About McCormack Dental Imaging / C?Dental X?Ray :
C?Dental X?Ray is located in Northern California with seven locations in the Bay area. McCormack Dental
Imaging is located in Southern California with five locations in San Diego County. Both are a group of
unique facilities dedicated solely to high quality digital dental imaging. For additional corporate
information please visit the company’s corporate web site at www.cdental.com.

About AFP Imaging / NewTom:
AFP Imaging, a leading state?of?the?art diagnostic imaging supplier, is a market leader with products
distributed worldwide to dental, medical and veterinary professionals. For over 30 years, the Company
has produced branded products that are installed in over 100,000 dental and medical facilities worldwide,
including its latest digital imaging systems where it is a market leader in Cone Beam 3D X?ray
imaging. For additional corporate information please visit the company’s corporate web site at
www.afpimaging.com.
The remarks contained in this press release and presented elsewhere by management from time to time contain forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. The Company’s actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in this press release or in other forward-looking statements presented by management. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in the Company’s expectation or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statement is based.

Behind every successful practice is an office manager who displays innovative thinking, business acumen and leadership qualities, within their practice and their community. Each year, the AADOM recognizes these exceptional individuals and highlights their accomplishments at their annual conference. “I’ve been in dentistry for over 20 years.  When you’ve been around that long, you know what it takes to get results.  It takes a great team, great clinical skills and delivering a great patient experience,” said Kay Valentine, 2009 AADOM Office Manager of the Year.

The 2010 AADOM Office Manager of the Year will be featured on the front cover of The Observer, AADOM’s publication for dental office managers, receives free registration in 2011 to the Annual Dental Office Managers Conference and a check for $1,000, courtesy of CareCredit, AADOM Founding Sponsor. “We’re delighted to support the AADOM in recognizing the valuable contribution these professionals have made and support their professional and personal growth,” stated Cindy Hearn, Sr. VP of Marketing, CareCredit.  For nomination details, visit www.dentalmanagers.com.

About the AADOM: the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM) is the country’s largest professional organization for office managers, practice administrators and other practice management staff.  The AADOM is committed to creating and maintaining a network of dental professionals to share resources and information, helping all members achieve the highest level of professional and personal development. The Annual Dental Office Managers Conference will be held this October in Las Vegas.

About CareCredit: for more than 20 years, CareCredit has been making it easy for patients to get the dentistry they need and want. Today, CareCredit is at work in more than 130,000 practices and has been used by over 20 million patients.  CareCredit is exclusively selected for their members by most state and national dental associations, including the AADOM, ADA Business Resources^SM*, AGD, AAOMS, and AAP, and is also recommended by leading practice management consultants. For more information on CareCredit, call 1-800-300-3046 ext. 4519 or visit www.carecredit.com.

##

*ADA is a registered trademark of the American Dental Association. ADA Business Resources is a service mark of the American Dental Association. ADA Business Resources is a program brought to you by ADA Business Enterprises, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Dental Association.

Source: http://www.case.edu/think/breakingnews/prostatediseaselink.html

BING Innovations, LLC, the Illinois-based provider of DentalVibe™, launched the new site in June to better educate the dental community about the benefits and uses of the product and to simplify the ordering process. Visitors to the site can view newly produced video segments depicting DentalVibe applications as well as the real-time reactions of patients who experience DentalVibe injections. In addition, the DentalVibe system and accessories can be conveniently purchased with a credit card through a secure e-commerce portal.

To produce the videos, develop the new website and introduce the breakthrough product to dentistry, BING Innovations enlisted Walter F. Cameron Advertising, an established dental products marketing agency based in New York. An educational communications campaign is being launched concurrently.

“You can’t really understand the ‘wow’ factor of DentalVibe until you see it in action with real patients,” said DentalVibe Co-developer Steven G. Goldberg, DDS, who demonstrates the product on the new videos. “On our website, you can see the expression of both surprise and delight on patients’ faces when they receive a dental injection without any pain whatsoever.”

DentalVibe takes unique advantage of cutting-edge research on the Gate Control Theory of Pain to enable the delivery of anesthetic injections without discomfort. Patented, microprocessor-controlled VibraPulse™ technology delivers a pulsed, percussive vibration to the mucosa ­– the ideal counter-stimulation to block the painful stimuli of injections.

Offices now have the ability to conduct a low dosage scan that shows the full patient dentition. Doctors can use this view to see if a patient has his/her wisdom teeth or could require corrective practices, like braces, while using a fraction of the radiation. This scan has a faster rotation, and uses less x-ray dose, for an overall drop in radiation.The Strato Digital introduces its Frontal Dentition examination. This view allows a doctor see the frontal dentition only. This, combined with the ability to take half-pans, means one can see the right half, left half, or frontal view of any panoramic x-ray, without exposing unnecessary regions. The Strato Digital now comes standard with over 13 applications, including Digital Linear Tomography. The Cesium Iodide CCD sensor provides the highest quality images in any examination type. For more information visit www.ImageWorksCorporation.com/dental or call 914-592-6100.

Source: MedicalNewsToday

On Friday, attendees were shuttled to the new, $1.4B Cowboys Stadium for a full-day lecture program covering current state-of-the-art systems and materials to the incredible capabilities of leading edge integrated dental technologies that are under development. Special video messages from profession leaders Dr. Gordon Christensen and Dr. Pete Dawson were played for the crowd on the HD screens in the Main Club Level, where attendees were also treated to a live patient demonstration by CAD CAMbassador Sherri White, RDA, CDD featuring E4D’s DentaLogic software’s newest features.

Other notable MVP’s (Most Valuable Presenters) included Dr. Paul Child, Jr., CEO of CR Foundation sharing his perspective on CAD CAM systems currently on the market; Dr. Colin Norman of 3M ESPE; Dr. Santine Anderson of THE DENTAL ADVISOR; Dr. Don Deems, The Dentist’s Coach; Lee Culp, CDT; Dr. Curtis Jansen and D4D Software Engineer Rakesh Lal introducing the revolutionary E4D Compass software; Dr. George Tysowsky of Ivoclar Vivadent; as well as Dr. David Reznik and Rick Willeford, CPA/CFP providing a fresh perspective of the business side of dentistry.
Midway through the day, lunch was served and attendees were invited to step in front of an HD camera to have their video image projected onto the massive 60-yard JumboTron. Photos were captured as souvenirs to commemorate their experience on the world’s largest high definition screen.

After the break, the D4D Marketing team prepared a series of amusing viral videos that the crowd could watch on either the JumboTron or back in the Club Level. Following the laughter, lectures were back underway as the E4D DentaLogic and E4D Compass software demonstrations continued to display on the JumboTron.

The program closed that afternoon and all participants were led up seven stories for an evening reception at the Dr. Pepper Star Bar overlooking the football field. Guests were greeted with hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails as they arrived, and all had the opportunity to tour the 3,000,000 sq ft stadium, including a behind-the-scenes look at the Cowboys’ and Cowboys Cheerleaders’ locker rooms, as well as a free-for-all run of the field itself. Many took photos in the Cowboys star at the center of the field and others took advantage of the opportunity to go all the way and run for a touchdown!

On the final day, all participants had the opportunity to participate in the Build-a-Crown™ and Advanced Design Workshops at D4D Technologies’ world headquarters in the Dallas suburb of Richardson, Texas. Bringing models of their own, they attended their pre-arranged times to sit with CAD CAMbassadors to see their own crown being scanned, designed and then milled right before their eyes in a matter of minutes! Ivoclar Vivadent, Premier Dental and
3M ESPE’s technical specialists were on hand to make sure each crown left with proper esthetic control – with stain and glaze, characterization, crystallization and polishing centers. “The support of our partners is unparalleled, having Henry Schein Dental, Ivoclar Vivadent, Premier Dental, Imaging Sciences International and 3M ESPE all pulling in the same direction has made this a tremendous success and paved the way for the future of digital dentistry,” said Dr. Gary Severance, VP of Marketing and Clinical Affairs at D4D Technologies. MVP’s were also on-hand at the Advanced Design Workshops to highlight upcoming software releases and revealing the Top 10 Steps to Restoration Design, taking their restorations from Ordinary to Extraordinary™, lead by Lee Culp, CDT. Over 200 restorations were completed
and given to the participants, and every attendee was able to “Experience the Experience” of what E4D can do for them, their practice and especially their patients.

If you attended this year’s event, we sincerely thank you for your participation and we hope you found the experience as rewarding as we did. Be sure not to miss next year’s event as it promises to exceed even the greatest expectations for the future of dentistry!

About D4D Technologies LLC
D4D Technologies is taking the dental profession to a higher level of productivity, patient comfort, and convenience with its E4D Dentist™, E4D Labworks™ and E4D Studio™ Systems, all part of the E4D Sky™ Network of products. The systems use high-speed laser scanning technology to produce digital 3D impressions of teeth prepared for full contour
crowns, inlays, onlays, smile designs, and no-prep veneers without the application of contrast agents. The intuitive DentaLogic™ software enables operators to customize restoration designs and send them wirelessly to the precision mill that uses the latest restorative materials to produce fine esthetic restorations.

Highly accurate, versatile, and easy to use, the E4D Systems provide significant productivityimprovements allowing dental professionals to offer a healthier, more economical and moreconvenient solution with Same Day Dentistry™.
Headquartered in Richardson, TX, a suburb of Dallas, D4D Technologies has partnerships with major corporations in the dental profession: Henry Schein Dental is responsible for global sales and distribution; 3M ESPE and Ivoclar Vivadent provide restorative materials. Contact Dalyce Willis marketing@d4dtech.com or 972-234-3880.

The ProMax 3D Max offers a number of powerful features that add up to attractive benefits for dentists and patients alike, said Planmeca’s President Bob Pienkowski.

The ProMax features ConeBeam technology that allows for full anatomical 1-to-1 visualization of anatomy without distortion, which greatly reduces the guesswork of interpretation.  This approach offers a significant improvement over film and 2D technology as a diagnostic tool for implants, orthodontics and oral surgery according to Pienkowski.

ConeBeam technology’s full visual “reality” has traditionally been reserved for Medical CT technology, but now this same visual “reality” can now be owned and implemented by any dental professional at a low cost and at 1/10^th the amount of radiation to the patient than traditional Medical CT.

Planmeca’s 3D ProMax follows the company’s clinical values that emphasize the use of the least amount of radiation to achieve the best results possible.  This commitment to “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” or the ALARA radiation principle keeps both dentist and patient safe.  The ability to have so many volume selections and use the least amount of radiation possible is made possible by PLANMECA’s patented Selectively Compliant Articulated Robotic Arm technology built into its ProMax platform. This robotic arm allows for precise imaging anywhere in the maxillofacial/cranial region.

“As a dentist, I realize that my patients are exposed to radiation through many sources and I strive to reduce their exposure as much as possible,” said Dr. Gene Antenucci, a dentist from Huntington, N.Y. and a spokesperson for Planmeca USA.  “Planmeca’s commitment to this technology means dentists have access to the best technology to accurately and safely diagnose their patients.”

The PLANMECA ProMax 3D Max has varying size volume selections from a 5×5.5cm to 23×26 cm, providing the best choice of volume based on clinical need.

“This means there is no need to take a ConeBeam volume of the entire head if only a single tooth site needs to be visualized,” Antenucci said.

But in select cases where the entire maxilofacial/cranial region is needed, the ProMax Max can easily fit that need as well.

Antenucci said Planmeca’s 3D ProMax will improve patient’s acceptance of treatment plan recommendations because a patient may or may not understand what is being presented in a 2D x-ray, but when shown a 3D rendering, the patient immediately grasps what the dentist is trying to communicate.

Adding value to a customer’s purchase, Planmeca also provides:

• Local Dental dealer support for timely mechanical support
• PLANMECA representative imaging training and technical phone/remote support for proper knowledge share
• Certified local IT companies for network assurance
• Monthly online community software and clinical trainings for continued growth
• For more information, contact your authorized Planmeca dealer or call 1 630-523-2300.  Or visit www.planmecausa.com for more information.

About Planmeca USA

Planmeca USA is the North American Subsidiary of  Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland. Finnish Planmeca Oy is one of the largest privately held companies in the dental equipment market. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Planmeca designs, manufactures, and markets high-tech dental equipment suitable for private clinics and teaching environment. Planmeca’s product lines include dental care units, dental X-rays, digital imaging and software applications.

The company has been a forerunner in digital imaging and advanced, computer integrated dental care concepts for years. Planmeca is strongly committed to R&D and innovative solutions. Planmeca delivers complete dental solutions with integrated high tech device and software options with exquisite design. Planmeca products are designed and manufactured in Helsinki, Finland, and distributed worldwide via a comprehensive network of dealers operating around the world. More than 98% of Planmeca production is exported to over 100 countries.

The company is well established on high-tech dental markets worldwide. Planmeca has considerable market shares e.g. in the U.S., Japan, and several European countries.

Planmeca, established in 1971, is the parent company of Planmeca Group, a group of companies in the field of health care.

~Trusted Consumer Education Magazine Receives Seal of Approval from Industry Voice~

Fishkill, NY (May 24, 2010) — Dear Doctor – Dentistry and Oral Health magazine, the nation’s leading consumer publication on dentistry and oral health, has announced a new patient information partnership with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The AACD is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care representing both the profession and the public.

One of the most trusted voices in consumer education, Dear Doctor’s quarterly magazine boasts an extensive section on cosmetic dentistry that is now approved by the AACD as a precise, unbiased and accurate resource for information on cosmetic dentistry. Dear Doctor magazine recently launched its digital library — a comprehensive online catalogue containing every issue of the magazine. In addition to being the largest Internet resource of its kind, it makes the same reliable information written by world-renowned, leading dental professionals available in an easy-to-access and understand format.

“Dear Doctor is honored and privileged to collaborate with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in order to educate dental patients with non-biased, accurate oral health information,” said Dr. Mario Vilardi, president and publisher of Dear Doctor – Dentistry and Oral Health.  “Receiving this support from such a prestigious dental group is a great honor. However, the fact that the leading professional organizations in dentistry are joining Dear Doctor to provide an excellent patient educational resource with great credibility for the consumer means just as much to us — if not more. This support also demonstrates that leaders in the dental profession want the best for our readers by ensuring that they get reliable, professionally-sanctioned information that is unbiased by sales. It is our hope that other professional organizations will help us by joining in this endeavor.”

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s partnership with Dear Doctor began with the magazine’s 2010 issue featuring America’s favorite TV mom, Florence Henderson. Going forward, Dear Doctor’s “Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry” editorial section will regularly feature educational, AACD-approved feature articles and consultations.

About Dear Doctor:

Dear Doctor – Dentistry & Oral Health is a quarterly dentistry magazine written by dental healthcare professionals for the education and well-being of the general public. Written in easy-to-understand language, Dear Doctor aims to open the lines of communication between patients and dental professionals by providing patients with the necessary education to make confident, informed healthcare decisions. Dear Doctor provides information that is accurate, authoritative, and trustworthy on dentistry topics including tooth whitening, orthodontics, root canals, porcelain crowns and veneers, smile makeovers, implants, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, bonding and more. Learn more at www.deardoctor.com.

Human molar scaffold by Dr. Mao of Columbia University Medical Center

Here at DentalBlogs, we were giddy to bring you news about scientists making prosthetic sheep bones from wicker. We thought that might have been the absolute coolest thing ever. We jumped up and down while typing blog posts (thank goodness for spell check) that told you about stem cells that promote implant stabilization. We love to bring you exciting news from the world of dentistry every day. But nothing – nothing – has tickled our fancy as much as the new report from Columbia University Medical Center.

Nine weeks. New tooth. No prosthetic. Seriously.

The recipe for re-growing a tooth is as follows:

• Insert a special scaffold made of natural materials
• Direct stem cells within the body to the scaffold
• Let the body do its work for nine weeks

In an animal study, this recipe has shown success in growing a fully integrated, new, natural tooth in place of a missing tooth. In addition, alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments grew to support the tooth. The only outside substance required for the procedure is the human molar scaffold [pictured], made from natural materials.

The research conducted by Dr. Jeremy Mao and his team was published in the Journal of Dental Research. Dr. Mao hopes that this discovery will lead to a cost-effective alternative to pricey dental implants, as well as a practical option for people who are not good candidates for implants.

SOURCE: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/news/press_releases/MAOtooth.html

Lois is looking forward to the growth of SCN by expanding to other healthcare professionals for the 2011 Dallas conference and beyond.

The Anaheim conference drew attendees from 28 states, Canada and Australia.  The May 20-22, 2011 Dallas conference goal is 300 speakers, consultants, authors, VIP meeting planners, editors from healthcare journals and sponsoring partners from healthcare companies.

Lois along with her committee chairs, Katherine Eitel, Laci Phillips and Bob Spiel look forward to sharing in the success of SCN with all speakers, consultants, authors and healthcare companies wishing to stay in the forefront of their profession.  VIP meeting planners look to The Speaking Consulting Network to fill their rosters for successful meetings.

Linda’s long term goal for SCN was finding a successor/owner that exemplifies SCN’s spirit.  Linda Miles congratulates Lois Banta who has attended 14 out of 15 conferences and is a natural fit.  She will insure the success of SCN for years to come.

“We are responding to our customers’ frustration and unhappiness with the proficiency program. Many customers were upset by the proficiency program, particularly the annual case requirement. The volume of complaint letters has tapered off, but the mood and frustration of our customers has not improved.”

DentalBlogs invites you to weigh in on this new development with a comment!

Instead of treating a decaying tooth with remineralization or a filling, dentists can now rebuild a decaying tooth with Icon caries infiltrant by DMG America. No drill. No filling. No problem.

Icon is a microscopic, invasive material that literally fills and reinforces tooth enamel. The product can be used for smooth surfaces and proximal caries that extends to the first third of dentin, D1.

In just 15 minutes, you can restore the integrity of a tooth with progressing caries. Simply prepare the area with a rubber dam, then treat the tooth with a gel containing 15% HCL. The pores will open in the affected area, and you will then rinse, apply ethanol to dry, and then air dry the tooth. Apply Icon to the lesion and light cure. A second layer of Icon is recommended.

Learn more about Icon by DMG American by visiting www.dmg-america.com.

Fresh breath. White teeth. Balanced oral health.

Evora Plus™ mints for adults and EvoraKids™ chews for children add good bacteria and a low level of hydrogen peroxide to the oral environment for fresher breath, a healthier mouth, and whiter teeth. Twenty-five years of research went into the making of this innovative product, developed by Jeffrey Hillman, DMD, PhD.

The company’s website states: “Within 30 days of using EvoraPlus twice daily, the natural healthy oral balance of good bacteria will be greatly restored and you will begin to notice a whiter, brighter smile and long-lasting fresh breath.”

How it Works

For some time, scientists have known that probiotics promote good digestive health. Yogurt, a food rich with probiotic power, is often recommended for patients with stomach aches and digestion issues. The same philosophy backs the effectiveness of Evora.

Good oral bacteria “crowd out” bad bacteria to promote a positive balance in the mouth. In addition, by reducing bad bacteria, Evora mints reduce potential for foul breath caused by bad bacteria. Good bacteria actually bond to teeth and gums, and even below the gum line for lasting results. This is unlike traditional mouthwashes that kill all bacteria in the mouth, not just the bad bacteria.

As for teeth whitening, Evora’s by product is a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, which is known to naturally brighten tooth enamel without causing sensitivity or irritation to oral tissues.

Each Evora mint has one calorie, and patients are instructed to use two mints each day for best results. Today, Evora is sold at these retail stores: Albertson’s, A&P, Kerr Drug, Walgreen’s, Sweetbay, Heartland, and Pathmark. Online, consumers can purchase Evora through ActiveForever.com, CVS.com, Drugstore.com, ProHealth.com, Quick2You.com, Swansonvitamins.com, Target.com, and Walgreens.com.

Visit Evora online at http://www.evoraplus.com/.

Now through June 1, 2010, all National Museum of Dentistry fans on Facebook are automatically entered for a private tour package that features:

• An exclusive curator-led tour of the museum for six people, including a rare chance to get up close and personal with George Washington’s choppers
• A peek into the museum vault, where some of the most curious dental treasures are stored
• A swag bag from the Museum Shop
• And to cap it all off, smile kits for each of your guests, including toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.

Help to share the power of a healthy smile. Make sure your friends “Become a Fan” of the National Museum of Dentistry. Go to www.smile-experience.org for details.

Brace yourself. One winner will be selected from a random drawing of fans on June 4, 2010. Tour package must be redeemed by December 31, 2010.

A new social networking capability allows OSAP members to connect with each other, as well as follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter, view photos and videos on Flickr and YouTube, and subscribe to the RSS feed. A Safety Mall offers products and services relating to infection control and includes downloadable materials, for those with an immediate need. The new site features a fresh look and many new features.

Special content is available for speakers, consultants, dental professionals, and others concerned about infection control and safety in dentistry. Visitors can also get information and register for events, such as the 2010 Infection Prevention Symposium, which will be held June 10-13, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in Tampa, Florida.

The OSAP website is updated on at least a daily basis, but when pandemics, natural disasters, or other breaking developments that impact infection control occur, the site is updated multiple times a day.  Visit www.osap.org frequently to stay current on fast-changing safety and infection control challenges.

OSAP is the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures.  Founded in 1984, the non-profit association is dentistry’s premier resource for infection control and safety information.  Through its publications, courses, website, and worldwide collaborations, OSAP and the tax-exempt OSAP Foundation support education, research, service, and policy development to promote safety and the control of infectious diseases in dental healthcare settings worldwide.

iTunes is a free online application for your Mac or PC that organizes and plays digital music and video on your computer. It syncs all your media with your iPod, iPhone and Apple TV and the iTunes Store puts thousands of free podcasts at your fingertips,

A podcast is an episodic program delivered via the Internet and can be audio files, video files, documents or any combination of the three. The E4D Podcast is an exciting new feature from D4D Technologies that gives you an inside look at all that is current in digital dentistry. Topics include current and future software applications, upcoming events, testimonials by current E4D users and more, all shot at our state-of-the-art podcast studio at D4D’s global headquarters in Richardson, Texas.

To download the latest version of iTunes on your computer, visit http://www.apple.com/itunes/download. Then to find and subscribe to the E4D Podcast channel, either search E4D Podcast or subscribe directly at http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-e4d-podcast/id356385633.

Apple and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.

About D4D Technologies LLC

www.E4D.com

D4D Technologies is taking the dental profession to a higher level of productivity, patient comfort, and convenience with its E4D Dentist™, E4D Labworks™ and E4D Studio™ Systems, all part of the E4D Sky™ Network of products. The systems use high-speed laser scanning technology to produce digital 3D impressions of teeth prepared for full contour crowns, inlays, onlays, smile designs, and no-prep veneers without the application of contrast agents. The intuitive DentaLogic™ software enables operators to customize restoration designs and send them wirelessly to the precision mill that uses the latest restorative materials to produce fine esthetic restorations.

Highly accurate, versatile, and easy to use, the E4D Systems provide significant productivity improvements allowing dental professionals to offer a healthier, more economical and more convenient solution with Same Day Dentistry™.

Headquartered in Richardson, TX, a suburb of Dallas, D4D Technologies has partnerships with major corporations in the dental profession: Henry Schein Dental is responsible for global sales and distribution; 3M ESPE and Ivoclar Vivadent provide restorative materials.

Contact Dalyce Willis dwillis@d4dtech.com; 214-432-6349 (direct)

• Automatic Design Procedure is Fast, Reliable, and Compatible with all Restorative Indications

Charlotte, NC (February 25, 2010) – Sirona Dental Systems, LLC (Nasdaq: SIRO), the company that pioneered digital impressions and dental CAD/CAM 25 years ago and the world’s leading producer of dental CAD/CAM and digital impression systems, is pleased to introduce user-friendly software developed for its CEREC^® chairside system.  The new software is based on Sirona’s patented Biogeneric technology.

Like fingerprints, no two human teeth are identical and each tooth has its own unique characteristics.  A group of researchers led by Professor Dr. Albert Mehl (Zurich University) and Professor Dr. Volker Blanz (Siegen University) have unraveled the rules that shape natural teeth, and these rules are based on a patient’s genetic makeup.  Sirona has harnessed this understanding into the new Biogeneric CEREC 3D software.

Version 3.8 of the CEREC software enables dentists to create lifelike reconstructions – even while working with completely damaged occlusal surfaces.  On the basis of a single intact tooth, the program extrapolates the natural morphology of that tooth to the patient’s damaged tooth structure.  CEREC 3.8 software can be used for all single-tooth restorations and for three-unit bridges.

“Biogenerics is based exclusively on the patient’s individual dentition status,” remarked Professor Mehl.  “This is a major advantage in terms of clinical reliability.  The more individual the occlusion, the better the resulting functionality.”

Currently, all occlusal design approaches are based on limited dental libraries and databases containing data records of various standard teeth.  Conventional CAD/CAM programs retrieve a matching tooth from the archive, and then generate a design proposal for the given clinical situation.  The user then manually edits and adapts this proposal.  No objective principles exist to justify this selection, and using matching databases can be subjective and time-consuming.

Explains Professor Mehl, “These standardized teeth are comparable to off-the-rack garments manufactured in standard sizes.  Frequently, such garments do not fit properly in all places and require subsequent alteration.  By contrast, a biogenerically designed tooth is a made-to-measure product; ‘tooth couture,’ if you will.”

“Biogenerics will revolutionize occlusal surface design,” remarked Bart Doedens, Vice President, Dental CAD/CAM Systems at Sirona.  “With a single mouse click, the user will obtain a natural and individually designed restoration that requires hardly any manual adjustment.  Such made-to-measure restorations are simpler, quicker, and, above all, more precise than their ‘off-the-rack’ equivalents.”

The Biogeneric design feature will replace the “dental database” feature in previous CEREC software versions.  With Version 3.8, it will be possible to easily create crowns, veneers, and anatomically sized bridges.  The user will simply require an intact reference tooth of the similar type – i.e., anterior or posterior.

The time-consuming process of selecting tooth morphology from dental databases has been virtually eliminated.  Moreover, due to the standardized and largely automated routines, the software is easy to learn and use.

For more information about any of Sirona’s CAD/CAM and digital impression solutions or to schedule a free demonstration, call your local Patterson branch, 800-873-7683, or visit www.cereconline.com.

About Sirona Dental Systems, LLC

Sirona, the dental technology leader, has served dealers and dentists worldwide for more than 130 years. Sirona develops, manufactures, and markets a complete line of dental products, including CAD/CAM restoration systems (CEREC); digital intraoral, panoramic, and 3D imaging systems; dental treatment centers; and handpieces. Visit http://www.sirona.com for more information about Sirona and its products.

WOBURN, Massachusetts – February 25, 2010 - SensAble Technologies, Inc®, a leading provider of  touch-enabled 3D modeling systems, dental CAD/CAM solutions and haptic devices, has announced Release 3 of the SensAble Dental Lab System (SDLS), with significant enhancements to this integrated system for creating dental restorations efficiently and more cost-effectively.

Release 3 dramatically speeds the scan, design and fabrication processes for partial dentures as well as crowns and bridges; provides support for milling; adds support for impression scanning and the SensAble OpenScan™ interface; and expands SensAble’s unique software intelligence, called Intelli-Fit™, that automatically compensates for inaccuracies inherent in both digital and manual processes such as scanning artifacts and physical distortions introduced during fabrication processes.  With analysts predicting a significant increase in CAD/CAM-created dental prosthetic devices through 2015¹ , Release 3 lets labs gain optimal value from their technology investment and achieve sought-after efficiencies throughout their workflow.

In related news today, SensAble announced its first two Authorized Milling Centers and introduced its dental impression scanner (see press releases).  The company will preview Release 3 enhancements at the Cal-Lab and LAB DAY events in Chicago this week.

“The SensAble Dental Lab System has been a huge productivity plus to our lab since day one, and it just keeps getting better and better,” said Kristine Van Cleve, president of Dental Prosthetic Services (DPS). “In our business, every minute saved goes directly to the bottom line. As a beta partner, we’re already appreciating the new release’s dramatic speed improvements, and the many software enhancements that are allowing us to complete even more types of restorations than before. Release 3 is a perfect example of how SensAble continues to expand the versatility of their system as well as their commitment to helping dental labs grow.”

“Dental labs either have to get more efficient, or they face a diminished role as digital methods transform the industry and demand for dental restorations increases,” said Bob Steingart, president of SensAble Dental Products. “But, speed isn’t enough – labs need to produce accurate, consistent products on a repeatable basis, or their dentists will go elsewhere. Release 3 of the SensAble Dental Lab System continues to extend SensAble’s built-in advantage of total integration from A-to-Z. We sweat the hundreds of details involved in digital design and production so that lab technicians can focus on what they do best – designing precise, esthetically pleasing and great fitting restorations.”

Release 3 Highlights:

• Scan:
  • Support for impression scanning, providing increased accuracy and speed.  Labs can start designing digitally using the impression scan right away.
  • New OpenScan interface, which will allow the SensAble Dental Lab System to import industry-standard STL files from other open scanners that a lab may already own.
  • Faster scanning times, through innovative software and enhanced integration.
• Design:
  • Dramatically faster performance through innovative applications of hardware and software acceleration.
  • Expanded versatility with more types of restorations and streamlined design workflows for inlays, onlays, metal occlusion, metal dummies, open facings, and combination cases with attachments.
  • Enhanced features that speed design for multiple workflows, such as improved automatic positioning and sizing of virtual teeth, connectors, retention beads, hollow pontics and multi-part partials.
• Fabricate:
  • Support for milling and the ability to send digital design files to SensAble Authorized Milling Centers, providing labs with an additional fabrication option.
  • Intelli-Fit processing to automatically adjust, by restoration type, for fabrication techniques (3D printing and milling) and materials (alloys, ceramics, investment, resins, plastics, etc.).

The SensAble Dental Lab System is the only CAD/CAM solution that includes built-in support for both fixed and removable restorations in an integrated, touch-enabled platform. The system also uniquely incorporates a 3D “virtual touch” stylus where technicians work by holding a haptic (touch-enabled) device instead of a computer mouse, and use virtual wax-up tools to literally feel the onscreen model as they apply, smooth and carve digital wax. This touch-enabled approach mimics the traditional method of hand-modeling dental restorations, allowing technicians to keep the artistry and manual dexterity they have spent years perfecting.

System Configurations and Availability

Release 3 of the SensAble Dental Lab System is sold in several configurations to suit the needs of any size lab:

1. A complete SensAble Authorized Production Center configuration for labs that want complete in-house control, from scan to fabrication, to produce their own restorations, and that may also want the option of providing production services for other SensAble Dental Lab customers.
2. A Scan/Design configuration, for labs that want to design in-house, but outsource fabrication.
3. And, a Scan-only option for labs that want to outsource both design and fabrication.
   Release 3 is scheduled for general availability at the end of April.   Contact SensAble for more information on the SensAble Dental Lab System by calling 781-939-7493 or visiting www.sensabledental.com.

About the SensAble Dental Lab System

The SensAble Dental Lab System is an integrated digital solution to scan, design and fabricate common dental restorations.  It is the first integrated digital solution to support the production process for removable partial frameworks, as well as full contour crown and bridge. The system’s unique 3D “Virtual Touch” stylus allows technicians to digitally design multiple restoration types with unmatched speed and precision – while keeping the artistry and manual dexterity they have spent years perfecting. In the SensAble system, technicians hold a haptic (touch-enabled) device instead of a computer mouse.  They use virtual wax-up tools to literally “feel” the on-screen model as they apply, smooth and carve “digital wax.” This touch-enabled approach mimics the traditional method of hand modeling dental restorations – yet adds the consistency, precision and repeatability of a digital system.

About SensAble

Founded in 1993, SensAble Technologies is the leading developer of 3D touch-enabled (force feedback) solutions and technology that allow users to not only see and hear an on-screen computer application, but to actually “feel” it.  With 41 patents granted and over 8,000 systems installed worldwide, SensAble Technologies’ haptic technology is being used in applications ranging from designing toys and footwear, to surgical simulation and stroke rehabilitation, to dental restorations, as well as a range of research and robotic applications.  The company markets its own 3D modeling solutions as well as its haptic devices and developer toolkits to medical, dental, design, and manufacturing companies; educational and research institutions; and OEMs. SensAble products are available through direct and reseller channels worldwide.  www.sensabledental.com.

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SOURCE: Press Release from SensAble