In "Pearls for Your Practice" by Dr. Joseph A. Blaes in your August issue, concerning the Microbrush, the author is misinformed and misguided. Dr. Blaes` statement that "someone finally invented a good alternative to the bristle brushes we have been using all these years to place materials onto teeth" is incorrect. Microbrush is not the inventor, but the imitator of the original applicator, the Denbur Multi-Brush.
The development of Multi-Brush is a result of many years of research at the Center for Dental Technology and Biomaterials, Karolinska Institute, in Sweden. In 1989, Denbur introduced the Multi-Brush to its customers and to the U.S. market.
Imitators hit the marketplace in 1993 and 1994, even imitating the blue color of the Denbur Multi-Brush in 1995. The differences between the Denbur Multi-Brush and the look-alikes are noteworthy. They start with the plastic used in the handle and the neck of the Multi-Brush, which allows the user to bend both parts to any angle without rebound or memory. To have rebound on the handle prevents the user from having total control over the application.
The tuft on the head of the Multi-Brush, as well as the tapered point of the head, is, by design, small. This will enable the user not only to save materials, but also to penetrate into and inbetween any areas.
A copy of a recent study comparing the products, full information on Multi-Brush, samples, as well as other published references about this issue, all are available by calling (800) 992-1399.
Fari Maissami, PhD
President, Denbur, Inc.
Editor`s Note: While the applicators may be similar, Microbrush does hold a patent for its device. Therefore the term "invented," was not inappropriate. Dr. Blaes reports the "hands-on" experience in his dental practice, with the products highlighted in Pearls for Your Practice. There is no attempt to identify all similar products, nor to compare competing products.
