Joseph Blaes, DDS
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Flexi Wedge by Garrison Dental Solutions. A wedge is a wedge is a wedge is a wedge. There has not been anything new in wedges for years. Oh, sure, wedges are made from hard maple and wedges are made of balsa wood, and everything in between. They come in all sizes and shapes, but nothing new. Leave it to the Garrisons to come up with something new. Two of the Garrisons are dentists, so they have their own testing lab. For as long as I can remember, wedges have not been kind to interproximal gingival tissues. Many times, I have had to control hemorrhage after placing or removing a wedge. The Flexi Wedge is designed to solve this problem. It is made of a strong, pliable elastic material with a unique "hollowed out" design that allows for space of the gingival tissues. This design also puts more pressure on the teeth, and the forces are directed more toward separation. The Flexi Wedge`s unique material causes the wedge to expand into concavities as you put pressure on it. It is the only wedge available with a graduated side depth for a superior fit to a patient`s true anatomy. When you have one of those deep boxes, this wedge will reach deeper without diversion from the buccal or lingual papilla. You simply get a better cervical seal with Flexi Wedge, because it conforms to a multitude of root forms and irregularities; saliva and blood are prevented from seeping into the preparation. Seepage prevention is crucial when using composite materials and is also highly desirable with amalgam restorations. One last thing: they have put directional retentive wings to prevent the Flexi Wedge from backing out. This is a great product that we have needed for a long time. To order, call (888) 437-0032, or order online at www.garrisondental.com.
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The Honigum MixStar System by Zenith. For those of you who like using a ma-chine to dispense your impression material, Zenith has moved to the next le-vel with its new products. MixStar provides hands-free mixing and dispensing of impression materials. (Be sure to get the optional foot control.) Only MixStar has an exclusive cartridge delivery system. The impression material comes in its own throw-away cartridge, so it eliminates the mess commonly associated with mixing machines. According to Zenith, Honigum (where do they get these names?) is a brand-new, patented formulation that is unlike any impression material you have tried. I can tell you from experience that it does have a different feel. It comes in a MixStar Honigum Heavy (tray material), MixStar Honigum Mono (medium material for tray and intraoral), and Honigum Light (cartridge material for intraoral use). The light-bodied cartridge material flows very well but does not slump or drip off of the teeth. If you prefer a mono system, the Honigum works very well. The heavy tray material has a high viscosity that flows extremely well. My impressions with this new material have been excellent. The material sets quickly (saves time) and, even though it is heavy-bodied, it is easily removed from the mouth. The new generation of impression materials has all the advantages of a vinyl polysiloxane and the flowability and accuracy of a polyether. The bagless cartridge delivery system for the mixing machine is great. If you already have a mixing machine, this new cartridge will fit. This is one you need to see to believe. Order Honigum from your dealer, who has a number of different ways that you can get a MixStar free!
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." Dr. Blaes is a member of the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration. He may be reached at (573) 686-2388.
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