The desire for whiter teeth and attaining the associated ideal of beauty are probably as old as mankind itself. However, it is interesting to note that many patients are still hesitant and critical when it comes to tooth whitening. Questions about the possible risks for enamel and general oral health keep coming up. There are also concerns about irreversible sensitivities and related complaints. In these cases comprehensive counseling is particularly important. We inform patients that, contrary to numerous rumors, the enamel is neither removed nor damaged, because when professional whitening products are used, molecules are exchanged during the whitening process. During this process, oxygen radicals decompose the color pigments in the tooth and start the whitening process. In our practice, it is important for us to exclusively use products that do not cause enamel damage, as their mode of action is based on the exchange of molecules. Furthermore, we are careful to choose products based on potassium nitrate, which reduce dehydration of the teeth and thus counteract the formation of sensitivities during treatment. In our experience, sensitivities can thus be virtually ruled out. Should sensitivities nevertheless occur, they usually disappear again within a few days by themselves. To accelerate this, patients should drink plenty of water, particularly in the morning, to compensate for dehydration. In some cases, additional treatment can be carried out with a desensitizer based on potassium nitrate, such as UltraEZ TM, if necessary.

Introduction The evolution of modern composite systems has enabled clinicians to obtain increasingly efficient results from both an aesthetic as well as a functional point of view. In fact, the introduction of filler particles of different sizes has improved the performance of composites, allowing the combination of ideal aesthetic results due to high biomechanical composite material characteristics and the adhesive tooth restoration complex.

Tooth whitening can have many faces. The indications and requirements are as different as the variety of existing treatment concepts: equally in terms of the application duration and in terms of the practical expenditure of time and money. Therefore, it is recommendable to determine the patients’ requirements and objectives in detail prior to the start of a specific treatment protocol. A suitable opportunity is provided during the regular oral hygiene sessions which, by the way, build the foundation of every whitening treatment.

“Is it possible for a toothpaste to be, well, sexy?”

During this year’s IDS in Cologne, Ultradent Products invited interested dentists to attend specific exclusive expert sessions. The sessions covered topics of special interest, clinical discussions, treatment protocols as well as tips and tricks around the latest product innovations. In a relaxed atmosphere with tasty finger foods and drinks, the guests also had the opportunity to get answers to all their professional questions and to gain hands-on experience with the corresponding products.

During this year’s IDS in Cologne, Ultradent Products invited interested dentists to attend specific exclusive expert sessions. The sessions covered topics of special interest, clinical discussions, treatment protocols as well as tips and tricks around the latest product innovations. In a relaxed atmosphere with tasty finger foods and drinks, the guests also had the opportunity to get answers to all their professional questions and to gain hands-on experience with the corresponding products.

Neil Jessop, Ultradent Products’ Vice President of Research and Development, recently spoke about the evolution of the VALOTM curing light. “There’s a sense of urgency that I constantly feel to keep an eye on what is right and on staying advanced. It’s not a free ride.” Ever innovating, in 2017 Ultradent Products released the VALOTM Grand curing light in Europe, which offers a 50% larger lens that measures a whopping 12 mm. This larger lens allows clinicians to cover and cure an entire restoration with the light’s highly efficient 385 nm–515 nm LEDs. The story behind the VALO light’s development, however, started more than two decades ago, in 1997.

Choosing the right adhesive is one of the most important and impactful product decisions a clinician can make. It affects the quality and longevity of their restorations, the time it will take to complete them, and the money the clinician will have to spend to ensure that their adhesive works on all substrates. It also affects whether or not the patient is satisfied and comfortable, relative to the amount of sensitivity that the bonding agent or procedure may cause. Here are a few aspects dentists should pay extra attention to when choosing the right bonding product for their office.

A trip to the dentist can be tricky for many patients. From dental phobia to just plain discomfort, it’s important for clinicians, hygienists, and dental assistants to ease these pain points as much as possible for the patient, but still accomplish the task at hand. A dental appointment sometimes becomes a balancing act between providing high-quality dental care and managing the patients’ feelings and desires to ensure they leave happy.

Every smile is unique. Every smile is powerful. For many patients a brighter, whiter smile is life changing. That’s the power of a smile!