February 2026 Pearls for Your Practice

DTX Studio by Dexis

Music streaming services have spoiled me. I want what I want, and I want it right away. If I feel like listening to Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” (yes, the 10-minute version) and then immediately pivoting to “Shake It Off,” I can do that in seconds. No waiting, no hassle; just tap and it’s there. That kind of instant access has trained me to expect speed and convenience in other parts of my life too.

That is exactly how I feel about surgical guides. The last thing I want is to wait around for a lab to design something for me. I know what I want, I know the case in front of me, and I want the ability to design it quickly so I can move forward with confidence. DTX Studio Clinic is the software that makes that possible.

DTX Studio brings together all the imaging we already capture in practice into one cohesive platform. CBCT scans, intraoral scans, 2D images, photography, and even facial scans, all live in one place. Instead of bouncing between programs or exporting files back and forth, everything integrates smoothly. For implant planning this is critical. You can drop in your scan data, align it with the intraoral scan, and design your surgical guide in a streamlined way that keeps the entire workflow inside one system.

The software also has smart automation that speeds up design. It does a lot of the heavy lifting for you when it comes to aligning and segmenting scans. That saves time, but it also cuts down on errors. The end result is a guide you can trust, without the frustration of starting over because something did not line up right.

What really sets it apart for me is how approachable it feels. I am not a lab technician. I do not want to spend hours tinkering with complicated design software. DTX Studio has an intuitive interface that makes guide design straightforward. It feels less like I am fumbling my way through CAD software and more like I am simply walking through logical steps.

Once designed, guides can be exported and printed directly on our 3D printer. That means same-day or next-day solutions are realistic, not aspirational. It lets us provide patients with precision implant placement and the peace of mind that comes with guided surgery, without bogging down our schedule waiting for a lab turnaround.

The impact on my workflow has been huge. My associate, who loves using guides for implant placement, can now design what he needs on the spot. There is no delay, no waiting, no pebble in the shoe of his day. He just sets it up in DTX Studio, sends it to print, and has exactly what he needs. It is confidence, efficiency, and independence all rolled into one.

Just like streaming services give me every song I want whenever I want it, DTX Studio gives me the surgical guide workflow I need on demand. And that kind of access changes everything.

Smash drive triple over third base for DTX Studio.

VivaDent Polishing Paste by Ivoclar

I am picky about which car wash I take my car to. A lot of them use harsh brushes or low-quality cloths that leave little scratches in the paint. I want my car to look good for as long as possible, so I only go to places that are hand wash and brushless. Protecting the finish makes all the difference.

I think we should treat our ceramics in the same way. Veneers, crowns, onlays … they all need to be cleaned and polished with the same kind of care and thought if we want them to look great for the long haul.

That’s why I like VivaDent Polishing Paste from Ivoclar. It is designed to polish effectively while still being gentle, leaving ceramic surfaces looking great without introducing microscratches or dullness. Just like a good car wash, it gets the job done but respects the surface it is working on.

The paste is smooth, consistent, and easy to use. It adheres well to the teeth and polishing instruments and then rinses away cleanly when you are done. It is not messy and it does not splatter everywhere, which means less cleanup and better visibility during the appointment.

One of the strengths of VivaDent Polishing Paste is that it comes in different grits, so you can select the right one for the situation. For more sensitive restorations or when you are just looking to maintain gloss, the fine grit works perfectly. For tougher stains or areas that need more attention, the coarser option is available. Having those choices lets you be deliberate about the finish rather than just taking a
one-size-fits-all approach.

It works on more than just ceramics too. You can use it on natural teeth, composites, and even titanium surfaces without worrying about causing damage. That versatility makes it a great all-around polish for hygiene visits, recall appointments, or restorative finishing. And because it maintains the gloss of ceramics, it helps restorations resist stain and stay esthetic for longer.

In our practice, it has been a reliable tool that delivers consistent results. It keeps our ceramic work looking sharp and helps us avoid the pitfalls of overpolishing with abrasive or poorly made pastes. Just like avoiding the wrong car wash keeps a car’s finish intact, choosing the right polishing paste protects and extends the life of the work we put so much effort into delivering.

VivaDent Polishing Paste is one of those little upgrades that pays off in the long run. It respects the surface, delivers a high-quality shine, and keeps restorations looking the way they should.

Looping single over second base for Ivoclar. 

Editor's note: This article appeared in the February 2026 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.