what's new

Soap suds

A new soap specifically developed to benefit those who suffer from damaged or impaired skin or those whose work requires them to wash their hands frequently, has been introduced by Sentinel Laboratories.

The system is free from all preservatives and fragrances, so it is ideal for critical environments or manufacturing situations where surface contamination must be avoided.

For further details call Freephone 0800 0687 111 or Fax: 01444 484 045.

Reader response number: 051

Bump and grind

Finishing Techniques Ltd has introduced the new ECO. This is a bench top version of the OTEC finishing machines that are used by larger manufacturers. The company claims that the new ECO offers the same high standards of finish from a compact machine with a high build quality, reliability and extensive back-up.

Depending on speed, media and process sequence, the ECO can deburr, grind, smooth and polish to produce a high gloss surface. The system can be used for dry or wet processing and has an optional dosing pump. Processing is faster and the variable speed controller and timer enables consistent quality to be achieved without supervision.

The ECO is ideal for dental laboratories or small scale optical manufacturers. It offers true plug and play capability requiring only a standard 230 volt single phase power supply. The five litre drum will process up to 20 to 30 small pieces. A nine litre machine will be available soon.

For more information, Tel: 01706 825 819 or Fax: 01706 825 748.

Reader response number: 053

No more fears

Medivance claim that their i-glasses patient entertainment system presents an innovative solution for nervous patients.

I-glasses are a personal entertainment system worn by patients to provide relaxation and distraction during treatment. They are very light in weight, giving the patient an 80 inch big screen experience with full stereo sound, and can be connected easily to almost any video source including VCR, DVD player, Laserdisc, TV or Computer system.

In addition, i-glasses are compatible with most intra-oral cameras, assisting in the explanation of a procedure.

Dentists and hygienists report that the system is popular with patients of all ages, and that it is highly effective for relaxing patients who are involved in long procedures. They have found that use of the glasses even leads to more regular visits and increased referrals.

For more details Tel: 0181 965 2913 or Fax: 0181 963 1270.

Reader response number: 054

Peak practice

Two tickets for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on 22 and 23 April 2000 are being auctioned to raise money for charity. The tickets have been donated by Autosport magazine to help a team of dental industry athletes to raise cash and sponsorship support for their entry later this year into the Four Peaks Challenge.

The event which is organized by the Wooden Spoon Society raises thousands of pounds each year for the Cancer Care & Haematology Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

The team comprises: Vanessa Cook, Peter Higginbotham, Ken McInnes, and Brian Niblett – all from Heraeus Kulzer.

The Vauxhall Four Peaks Challenge takes place from 29 June to 1 July 2000. The route includes 25 miles on foot and a cumulative ascent of 14,000 feet, plus 1,900 miles driving, all in under 48 hours. The four mountains to be covered are Ben Nevis, Snowdon, Scafell Peak and Carantouhill.

The deadline for registration of bids for these prizes is noon 15 April 2000. Those wishing to bid for the tickets or to offer sponsorship for the team can do so by e-mailing kenmcinnes@virgin.net, calling 01635 30500 or writing to: Four Peaks Challenge, c/o Heraeus Kulzer, Heraeus House, Albert Road, Newbury, Berks, RG 14 1DL.

Reader response number: 052

Trade News

Total adds up for Colgate

Colgate have updated their Colgate Total box and instead of just including a tube of Colgate Total toothpaste and a Colgate Total Professional toothbrush, it now also includes a surgery poster. The poster clearly illustrates the benefits of regular brushing with a good fluoride toothpaste such as Colgate Total. A survey has been run alongside the Colgate Total box and the feedback from the profession has been extremely positive. Of those that responded:

  • Almost two thirds frequently, if not always, recommended Colgate Total toothpaste to their patients.

  • Over two thirds agreed that Colgate Total offered more protection than all other toothpastes, and agreed that the protection was both supra and subgingival.

  • More than half of those that responded agreed that they had noticed an improvement in their patients' oral health since using the toothpaste. Their patient studies had shown firmer gums, decreased bleeding, a reduction in pocketing and decreased plaque and calculus build up as a result of using Colgate Total toothpaste.

For further details Tel: 01483 401 901.

Reader response number: 055

Trials & tribulations

Antiseptic disinfectant spray Brushtox — so the company claim — is the first product of its kind to be directed specifically at disinfecting toothbrushes. Independent laboratory tests against a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses and fungi show that Brushtox is highly effective in reducing the infective burden on toothbrushes. The solution is simply sprayed onto the toothbrush bristles after use to disinfect the brush, thereby prolonging its useful life and helping to safeguard the user's health. It is also possible that organisms re-infecting from toothbrushes may be directly involved with the aetiology of mouth ulcers

Brushtox is now taking part in a trial which will involve 40 recurrent aphthous ulcer patients from the oral medicine clinic of Birmingham Dental Hospital.

Twenty patients will be given Brushtox to use on their toothbrushes for 45 days and the other 20 will be given a placebo solution. Both groups will be instructed on how to compile daily results sheets. At the halfway mark of the trial, the groups will swap solutions and then be examined to assess their oral health and the results will then be compiled and their findings published.

For further information about Brushtox or a copy of the study when it is completed, please call Dr Peter Neal on 01926 651 348.

Reader response number: 056

Button it!

Glide will be launching their Glide floss buttons in travel packs of three at Dentistry 2000.

Each button contains 10 m of Glide floss and is an ideal small size to carry around on your travels. Patients who are new to flossing might consider placing the buttons at reminder points around their house until the routine becomes a regular habit.

BDA accredited Glide floss is designed to slide comfortably between teeth without leaving fibres behind and is clinically proven to improve periodontal health.

Glide floss travel size packs are available from Glide product supply companies, including CTS Dental Supplies, Dental Health Boutique and Dent-o-Care Ltd.

Freephone 0800 660 044 for more details.

Reader response number: 057

Sealing made easy

Dentsply introduce Dyract Seal Compomer Pit and Fissure sealant and the new Total-Seal Technique.

Dyract Seal is a light-curing compomer pit and fissure sealant available in clear or opaque which combines total sealing ability, high abrasion resistance, excellent mechanical properties and long-term fluoride release. Dentsply also introduce an acid conditioning procedure for Dyract compomer materials. This non-rinsing procedure not only makes the change of cotton rolls obsolete but also enhances the acceptance of the treatment, particularly with small children.

For more information please call 01932 853 422.

Reader response number: 058

Whiter than white

SmithKline Beecham have observed that whitening toothpastes have almost doubled in the last year outgrowing any other toothpaste sector. However, there is still a tendency towards occasional, rather than daily use.

Macleans Whitening provides an advanced whitening fluoride toothpaste with stain prevention for everyday use. Macleans Whitening contains Triclean which breaks down stains that can then be lifted off through normal brushing.

The entire Macleans range has recently been relaunched with a new look.

For further information please telephone Beverly Wigg PR & Communications on 01692 650 780.

Reader response number: 059

Particularly prestigious products

Prestige Dental are marketing the Densco prophy angles in the form of snap-on cups. These are also available in screw shank configurations. The high quality rubber cups come in many types and in various grades of hardness for different prophylactic applications. Prophy brushes are also available.

The Densco Proflex — a flexible scaler — is a unique strip of stainless steel with built-in microscopic scaling edges offering debris and stain removal. This product comes in a continuous strip and can be cut to suitable lengths, ensuring a quick and easy method of scaling teeth.

Also from Prestige is the Parkell Turbo Scaler for quick and effective prophylaxis procedures. The unit is extremely compact, and can be used with either a 25k or 30k power rating.

Contact Prestige on Tel: 01274 721 567 or Fax: 01274 304 237.

Reader response number: 060

Paste for the pain

Around half of the adult population suffer from the pain of sensitive teeth as a result of gum recession exposing the dentine. This results in pain and leaves the tooth neck prone to further decay.

Sensodyne Total Care toothpaste is clinically proven to relieve the pain of sensitive teeth. Sensodyne Total Care f and Gel contain Triclosan which helps combat gum disease and an effective level of fluoride that helps prevent tooth decay.

Sensodyne cleans as effectively but is claimed to be less abrasive than other leading toothpaste brands.

For further information, call Chris Holland on 01707 828 242.

Reader response number: 061

Rinse again and again

Super concentrate mouthwash from Boss/Klein claims to be a replacement for the traditional mouthwash tablet. The mouthwash is quick and easy to use, more cost effective, has a fresh minty flavour and dissolves almost instantly.

A single 200ml bottle will make in the region of 1500 cups of pleasant, refreshing mouthrinse.

To order please call Boss on 01274 721 420 or Mason Dental on 0800 132 373.

Reader response number: 062

Delton's thinner trigger

Dentsply announce the new Delton DDS autoclavable applicator. It is included in all five Delton DDS introductory kits and will also be available for purchase separately.

The tip of the trigger has been shaved thinner so there is no wasted material and the trigger itself has been reinforced inside so the plunger does not snap off.

Delton has a low viscosity ensuring thorough penetration of the fissures without air bubbles. It exhibits high bond strengths and provides excellent caries prophylaxis.

Delton is available in self-cure and light-cure. Delton light cure is in convenient unit dose cartridges with a direct delivery applicator.

For more information about Delton fissure sealant, contact Sharon Collins at Dentsply on 01932 837 297.

Reader response number: 063