The weeks leading up to the 2015 Chicago Midwinter Meeting were eventful, as many companies announced new products and upgrades to products that would be on display at the meeting.
Among the many product announcements made in advance were NuSmile’s BioCem universal bioactive cement, AMD’s Picasso Perio dental laser, the ProJet 3510 DPPro medical 3-D printer from 3D Systems, the Monarch Surface Disinfectant Wipes by Air Techniques, the AirStar 12 and AirStar 40 air compressor systems by Air Techniques, Crest’s Pro-Health [HD] two-step system, Kerr’s New & Improved Maxcem Elite universal cement, a new line of children’s toothbrushes by Sunstar Americas, the U.S. launch of 3Shape’s Implant Studio, and the CloSys JustRight Mild Mint rinse from Rowpar—plus numerous others!
During and following the meeting, I learned of a few other notable new products, product upgrades, and initiatives that I’d like to share with you. In alphabetical order by manufacturer or company, I’ve listed them below, summarizing the major details to help you keep informed about the latest products on the market.
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3SHAPE
The D2000 dental lab desktop scanner
3Shape released the Dental System 2015 CAD software with several upgrades and additions.
The D-series benchtop scanners, the D750 and D850,were released as upgrades of the D700 and D800 models, with each offering a larger interior space than the previous model. Two new D-series models were launched as well: the D1000 and the D2000. Both the D1000 and D2000 feature 4 MP by 5 MP cameras for improved scanning accuracy, plus a proprietary multiline technology for increased scanning speed. In addition to the features it shares with the D1000, the D2000 also includes “all-in-one” scanning—allowing for both the upper and lower models to be captured at once, along with all included dies and occlusion information to eliminate the need for a separate die scan or separate bite scan in most instances.
Other Dental System 2015 upgrades include: the integration of Smile Composer 2.0 with Sculpt Toolkit; a CAD/CAM function to design custom positioning guides for placing prosthetics; a CAD/CAM function to design custom impression trays for various clinical applications; a simplified Order Manager interface for more organized lab orders and patient case information; and a digital Denture Design module (available as an add-on).
Click here for more information.
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CARESTREAM DENTAL
A screenshot of the Logicon Caries Detector 5.1 interface
(Click to enlarge.)
Logicon 5.1, the latest release of Carestream’s computer-aided radiographic caries diagnosis software, includes two new features to help clinicians detect and treat interproximal caries at early stages: Doctor’s Diagnosis and PreScan. The Doctor’s Diagnosis feature enables clinicians to examine multiple potential carious sites on a single radiographic image. To generate a view of potential caries sites, the PreScan feature scans radiographic images to apply a detection algorithm on all eligible interproximal surfaces. Clinicians can then build one screen to display multiple selected PreScan results and thereby simplify patient education and treatment planning.
Click here for more information.
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CONVERGENT DENTAL
The Solea touchscreen interface
(Click to enlarge.)
Convergent Dental announced an upgrade to the 9.3-micron Solea CO2 laser. With the new extra-coarse-cutting, 1.25 mm-XC spot size, the speed of the Solea is four times faster so that larger amounts of tooth structure can be removed at or above drill speed. The upgrade will be included in all new Solea lasers, and it’s free to all current Solea users. And once you have the upgrade, all you need to do in order to switch between spot sizes is simply tap the touchscreen.
Click here for more information.
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DENTSPLY TULSA
TruShape 3-D conforming files
Dentsply Tulsa launched TruShape 3-D conforming files, available in tip sizes 20, 25, 30, and 40, and lengths of 21, 25, and 31 mm. With a proprietary S-shaped design, the files flex within the canal rotation to conform to anatomy and reduce the amount of tooth structure removed, when compared to conventional instrumentation techniques. According to the manufacturer, the files remove up to 36% less dentin but contact up to 75% of the canal to disrupt biofilm and remove pulp and debris.
TruShape orifice modifier
For use in conjunction with the 3-D conforming files, Dentsply Tulsa also introduced the TruShape orifice modifiers, which feature an active cutting cross section, a fluted length of 7 mm, a maximum fluted diameter of .75 mm, and nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys for strength and flexibility.
Click here for more information.
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ESSENTIAL DENTAL SYSTEMS (EDS)
The Tango-Endo system
Essential Dental Systems (EDS) exhibited the new Tango-Endo system: a time-saving, two-instrument shaping system for endo cases that includes its own reciprocating handpiece. Tango-Endo instruments can be used up to three times and don't require a rotary motor, providing substantial savings compared to single-use systems.
Dental Economics' Chief Editor Dr. Chris Salierno interviewed EDS's Gina Susino about the Tango-Endo system during the show. See their conversation here:
Click here for more information.
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HELLO PRODUCTS
The adult toothpaste line and the kids' toothpaste line
Hello Products—a maker of oral care products manufactured with xylitol and stevia and without artificial sweeteners, triclosan, microbeads, dyes, alcohol, preservatives, animal products, or animal testing—exhibited a new toothpaste flavor and a new line of kids’ toothpastes, along with their existing ADA-approved toothpastes, mouthwashes, and breath sprays. The new toothpaste flavor, Peach Mango Mint, accompanies the existing flavors of Supermint, Pink Grapefruit Mint, and Mojito Mint. The kids’ toothpastes are available in Green Apple, Bubble Gum, and Blue Raspberry.
Click here for more information.
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HU-FRIEDY
During the show, Hu-Friedy debuted four products, in addition to the launch of a program through which it will provide free servicing for customers who purchase its surgical and ortho instruments.
A sterilization container with a cassette inside
One of the new products exhibited by Hu-Friedy was the Sterilization Container System, a reusable, cost- and environmentally-friendly alternative to wraps and pouches that can be used to safely transport loose instruments and cassettes. Most sizes of Hu-Friedy’s IMS Infinity Series Cassettes can be used with the Sterilization Container System.
A cassette from the upgraded system
(Click to enlarge.)
The next generation of IMS Infinity Series Cassettes was also on display, featuring three redesigned features to increase water flow and to improve access and ergonomics: a hole pattern with 30% additional open area, silicone rails designed to reduce instrument contact, and a more ergonomic and comfortable latch design that can be opened single-handedly.
Two XT Triple Bend ultrasonic inserts
The company announced the expansion of its ultrasonic insert product line with the XT Triple Bend magnetostrictive ultrasonic insert, which features a triple-bend shank design with beveled edges on the tip to improve calculus removal. 24% thinner than the standard #1000 Triple Bend insert, the new tip offers improved access to subgingival and interproximal areas. In addition to the Streamline Direct Flow style, it’s also available in the Swivel Direct Flow style to allow for 360-degree rotation and reduce handpiece cord drag.
Two Disposable Prophy Angles
Hu-Friedy’s new Disposable Prophy Angles (DPAs) were showcased as well. Available in both standard straight and contra angle styles with both soft and firm cup options, the DPAs offer an ergonomic grip, as well as a cup that features a smooth exterior with an internal spiral design to reduce splatter and improve interproximal access.
Click here for more information.
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PATTERSON DENTAL
(Click the thumbnail to view the full infographic.)
Patterson Dental launched an initiative to educate dentists and patients about gray-market materials with a campaign and accompanying website, www.DentalSupplyIntegrity.com. The website offers informational resources to teach users how to identify and avoid gray-market products, which can be dangerous, as they are often counterfeit or not up to par with FDA regulations.
A screenshot of the AutoSDS interface
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Patterson also launched AutoSDS, a subscription-based online service for managing safety data designed to provide dental practices with a long-term solution for managing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), as well as with preparation for OSHA’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS) deadlines.
Click here for more information.
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PELTON & CRANE
Pelton & Crane introduced the Spirit 1700 dental chair with embossed membrane touchpads for the doctor and assistant, a dual-articulating headrest, swing-away armrests, and a hydraulic lift mechanism.
The Centennial 2 cabinetry line also debuted at the show, featuring a variety of preconfigured modules that can be easily customized and upgraded to meet the needs of individual offices. Multiple types of rear-delivery treatment centers are available for maximizing efficiency and storage.
Click here for more information.
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SIRONA
From left to right: screenshots ofthe Sidexis 4 patient timeline, lightbox, and side-by-side view features
(Click each thumbnail to enlarge.)
Sirona’s Sidexis 4 upgrade includes the added features of a patient timeline and a lightbox for gathering and displaying images. As the name suggests, the patient timeline is a patient history through which clinicians can access patients’ images by simply scrolling through the images on file. With the lightbox feature, clinicians can access multiple images from multiple sources and view them all at once or side-by-side for comparison.
Click here for more information.
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Did you check out any of these products while attending the meeting? Let us know what you thought! Leave a comment below, reach out on social media, or email erinr@pennwell.com.
Editor's Note: To keep posted on all of the latest product news, check out the DentistryIQ Products section. Then, be sure to subscribe to Pearls for Your Practice: The Product Navigator, a new products newsletter that we’re producing in partnership with Dental Economics.