Bioactivity, Activated!

Dr. Snyder graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he created and co-directed the first-ever 2-year graduate program in Aesthetic and Cosmetic Restorative Dentistry. A graduate of the F.A.C.E. Institute, he is the 77th Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry, and a member of Rare Bird Speakers. He is an international author, lecturer, and consultant to dental companies. Dr. Snyder owns a software company and an online dental training program, www. legion.dentist. He is also a professional race car driver and entrepreneur. He practices cosmetic and restorative dentistry in both Laguna Niguel, CA, and Las Vegas, NV. His website is www. drtoddsnyder.com.

It's a good rule of thumb that the closer we get to nature, the better we feel. And the closer we get patients to keeping more of their natural dentition, the better they'll feel, too. That's precisely the attitude that Pulpdent has embraced since its inception in 1947, when Dr. Harold Berk founded the company to create products that help patients save teeth, live in comfort, and smile in confidence. It’s a goal shared by dentists everywhere, including cosmetic dentist, author, and lecturer Dr. Todd Snyder. And if there’s 1 product that allows him to achieve that goal, it’s ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE.

“There are so many similar dental products on the market, so the fact that Pulpdent embraced the challenge of fabricating a material that is so uniquely different is really impressive,” said Dr. Snyder, who runs successful practices in Laguna Niguel, CA, and Las Vegas, NV, as well as LEGION, an online dental training program. 

“It takes an enormous amount of time, research, and money to create a new product," he continued, "which is why it’s been so wonderful to see ACTIVA BioACTIVE's 10-year track record of success and all the research published from around the world that substantiates it.”

A Restorative That Actually Restores

While traditional dental composites were designed to fill a cavity—nothing more, nothing less—ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE is made to work in tandem with the body's natural biological processes and continuously defend against microleakage and secondary caries. The strong and highly esthetic material combines a bioactive ionic resin matrix, shock-absorbing rubberized resin component, and reactive ionomer glass fillers—all of which work together to mimic the physical and chemical properties of natural teeth.

“When we talk to patients, we explain that a composite is essentially a big piece of plastic held in with glue, and when it starts to break down and leak, most materials have no way to combat that leakage," said Dr. Snyder. "But if we use ACTIVA BioACTIVE- RESTORATIVE, we can potentially reduce biofilm accumulation and adhesion, and encourage less breakdown over time. If it does start leaking, there’s an ion exchange that occurs to help defend against secondary caries.” 

Backed by Research

ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE has been the subject of clinical studies around the world since it came to market—a fact that is not lost on Dr. Snyder.

“Product research is very important to me, and ACTIVA BioACTIVE has been independently researched more extensively than other products,” he said. “That really sets it apart. You can claim anything in your marketing, but when you have all this research behind a product, that makes it more interesting. I also like the fact that Pulpdent takes the time to listen to other dentists and hear what they feel would make a product successful in daily practice.” 

Extended Benefits

ACTIVA BioACTIVE seals teeth against microleakage, and its continuous release and recharge of significant amounts of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions provide patients with long-term benefits. 

“We’re getting more longevity out of the restorative material, which means the patient probably won’t need their filling replaced as often,” said Dr. Snyder. “Simply getting a restorative material to last longer gives patients more natural tooth structure, potentially for the rest of their lives, or until the next best material comes along.”

Efficient Restorations, Better Outcomes

Bioactivity? Check. Easy to integrate into everyday dentistry? Also check.

“To have a product that’s quick and easy to use is something every dentist can appreciate, along with the built-in ‘insurance plan’ that it will help fight off biofilm adhesion and recurrent decay," Dr. Snyder said. "Nothing is a guarantee, but it’s encouraging to know that ACTIVA BioACTIVE offers benefits that typical resins don’t.”

Part of what makes it so easy to use, he said, is its 2-paste automix system, which allows it to flow and adapt more easily than a traditional composite syringe.

“This makes it a lot easier for dentists placing everyday posterior restorations,” Dr. Snyder added. “The handling, bioactive properties, and the delivery are all benefits to the patient as well as the dentist, as far as having a faster, easier restorative solution that’s also potentially longer lasting because of its ion release. If I can make a restorative outcome better for the patient, then why not try it?”