Tea-total teeth

A survey conducted amongst delegates at Dentistry 2000 by the Tea Council shows that 97 per cent of dentists know that tea is a natural source of fluoride and almost 84 per cent agree that their tea-drinking patients gain oral health benefits from the brew.

Studies show that an increase of just one cup per day may prove invaluable in the fight against tooth decay. Scientists in Japan carried out clinical trials using a tannin fluoride preparation on gingival inflammation around abutment teeth, and results showed a reduction of plaque build-up on teeth. Yet, less than 50 per cent of the dentists surveyed at Dentistry 2000 knew that drinking tea can actually help combat the build-up of plaque, despite knowing that it contained fluoride.

Further research indicates that tea can help to prevent tooth decay by enhancing the action of saliva, inhibiting acid protection from plaque.

Reader response number: 051

Quick to take note

Quickpen is an easy way to update patient notes. The pen is pointed at the relevant tooth on the easy to read Quickpen chart, then at the planned treatment. The chart and notes are both instantly updated, at the same time the patient is automatically charged the correct fee.

Quickpen is also programmable for preferred treatments and payment charges whether private, NHS or mixed.

For more information please call Daniel Davidson on 01296 616600.

Reader response number: 052

Fix yourself up with KaVo's Fast Track

KaVo have introduced a new Fast track maintenance scheme for laboratory micromotors.

According to KaVo managing director Richard Whatley, 'The new Fast Track voucher scheme is a really cost-effective way of ensuring that repairs and maintenance of laboratory handpieces are carried out by skilled, factory trained engineers, using only genuine spare parts and approved procedures in the fastest time possible.'

KaVo guarantees that under the scheme all micromotor servicing and /or repairs will be completed in only 8 hours from receipt and will be returned by the next available postal service. All repairs are fully warranted for a period of six months from the date of repair.

For a limited period KaVo are offering Fast Track vouchers on a five for the cost of four basis representing a saving of £75.

Please call Kimberly Wells at KaVo on Freephone 0800 281 020.

Reader response number: 053

Schottlander shine

The Queen's Award for Excellence 2000, Innovation Category has been awarded to Schottlander. It acknowledges Schottlander's innovative work in recognizing and providing quality solutions for problems that affect the dental team.

Examples of Schottlander innovation include: Schottlander powder-free low allergy gloves, Enigma colour tone – a new aesthetic technique allowing simulation of the natural gum colouring, a research project to find a replacement for mercury amalgam fillings, and study groups of dentists and technicians to test new products in the field.

For further information call Terry Donohoe on 01462 480 848.

Reader response number: 054

Have YOU changed?

TMS has mailed to their customers the 'Big Number' application. This application will run against your main database, specifically the patient telephone records.

The 'Big Number' number application is a conversion engine, which will run through every telephone number and check to see if it is a number that is being changed over to the new national system. If it is a number that is being changed, the conversion engine will replace the old number with the new one while a copy of your old number is made for security and backup reasons.

If you wish to receive the Number Conversion application please contact Daniel Davidson on 01296 616 600.

Reader response number: 055

Dentsply Dynamics

The new edition of Dentsply Dynamics for dentists, hygienists and technicians is available from 1 May to 31 August 2000. This edition contains interesting articles, product evaluations, new promotions and news.

For your copy of Dynamics, call 01932 853 422.

Reader response number: 056

It's cement to look good!

GC claim that Fuji Plus – their resin reinforced glass ionomer luting cement has been proven to respond to the demands of dental luting procedures.

After the recent introduction of GC Fuji Plus EWT (extended working time), GC Europe NV is proud to announce improvements in respect to the aesthetic appearance of the material.

GC Fuji Plus will now be offered in Vita shade A3 and also a translucent shade which will make visible cement margins a thing of the past.

For more details contact Helena Casbolt on Tel: 020 8882 1226 or hcasbolt@aol.com

Reader response number: 057

Prestige goes product-tastic!

The Pulpdent adhesive programme from Prestige Dental includes Dentastic Uno – a 'one-step' bonding system, amalgam bonding systems, etching gels and silane couplers.

Parkell products sold by Prestige include Blu-Mousse - the bite registration material, the 'Sensimatic' electrosurgery unit and the Smart Temp provisional crown and bridge material.

Other new items include 'MCA' – a new light-cure material for post cementation and core build-ups.

Prestige are also introducing new equipment for Micro dentistry, including some unique air abrasion systems.

For a new products catalogue Tel:74 721 567, Fax: 01274 304 237 or Steveb@Prestige-Dental.co.uk

Reader response number: 058

Restorations made simple with Sirona

Sirona Dental Systems introduce their practice-integrated restoration system – CEREC3.

CEREC 3 consists of data-collection and grinding unit. The advantage is that both units can be used simultaneously, which means that the next construction can be completed while the grinding process is still taking place.

Its division into two components using the module system makes the CEREC 3 flexible – the two units can be set up together or separately.

Sirona claim that the CEREC 3 is very user-friendly. The software is based on Windows and is clearly structured for the manufacture of inlays, onlays, veneers, partial and full crowns.

For practitioners who prefer to work with impression and model, the CEREC Scan can easily be expanded and developed into a full-scale CEREC 3 unit for more demanding work.

CEREC Scan is based on the CEREC 3 grinding unit, to which a laser scanner has been added. A silicone model is made by conventional moulding. This is then clamped into the CEREC Scan and scanned by laser. The restoration is then constructed using the connected computer, the model replaced by a CEREC ceramic block, and the grinding process started.

For further information call Dr Frank Scherer: +49 6251/16-2100.

Reader response number: 059

Ebb and flow

3M have introduced a new flowable anterior and posterior restorative. Filtek Flow has 'smart' handling properties. It flows under pressure but holds its shape and stays in place prior to light curing. It will not ooze or slump, and cures in just twenty seconds. The material's compressive and tensile strength properties are claimed to be excellent.

Filtek Flow restorative is presented in syringes and is available in six popular shades.

Reader response number: 060

Top tips from Dentsply

The special surface of Dentsply Ash composite materials enables them to be used with composite and glass ionomer materials. Anodised aluminium tips give them exceptional non-stick properties.

Placing and shaping composite material is significantly easier and quicker than with conventional hand instruments. The anodised surface of the composite instrument is not scratched by the composite filler particles and it also resists composites sticking to it without risk of discolouring the materials.

Dentsply Ash composite instruments are available in Ceramicolor and Lustra.

Contact Manja Klein on 10932 853 422.

Reader response number: 061

Schottlander

Schottlander produce three glass ionomers – Opusfil Fast Set, Opusfil Super Fast Set and Opus Silver.

The high abrasion resistance, low solubility and tight marginal seal, and the greater flexural strength of Opus glass ionomers makes these longer lasting restorative materials. The Opus range releases fluoride and has an excellent bond to tooth structure without the need for etchants and bonding agents.

As the surface hardness of Opus glass ionomers is achieved rapidly, finishing of the final restoration may be completed at the same visit.

Opusfil Fast Set is the material of choice for Class III and V restorations and is available in a choice of 7 shades.

Opusfil Super Fast Set has even faster finishing time, of just 4 minutes and is ideal for paediatric uses.

OpusSilver has a variety of uses and will not stick to hand instruments.

For more information Freephone: 0500 234 200 or Freefax: 0500 234 400.

Reader response number: 062

Say goodbye to compromise

Den-Mat say that for posterior restorations, True Vitality means that dentists no longer have to compromise between strength of amalgam and the aesthetics of a tooth coloured material. They also claim that True Vitality provides excellent aesthetics, high polishability and long-term strength, with less than half the wear rate of amalgam.

True Vitality comes in a variety of Vita shades and has three curing modes: heat-curing, self-curing and light-curing.

Please call 020 8882 1226 or hcasbolt@aol.com

Reader response number: 063

Time to show-off Shofu

New to Shofu's range is CX Plus, a radiopaque Type I Luting Cement that features increased bond strength, reduced solubility and low viscosity. A new silicone oxide coating process on the glass particles in the material, allows an increased working time for precise placement with a 'snap' set.

Hi-Dense is a mercury-free silver-reinforced glass ionomer, making it a good choice for core build-ups, base material for composite and amalgam restorations, class II in deciduous and selected permanent teeth and on root abutments for locating overdentures.

CoreShade is a good alternative for core build-ups. This metal-free, radiopaque material provides high strength and is grey-coloured for easy identification at the margins.

Reader response number: 064

Dazzle with DMDS

DMDS have developed a unique composite resin range for use with the Apollo 95E plasma light. As a result of intensive studies, it has been shown that A.S.A.P Composite can be cured in just 20 seconds with a conventional light source.

This means that the time your patients sit in the chair is reduced and hand fatigue is kept to an absolute minimum, particularly in the case of multiple restorations.

A.S.A.P. composites include A.S.A.P. Restore, microhybrid composite, A.S.A.P. Flow, a versatile flowing composite and A.S.A.P. Seal, a filled, opaque pit and fissure sealant, which are all available in a cost effective introductory kit.

For further information, call DMDS on 01227 780 009 or Fax: 01227 760 649.

Reader response number: 065