As we head into another holiday season and year, this year stands out as it marked our 45th year! It is amazing to me how long ago it was when we started and yet, how recent it can feel at times. Nonetheless, we’ve come far in that time. I can remember when we were making one product, then a few, then dozens, and now, hundreds and hundreds!

User Report by Dr. Elisa Jurianz I have been using sectional matrix systems in my practice for some time now. They allow me to create significantly better contact points during restorative treatments compared to the conventional Tofflemire systems. What every dentist is looking for are restorations with a good contact point to the adjacent tooth in the upper third of the crown and an appropriate marginal ridge. The procedure should ideally be easy and uncomplicated. In the past, I used to work, for example, with the Tofflemire matrix system and was frequently faced with problems. For instance, the tooth did not have a naturally convex shape and the contact point to the neighboring tooth was almost situated at the same level as the occlusion. Sometimes, reductions due to occlusal adjustments even led to the disappearance of the contact point and finally to the loss of patient comfort.

User report by Dr. Alexandre Franco During my professional life as a dentist, I have frequently seen patients with one single dark tooth in my practice. Being so common, I wondered which dentist would not be familiar with these situations? Usually, our first thought is that we are facing a non-vital tooth, one which had already been treated endodontically. Consequently, it would be suitable to go ahead with an appropriate whitening protocol for non-vital teeth in order to get rid of the dark internal coloration – it could not be easier, could it?

User report by Petteri Viljakainen You would not want to be without a curing light in your dental practice. As they are used repeatedly on a daily basis, they are vital for the success of numerous dental procedures. Alongside the drill, a curing light is probably one of the most important tools in a dental practice. In order to obtain perfectly polymerized restorations, the curing light’s intensity as well as its handling properties are crucial.

Dr. Cristiane Maucoski—an accomplished dentist, orthodontist, and PhD candidate practicing in Ponta Grossa, Brazil— is described by colleagues as a passionate learner, skilled dentist, a scholar, and a problem solver.

By ShaLyse Walker This past month on the heels of celebrating 45 years in business, Ultradent Products landed on two prestigious, nationwide lists honoring outstanding workplaces across the country that go above and beyond for not only their employees, but also for the communities and the world around them.

By Renato Miotto Palo, DDS White spot lesions (WSLs), defined as “white opacity,” occur as a result of subsurface enamel demineralization that is located on smooth surfaces of teeth. If improved oral hygiene and application of low-dose topical fluoride does not alter the appearance of the lesions, then further measures are available to a clinician. The two treatment options are teeth whitening and microabrasion.

By James Wright, DDS This edition of Clinical Tips welcomes Dr. James M. Wright, and his experience with J-Temp™ temporary resin.

User report by Dr. Elisa Jurianz One of my patients arranged an appointment in our practice, wishing to get whiter teeth. She was unhappy with her tooth color and especially with the fact that her teeth's cervical regions were significantly darker. The regular consumption of coffee was a visible cause for the discoloration of the tooth surfaces. The patient presented no fillings, allergies, or any other health restrictions.

By Daniel Lewis “If anybody has had to move a dental office, you'll find out it's ten times worse than moving a home,” says Ultradent Products VP of Clinical Affairs, Dr. Jaleena Jessop. “Often times there are so many different products that just have one indication for what it can be used for.”