. This has already made a number of procedures easier and quicker. You need to call Brasseler at (800) 841-4522 and order some right away!

Pearl 4 - Accu-Prep Deluxe by Bisco. I know what you are thinking: I already have a sandblaster. But this one is different! It will operate at only 40 psi. And it features a springless, air-activated on/ off button for ease of cleaning. It is constructed of stainless steel, so it keeps looking great. It is designed to mechanically enhance bond strength to porcelain, cast alloys, amalgams, and composites. If you are doing any cosmetic dentistry, you need one of these. The nozzle rotates 360 degrees for access to intraoral and extraoral surfaces. Now comes the best part, Bisco has made this with a quick-disconnect that allows the entire unit to be autoclaved. Call Bisco at (800) BIS-DENT for more information about Accu-Prep Deluxe.

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.