Every dentist strives to provide the best patient care while running an efficient, profitable practice. Some keep it simple, working for or operating a small business that pays the bills while providing a valuable service to the community. Others go big, expanding their reach by leveraging the power of digital technology and growing their practice. Others, still, land somewhere in the middle.
Dental Product Shopper evaluators come from all of those camps. They vary in their backgrounds, the services they provide, and their practice sizes. But the evaluators share a common interest—they want to know what else is out there. They seek to try new products in case there's one that can make them better at what they do. And if they find one that works, they want their peers to know about it.
Take Ravichandra Juluri, DDS, a periodontist in Dunlap, IL. Becoming a DPS evaluator in 2017 after 9 years in practice, Dr. Juluri said he wanted the opportunity to review products and be among the first to try something new that could make an impact. “I enjoy trying new products, and I always strive to stay current in patient care,” Dr. Juluri said.
Dr. Gregory J. Peppas, a general dentist for 35 years in Leawood, KS, said he evaluates because he has the experience to provide others with sound advice on products. He also wants to see which ones he should be incorporating. “I am a dentist who cares about people, and I want to make sure that I offer my patients the best and most up-to-date dentistry,” he said.
It’s that kind of thinking that makes DPS evaluators a special breed, and that makes others interested in what they have to say. That’s why we’ve asked these evaluators to tell us their favorite products in every category—what they use on a daily basis for all different types of procedures. In the pages ahead, we provide their collective choices for the top materials, technology, equipment, and more. Be our guest and read about what’s worked best in the operatories and front offices of the DPS evaluators. Who knows...maybe they’re worth a shot in your practice.
TECHNOLOGY
INTRAORAL SENSORS
Every picture tells a story, and digital intraoral sensors offer dentists high-resolution images for enhanced diagnostics with significantly less radiation exposure than film radiographs.
Offering consistently crisp, detailed images, Dentsply Sirona’s Schick 33 offers a clinical-specific mapping feature that automatically defaults to presets for general dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, or restorative dentistry. The patented TrueComfort design of the DEXIS Platinum Sensor comprises beveled corners, a rounded casing, and an angled dome, delivering highly detailed, clinically meaningful images. With a simplified workflow, Carestream Dental’s RVG 6200 integrates with most imaging and practice management software and allows users to select from 40 preset image enhancement filters or define up to 4 custom settings.
2D EXTRAORAL IMAGING
Even with the advent of cone beam systems, panoramic radiography remains a common and valuable diagnostic tool. Most of today’s digital panoramic systems include cephalometric imaging and are readily upgradeable to 3D.
With a smart, compact design, Dentsply Sirona’s Orthophos XG 3 matches high-quality images with Sidexis software to quickly and easily arrive at a safe diagnosis. The Gendex GXDP-700 from KaVo Imaging is based on SmartLogic Technology that stores the most frequently used setting for reduced setup time and streamlined workflow; intuitive touchscreen operation simplifies imaging selection. The Gendex GXDP-300 features Focus-Optimized x-ray technology that increases the depth of field for optimized radiographic image clarity. Equipped with extraoral bitewing and TMJ capability, the PC-4000 from Panoramic creates vibrant images featuring EV Clarity, a one-click tool that eliminates spinal column distortion.
CBCT
Revolutionizing dentistry with 3D imaging since its 2001 introduction into the U.S. market, CBCT systems differ with regard to rotation time, number of projections acquired, image quality, and time required for reconstruction.
The OP 3D Pro from KaVo Imaging, formerly the OP300, is a 3-in-1 system that offers a full range of protocols, automatically obtains the optimum panoramic image layer with ORTHOfocus, and incorporates Low Dose Technology. With easy positioning, a low dose, a big field of view of 15 cm diameter, and great software solutions, Dentsply Sirona’s GALILEOS ComfortPLUS also features integrated implantology and FaceScan functions for enhanced patient education and co-diagnosis. Offering a variety of volume sizes to match any need, Dentsply Sirona’s Orthophos SL 3D and Orthophos XG 3D are 2D/3D hybrid systems with a standard definition mode that balances image quality and dose value for everyday practice, and a high-definition mode for indications such as visualization of fine root canals.
DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS
Creating 3D digital models that are highly accurate and detailed, digital impressions eliminate the technique sensitivity and patient discomfort of impression materials. Using noninvasive imaging technologies, digital impressions are available for a range of restorative and orthodontic indications.
The slim, rounded camera tube of the CEREC Omnicam from Dentsply Sirona allows for easy rotation in the intraoral space, and the small camera tip ensures ideal lens positioning anywhere in the mouth. The wireless 3Shape TRIOS delivers both STL and DCM files, and it comes with an integrated intraoral camera, automated shade measurement, and HD photos. The redesigned wand of the iTero Element from Align Technology features built-in controls including side buttons and a touchpad for user interface control, and its integrated gyro technology lets you rotate models on screen.
CAD/CAM — CHAIRSIDE MILLING
CAD/CAM technology allows for the design and creation of restorations including crowns, crownlays, veneers, inlays and onlays, fixed bridges, dental implant restorations, dentures (removable or fixed), and orthodontic appliances. Milling systems use CAM software programs to fabricate the complete and partial restorations.
Ideal for CAD/CAM beginners, Dentsply Sirona’s CEREC MC XL creates full-contour restorations including inlays, onlays, crowns, and veneers, while the CEREC MC X allows clinicians to also mill and grind bridges, abutments, and surgical guides. Dentsply Sirona’s CEREC SpeedFire is capable of sintering a full-contour zirconia crown in approximately 10 to 15 minutes, offering the strength of zirconia restorations in a single chairside visit. The Planmeca PlanMill 40 S mills at 8 to 10 minutes per restoration with an expanded range of applications including abutments, crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, and up to 6-unit bridges.
INTRAORAL CAMERAS
With a 1.3 million-pixel CMOS sensor, the DEXcam 4 HD from DEXIS delivers high-resolution images that are optimized to maintain natural color tones; a USB connection makes the camera highly portable. Digital Doc’s IRIS intraoral camera combines high-end image quality with advanced features for exceptionally clear photos and ease of use. The auto fluorescence technology in ACTEON’s SOPROLIFE allows for the detection of occlusal or interproximal decay, even in its earliest stages.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Dentrix from Henry Schein Practice Solutions has adapted to the evolving needs of the dental practice for over 3 decades, with the newest upgrade adding Health History capabilities and groundbreaking dental imaging features. The latest version of Patterson’s Eaglesoft allows for storing and submitting insurance claims, integration with CareCredit, and simplified processing of medical claim forms. Optimal for multidoctor practices, Carestream's CS SoftDent software offers in-depth reporting abilities and provides additional billing options for offices that participate in capitation or managed care insurance plans, perform medical cross-coding, need multiple fee schedules, or subscribe to PPO insurance plans.
PATIENT ENGAGEMENT
The patient communication tasks automated by Lighthouse 360 include Perfect Recall, which automatically contacts patients when they’re due for a prophy; Wait List Messaging, which helps fill last-minute cancellations by contacting patients who expressed interest in an earlier appointment; and Patient FastTrack, which sends a text message to new patients, prompting quick and easy registration and document signing through their mobile devices. Solutionreach offers an online self-scheduling tool that integrates with existing software to give patients 24/7 access to your real schedule, and a feature that allows incoming texts to be categorized and prioritized. Dentrix Communication Manager from Henry Schein Practice Solutions uses popular means of communication to remind patients of appointments or encourage continuing care visits; its Appointment Manager feature allows you to manage a day’s appointments from one web page that's accessible from any computer with an Internet connection.
CLINICAL
IMPLANTS
Implant dentistry is booming, and manufacturers are responding to market demand with expanded product lines, design innovations, more options for tissue regeneration, and digital workflows. Today, implant dentistry is the most popular treatment for single-tooth replacement.
Nobel Biocare is one of the original implant companies, being the offshoot of the groundbreaking innovations of Per-Ingvar Brånemark; its newest system, Trefoil, is a fixed full-arch solution for definitive teeth in a day. Among its many offerings, Straumann’s Bone Level Implant line provides natural esthetics and function with its flexibility and balanced prosthetic portfolio. With the merger a few years ago of two major players in the dental implant market, Zimmer Biomet recently brought together its Tapered Screw-Vent Implant and BellaTek Encode healing abutments to simplify impressions.
ALGINATE IMPRESSION MATERIALS
Dentsply Sirona Restorative’s Jeltrate is a versatile, irreversible hydrocolloid with a high algin content. It is suitable for use when fabricating case study, ortho, and opposing models, as well as denture frameworks, removable appliances, and custom trays. The color-change feature of Kerr Restoratives' KromaFaze dust-free alginate offers a visual guide for processing; it is purple when mixed, pink when ready to load, and white when set. Also from Kerr Restoratives, Identic dust-free provides simple mixing, captures very fine details, and produces models with optimal surface smoothness.
VPS IMPRESSION MATERIALS
Dentsply Sirona Restorative's Aquasil Ultra+ Smart Wetting Impression Material features an exceptionally low contact angle to ensure an accurate impression in the presence of natural hydration and eliminate the need to over-desiccate the tooth prep. Offering a very short intraoral setting time, 3M Oral Care's Imprint 4 doesn’t begin to set until the end of its working time for optimal control of loading and seating. Berry-flavored Genie from Sultan Healthcare comes in a full range of wash and tray versions—5 viscosities and 2 set times.
BONDING AGENTS
The 8th generation is here. The adhesive systems that made the evaluators’ top 3 are all classified as “universal.” They are compatible with any etching technique as well as with any substrate or restorative material.
Suitable for self-, total-, and selective-etch techniques, 3M's Scotchbond Universal is a one-bottle system offering high bond strength with a simple application technique and 35-second application time. From Kuraray, Clearfil SE Bond 2 is a self-etch, 2-step, light-cure bonding agent that offers the same benefit of reduced postoperative sensitivity as the prior generation of Kuraray’s self-etching primer and bonding system. Requiring no additional activator, one-bottle ALL-BOND UNIVERSAL from BISCO is compatible with all light-, self-, and dual-cured composite and cement materials for all direct and indirect applications.
GLASS IONOMERS
Offering biocompatibility and the ability to heal carious lesions, glass ionomers represent a material class that addresses the challenges of both amalgam and composite.
Offering a tack light-cure option to reduce cleanup time, 3M's RelyX Luting Plus is an RMGI cement supplied in a convenient paste-paste delivery system. GC FujiCEM 2 cement is based on GC America’s proprietary F2 Flex Fuse chemistry of high-elastic cross-linking monomers and a modified filler-surface treatment for strength. Suitable for Class III and V restorations, GC Fuji II LC, also from GC America, is particularly suited for use as a base or liner in the sandwich technique.
CEMENTS (TEMPORARY)
Cementation of temporaries impacts the outcome of definitive restorations. In addition to protecting the prepared tooth from bacteria and thermal injury, it holds the temporary in place to help stabilize its position until the final restoration is placed.
TempBond NE from Kerr Restoratives is a non-eugenol material that does not inhibit the polymerization of permanent resin cements or acrylic temporaries. 3M's RelyX Temp E provides strong adhesion along with quick and easy removal of excess. Offering a short set time, Integrity TempGrip from Dentsply Sirona Restorative is easily removed without crumbling.
CEMENTS
Self-adhesive resin cements are currently the most popular material for placing permanent indirect restorations, and for good reason. Most are dual-cured, and they eliminate the need for separate etchants and primers—a huge chairside time saver.
3M's RelyX Unicem is a self-adhesive universal resin cement exhibiting high strength and moisture tolerance. Providing high dentin bond strengths in the self-cure mode, Panavia V5 from Kuraray releases fluoride and offers long-term color stability. Releasing fluoride and calcium, BISCO’s TheraCem is a self-etching, self-adhesive, dual-cured resin luting cement.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
To promote remineralization and regeneration, most bioactive dental materials—regardless of their application—incorporate calcium hydroxide as their main The apatite-stimulating property of TheraCal LC from BISCO makes it ideal for direct and indirect pulp capping and as a protective base/liner. Delivering more bioactive benefits than glass ionomers, ACTIVA restorative from Pulpdent features a strong, resilient resin matrix that does not chip or crumble. With a highly alkaline pH, Brasseler’s EndoSequence BC root canal sealer is antibacterial during setting and does not shrink.
UNIVERSAL COMPOSITE
A single all-embracing material suitable for any type of restoration remains a Holy Grail. Today’s universal composites bring us closer to that goal than ever before with advances in nanotechnology.
3M's Filtek Supreme Ultra is formulated to provide high wear resistance, natural fluorescence, and exceptional strength. TPH Spectra ST from Dentsply Sirona Restorative incorporates proprietary SphereTEC filler technology to improve durability and optimize handling. The nanofiller and high refractive matrix of Kuraray’s Clearfil Majesty ES-2 impart light-diffusion properties similar to natural tooth structure. Estelite Sigma Quick from Tokuyama is supra-nano filled with 100% spherical fillers (82% by weight/71% by volume) for flexible shade matching and wear resistance.
FLOWABLE COMPOSITE
In addition to Class III, IV, and V restorations, the indications for using a flowable composite range from a liner/base and veneer cementation to pit and fissure sealing and small core buildups.
Shofu’s Beautifil Flow Plus exhibits a self-leveling, bubble-free consistency for use as a base, liner, and final restorative. SDR flow+, the latest generation of SureFil SDR fiow material from Dentsply Sirona Restorative, self-levels to provide exceptional cavity adaptation and reduced shrinkage stress. 3M's Filtek Supreme Ultra Flowable incorporates the brand family’s nanotechnology that imparts high polish retention and wear resistance.
BULK FILL COMPOSITE
The rationale for using a bulk fill composite is obvious: simplify and save time. Today’s bulk fills do that while offering a complete depth of cure with minimal shrinkage.
Requiring no liner or capping layer, Kerr Restorative’s SonicFill 2 uses sonic energy to significantly reduce viscosity, ensuring intimate adaptation between the composite and bonded surface. Dentsply Sirona Restorative’s SDR flow+ allows a bulk fill of up to 4 mm, without losing any manipulation, for fast, simple application. Offering enhanced opacity and esthetics, Filtek One Bulk Fill from 3M offers one-step placement in increments of up to 5 mm.
CORE BUILDUP MATERIAL
When there’s insufficient tooth structure left after preparation to support a restoration, it’s time for a core buildup. Often used with posts in endodontically treated teeth, core buildup materials are formulated to closely resemble dentin in their physical properties.
Fiber-reinforced Build-It FR from Pentron provides a minimum compressive strength of 300 MPa, and it flows and stacks without slumping. DenMat’s Core Paste XP is creamy and radiopaque with a stackable viscosity that eliminates the need for a matrix or core form. Light-cured Clearfil Photo Core from Kuraray incorporates a balanced filler (80% by weight/65% by volume) and cures completely to a depth of 7 mm in 40 seconds.
DESENSITIZERS
In-office desensitizing agents have a wide range of applications, from exposed root surfaces and cut dentin to virgin teeth prior to whitening procedures. The goal is the same: eliminate patient discomfort.
Kulzer’s Gluma is formulated to penetrate exposed dentinal tubules up to 200 ?m to form a hermetic seal to trap bacteria. MicroPrime G from Zest Dental Solutions contains glutaraldehyde and HEMA, and is compatible with total- and self-etch bonding systems. Shield Force Plus from Tokuyama is based on proprietary Double-Block Technology that delivers immediate and long-term relief with a single application.
EQUIPMENT
LOUPES
The newest generation of loupes are lighter and more comfortable than ever, and feature such perks as built-in illumination and variable magnifications. Evaluators told us their favorite companies for loupes; in turn, we highlight key products here.
Orascoptic’s wide range of options includes 2 variable magnification products: EyeZoom offers 3X, 4X, and 5X magnification without changing lenses, and OmniOptic provides 4 powers from 2.5X to 5.5X with interchangeable lenses. Among the loupes available from Designs for Vision are the new Laser Telescopes with 2 colorless filters that block the amplified laser beam for maximum protection and visibility. Surgitel’s loupes, including the lightweight Micro Line, incorporate the company’s proprietary achromatic beam—in cool or neutral color versions—that creates a clear, uniform, vision-friendly light.
CURING LIGHTS
Unlike halogen and plasma-arc, LEDs can be created to produce different wavelengths, so they are suitable for curing virtually every resin-based material. LEDs generate less heat, are more energy efficient, and last longer.
Ultradent’s VALO Cordless incorporates a custom, multiwavelength LED for light in the 395–480 nm range, which penetrates porcelain to cure underlying resin cements. The VALO light offers the same features in a corded version. From DenMat, the FlashLite Magna 4.0 is powered by an LED engine with advanced collimation that minimizes beam divergence for focused and powerful curing.
LASERS
Faster healing. Little or no anesthesia. Little or no bleeding. Focused, precise cutting. These are a few of the benefits of using a laser in place of a scalpel for soft tissue and a rotary instrument for hard tissue. Dentists have choices from cartbased all-tissue powerhouses to compact, versatile diodes.
AMD Lasers' Picasso+ is a 7.0 W tabletop diode with a wireless foot control, color touchscreen, easy-to-use presets, and customizable continuous and pulsed modes. The Waterlase iPlus from Biolase all-tissue laser integrates an intuitive graphic user interface that includes 56 preset procedures; its trunk fiber is light and flexible. Weighing less than 2 oz, DenMat’s NV Pro3 Microlaser features 12 preset procedures for periodontal, restorative, and orthodontic soft-tissue applications.
CARIES DETECTION
More accurate and sensitive than the explorer and radiographs, the caries detection systems on the market use a variety of technologies to identify lesions at their earliest stages and to enable monitoring over time.
Using laser fluorescence, DIAGNOdent Pen from KaVo Dental identifies carious tooth structure at its earliest stages, both interproximally and subsurface. CariVu from DEXIS uses patented transillumination technology to support the identification of occlusal, interproximal, and recurrent carious lesions and cracks. Using a database of histologically validated caries cases, Carestream’s Logicon is an FDA-approved, computer-aided radiographic caries diagnosis software.
ISOLATION SYSTEMS
A retracted dry field that you can easily see and access is a key to success for operative procedures. The systems in this category are multitasking workhorses that create an optimal intraoral environment and free up auxiliaries from tasks like holding suction and retracting lips and cheeks.
Centered around its proprietary mouthpiece, confi gurations of the Isolite system from Zyris include Isodry (with 2 channels of continuous suction) and Isovac (which uses the existing operatory HVE); illumination and retraction are included in all 3 versions. The DryShield performs the functions of an evacuator, bite block, tongue shield, and oral pathway protector in a single device. Zirc offers several versions of its Mr. Thirsty One-Step, including the Comfort Kit with lightweight tubing and flow-control valve that stay mounted to the delivery system.
ELECTRIC HANDPIECES
For a simple transition from air-driven handpieces, the latest brand series from KaVo Dental, ELECTROmatic, is a plug-and-play system that easily connects to standard air tubing and automatically adjusts to existing air pressure. It pairs perfectly with KaVo's high-speed COMFORTdrive 200XDR. NSK offers the NLZ series, with flexible installation and reciprocating function, as well as the compact, lightweight NLX nano; both are compatible with the popular Ti-Max family of contra angles. StarETorque from StarDental, a division of DENTALEZ, allows switching from high to low speed with one touch; its touchscreen and color display comprise an intuitive user interface for simple operation.
AIR HANDPIECES
In addition to its familiar Midwest lines, Tradition and Quiet-air, Dentsply Sirona offers the Midwest Stylus ATC that combines the beneficial features of air and electric systems. The 430 line from StarDental includes the 430 Torque, delivering 27 W of power, and the 430 Series, with ceramic bearings and solidglass rod fiber optics. KaVo Kerr offers a free trial program for its Master Series, Expert Series, and Smart Series handpieces; this covers the MASTERtorque LUX M8900L with DirectStop technology that stops the bur in less than 1 second when the foot control is released.
COSMETIC
IN-OFFICE WHITENING
Philips’ Zoom WhiteSpeed combines blue LED lightactivation technology with the pH booster in the whitening gel to accelerate the whitening process—up to 8 shades of lightening in 45 minutes. Ultradent’s Opalescence Boost is a chemically activated, 40% hydrogen peroxide gel that comes in a proprietary double syringe; the clinician activates the gel just prior to application, ensuring freshness and effectiveness with every dose. Refrigerated from the time of manufacture until delivery to the practice, KöR In-Office Power Whitening from Evolve Dental Technologies uses KöR 34% Dual-Activated, Tri-Barrel Hydremide Peroxide gel with retractors and a paint-on gingival barrier.
TAKE-HOME WHITENING
A professional whitening gel delivered in prefilled, disposable trays, Opalescence Go from Ultradent features the enhanced UltraFit tray and can deliver results in as little as 15 minutes per day. For use with customized take-home whitening trays, Ultradent’s Opalescence PF—which has an easy syringe delivery—comes in 5 concentrations and 3 flavors, so patients can customize their whitening experience. Philips’ Zoom NiteWhite and DayWhite systems provide whitening results with high-potency gels and custom-molded trays, with 5 options that dentists can recommend for whitening while sleeping or during the day.
HYGIENE
POWER SCALERS
Dentsply Sirona Preventive’s Cavitron systems offer advanced solutions for every scaling and air polishing procedure, and the Cavitron Touch with SteriMate 360 includes an easy-touse digital interface, a smaller footprint to maximize available counter space, and a wireless Tap-On Technology foot pedal. The TurboVue Illuminated 30kHz Ultrasonic Scaler from Parkell offers improved visibility with 30K inserts that transmit light from the handpiece, an expanded low-power range for improved comfort, and a power-boosting Turbo feature when more power is needed. The Acclean Ultra ultrasonic scaler from Henry Schein is dual-frequency, designed to accept 25K and 30K inserts, and features an easily detachable, autoclavable handpiece sheath and user-friendly controls, while a hands-free boost feature enables temporary power surges.
TOOTHBRUSHES
Sunstar offers a variety of GUM toothbrushes to meet the needs of patients with healthy gingiva, restorations, orthodontics, or periodontal disease, as well as postsurgical patients. The bristles in its GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush are finely tapered, narrow, and flexible so patients can reach deep into the crevices between gums and teeth to remove disease-causing germs. Procter & Gamble’s Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Pro-Flex has individual Pro-Flex sides that adjust to the contours of teeth and gums to gently remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas and along the gumline. A soft-textured tongue cleaner and advanced multiaction bristle design in the Colgate 360° toothbrush helps remove bacteria from teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums, and a raised cleaning tip offers better access to the posterior area.
