VELMENI® Introduces New AI tools for Dentists at Chicago MidWinter Meeting

In Chicago last week, I attended a press conference hosted by VELMENI® a company that is set to make a major splash in the dental industry.  I sent out an Instagram post about the event (in case you missed it).   

In the fall of 2024 I got a chance to get an impressive demo of the product on a Zoom meeting with the company.  I found out about VELMENI® from my friend Dr. Dale Miles.  Dr. Miles is a world renowned oral and maxillofacial radiologist and an incredible resource for me on all things dealing with radiology.  He is consulting with the company and I can tell you that if he is involved, this system is going to incredible.

When I saw the demo, I was impressed.  As most of you know, I'm all in on using AI for better diagnosis and treatment planning.  However, the dental industry has really only seen AI being applied to 2D radiographs.  I was aware that several companies were developing systems for 3D and I knew it was only a matter of time before this next big tech jump hit the industry.

I've seen demos of some other dental 3D AI systems, but the companies were not quite ready to enter the market.  We are about to see that change dramatically and I'm confident that one of the major players in this space is going to be VELMENI®.  Their 3D Verify™ product is pretty slick.  I also like the business model of "pay per scan" so that anyone can use that portion of their product portfolio easily, affordably, and without a monthly fee to access it.

The company's CEO Mini Suri, is a very bright and driven lady.  She's worked in AI for a significant amount of time.  She started in the world of finance helping implement AI and also worked on the AI portion of Uber.  That background gives her a great understanding of how this technology works 'under the hood'.

Today's post deals mainly with their 3D Verify™ product, but the company is developing a whole suite of products that is looking to take AI in dentistry to the next level.  Be sure to remember this company because I'm sure you're going to be hearing a lot about them in the future.

VELMENI to Quality Control CBCT Scans for Implant Cases

VELMENI, a leader in artificial intelligence for dental imaging, debutED its 2D and groundbreaking 3D Verify™ technology at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting. This AI-powered solution addresses a critical issue in CBCT imaging: Studies show that 60% of 3D images have errors, leading to workflow inefficiencies and expensive retakes. 

VELMENI 3D Verify™ is the first AI imaging solution that validates CBCT scans in real time. Dentists catch errors immediately, streamline case planning, and improve clinical outcomes. 

3D Verify helps prevent costly delays and ensures greater precision in implant placement. 

“With 3D Verify, dentists no longer have to second-guess their CBCT images or deal with the inefficiencies of incorrect scans,” says Mini Suri, CEO and Founder of VELMENI. “Real-time verification gives clinicians confidence in their imaging and treatment planning.” 

3D Verify is offered on a “pay-as-you-scan” model, making it accessible to all dentists regardless of volume. While the various VELMENI applications complement each other, 3D Verify is a standalone solution, providing flexibility for dental professionals. 

“3D Verify has transformed my CBCT imaging process. Real-time verification helps me catch and fix issues instantly, eliminating errors, retakes, and frustration for my team and patients. It’s a game-changer for precise and efficient implant planning,” explains Maxine Feinberg, DDS and Chief Strategy Officer for VELMENI. 

In addition to launching 3D Verify, VELMENI showcased its other AI-driven dental solutions, including: 

• VELMENI EasyRiter® – a web-based decision support system that simplifies CBCT interpretation and makes it easy to generate detailed anatomical reports. 
• VELMENI for Dentists® – An FDA-approved AI tool for analyzing 2D dental X-rays. The AI detects pathologies that even experienced clinicians miss. 
• “As a follower of the latest advances in digital dentistry, I’m keeping my eye on VELMENI, watch, you will see,” says Ed Zuckerberg, DDS, renowned dentist and key advisor to VELMENI. 

For more information, visit https://velmeni.ai 

About VELMENI 

VELMENI, a global leader in dental artificial intelligence, is transforming patient care for payers and providers with innovative AI solutions. VELMENI for Dentists integrates seamlessly into practice management and dental imaging software, enhances diagnostic accuracy, streamlines administrative workflows, and improves patient acceptance. VELMENI’s solutions have been embraced by dental professionals across the US, Canada, New Zealand, South America, and beyond. VELMENI is the first dental AI approved by the FDA to detect pathologies in panoramic X-rays and also has Canadian MDEL and New Zealand Medsafe clearances. 

During CDS 2025, CareStack Showcased the Newest AI-led Upgrades to its Cloud-Based Practice Management System

 

CareStack, a leading provider of AI-led all-in-one cloud-based dental practice management solutions, demonstrated the latest AI enhancements to its all-in-one practice management platform during the recent Chicago Midwinter Meeting.

Designed to streamline operations and improve patient experiences, CareStack’s fully integrated, cloud-native solution eliminates the need for multiple software systems, providing dental practices with a seamless approach to scheduling, charting, billing, patient engagement, and revenue cycle management.

“With the future of software being redefined by AI, we were thrilled to showcase the latest AI-led advancements in our platform during the Chicago Midwinter Meeting,” said CareStack CEO Abhi Krishna.” These updates reinforce our commitment to push the boundaries of what’s possible in dental practice management, offering cutting-edge features that enhance efficiency, drive revenue, and improve the patient experience.”

During the  Midwinter Meeting, CareStack highlighted its newest platform enhancements, including:

• AI-Powered Automation: Smarter workflows for scheduling, billing, and revenue optimization.
• AI-led Imaging: A new imaging system built to bring in advanced clinical decision support to offices.
• AI-powered clinical workflows: Assisted clinical note taking to reduce documentation time for providers
• Enterprise-Ready Capabilities: Expanded support for multi-location practices and DSOs.

“The beauty of what CareStack is building is truly a platform that gives you all the tools and resources in one integrated place.” said Tim Hill, CEO of Espire Dental, a 40-location DSO based out of Colorado. “This makes workflows much better for teams. It’s about giving them the tools and resources to do their work better and more efficiently.”

For more information about CareStack and its latest innovations, visit  www.carestack.com. For sales inquiries contact us at 1-407-833-6123 or Support@CareStack.com

About CareStack

CareStack is a comprehensive, cloud-based dental practice management platform that integrates scheduling, clinical charting, billing, patient engagement, and revenue cycle management into a single solution. Designed for solo practices, group practices, and DSOs, the company simplifies operations, enhances patient care, and improves financial outcomes. With a commitment to innovation and customer success, CareStack is transforming the way dental practices operate in a digital-first world. 

AdDent Comax Composite Dispenser - The Easiest Solution for More Efficient Composite Restorations

 

Looking for a way to make composite dispensing easier?  If the problem is composite dispensing, the solution is AdDent's Comax composite dispensing gun.  

As I've said for years, I *love* the smart people at AdDent because they are outside the box thinkers and keep coming up with 'better mousetraps' for the profession.

Before the Comax, very little thought had gone into the design of composite dispensing guns.  Most materials companies look at them as simply items to be included in a kit.  They are usually flimsy, don't work very well, and don't hold up well to the rigors of sterilization.    After a few autoclave cycles, they being to discolor.

Actually loading them can be difficult.  Often times during a procedure, especially when doing quadrant dentistry,  the doctor needs to remove an empty compule and load another.  Due to their poor design this can be pretty difficult.  For years I've been saying the enemy of adhesive dentistry is contamination.  Controlling the field is critical to clinical success and anything that slows the procedure down simply means that the doctor and assistant have to control the field longer.  Fighting to remove and load another compule is terribly inefficient.

If you look at the image at the top of this post, you'll notice two flanges along the barrel of the Comax.  Those flanges control a spring loaded mechanism that holds the compule in place.  You simply pull back on the flanges to load and when you release, the mechanism slides forward to securely hold the compule in the barrel.  Need to load another?  Simply pull the flanges back and the compule drops out of the device.  Comax makes loading and unloading incredibly simple and efficient.  Unloading can be accomplished with one hand.

Comax also is designed with significant ergonomic improvements as well as  'mechanical advantage' in the trigger system.  Normal composite dispensing guns require a great deal of pressure to extrude the material.  Comax is set up to make that much easier.  This can be game changing for female dentists.  Many female doctors have smaller hands which makes it harder to extrude material from the 'garden variety' composite guns on the market.  I've spoken with several female doctors who have told me that Comax has made their procedures much easier and much more efficient.

As far as durability, I've never seen a dispenser that can rival the Comax.  The device is made with high tech plastic and stainless steel components.  The first time you pick it up you can fee the difference.  The unit has a quality that is easy to discern from the moment you hold it in your hand.  It holds up incredibly well to sterilization.  I have several of these in my office and even after years of use, they look as good now as the day I took them out of the box.  They also perform just as well.

Being a practicing clinician, I know we don't often think about things like composite dispensing devices.  We normally buy a kit of composite and simply use whatever dispenser is in that kit.  The next time you pick up one of those inferior devices, I encourage you think "this is the best the manufacturer can come up with?"  When you think about it, you'll realize there must be a better device available.  The best part of that?  There is a better device.  It's called Comax and you can find out all about it by following this link.  

I use the device and highly recommend it.

Wrap up from Chiclgo MidWinter Meeting 2025

 

First of all, my apologies for the lack of posts lately.   Not since the end of Covid have I been this busy.  One of the things I realized during 2020 and the shutdown precipitated by the Covid 19 shutdown was that I had become incredibly burned out with all of my travel.

When I suddenly didn't have to go to an airport every couple of weeks, I realized how much of a toll all that had taken on me.  When the shutdown ended, I fulfilled all of my travel obligations, but then did my best to dial it back.  It was the right choice for me.  I needed some time without travel to reset myself.  Often in life we are so driven by our obligations that we don't stop to realize what they might be doing to us either physically or mentally.  I was burned out and I needed a break.

Since then, I've been a lot more selective about being on the road and it has been good for me.  However, all good things come to an end and the last month has seen me return to the road with a vengeance.  I've been traveling every week for the past four weeks.  The trips have been rewarding and enjoyable, but they have also limited the amount of time I have for posts.  Along the lines of travel, I spent Tuesday through Saturday of the last week in Chicago at the CDS MidWinter Meeting.  

I went in a day earlier than usual to attend the Dental VIP Summit that was scheduled on Wednesday February 19th.   The meeting was the brainchild of my buddy Dr. Marty Jablow and was a terrific event.  For the past two years, Marty had been putting together an idea of bringing dental entrepreneurs together with venture capital groups to create an event.  The concept was for the idea folks to be able to present their products to potential financiers.  I was really impressed with the event. 

Normally I have to scour the Internet and trade shows in an effort to find small companies with good ideas, but (selfishly I'll admit) it was great to have those companies come to me.  I saw a ton of great ideas presented by smart and dedicated people who are working on getting their products off the ground.

In addition to the product presentations, there were also panel discussions on topics ranging from finance to the direction the profession is headed.  I was lucky enough to be included on a panel about the future of tech in dentistry.

The Dental VIP Summit was really well attended and the feedback I got from others that were there was decidedly positive.  There are already plans to put together the second annual event next year.  In addition to that, Marty and the others involved are discussion holding similar events in other locations.  I'd highly encourage you to plan on attending next year.  Even if you don't fit into the categories in the attendance profile, I feel that anyone in the dental industry, including doctors, would benefit from being there.  

Of course, I'll provide updates on Marty's plans and if other events are scheduled, you'll find out about them here.

Moving on to the MidWinter Meeting itself, I can say with confidence that this in-person event "is back".  We've seen a drop-off in attendance with in-person dental trade shows, but the MidWinter meeting was rocking.  There were lots of people and the exhibit hall was frequently a mass of humanity as folks browsed the floor.  The MidWinter meeting has always been famous for being the meeting where new products are introduced and this one continued that tradition.  If you've been hesitant to attend a meeting due to fears of low attendance and smaller presence of vendors, let me assure you that the Chicago MidWinter Meeting is strong.  I'll be there next year and I feel you should be too.

If there was a theme to the products shown, it would be the merging of 3D.  There were lots of companies showing CBCT, mills, and 3D printing.  Those three topics go well together and that is only going to increase.  Combining the power of CBCT, intraoral scanners, mills and/or 3D printers which are increasingly leveraging Artificial Intelligence is going to phenomenally change the practice of dentistry.  The ability to acquire patient info digitally, easily design projects with AI, and then mill or print those projects now allow us to have a truly digital workflow.

Dentistry has been throwing the term "digital workflow" around for about a decade, but now it is finally here.  We now have the ability to go from patient to completed appliance or prosthetic in a totally digital manner.  Welcome to the future!  It's finally here.

AI is allowing the data to be merged with incredible accuracy.  It's now possible to take an intraoral scan and then have that scan embedded into the CBCT to show exactly how the patient appears at that exact moment in time.  There are even ways to then allow the images to move in a totally digital articulator simulation.  That's going to allow complicated full arch or full mouth reconstruction to be created digitally and delivered with minimal adjustments.  All problems and interferences will be detected and corrected by AI.  The quality of care is going to go through the roof.

There was also a focus on facial scanning for treatment planning.  The ability to digitally scan a patient's face and then display new smiles is now an easy reality.  Allowing patients to see how they will look is amazing.  Want straighter pretty teeth?  Point, click, done.  Oh, you'd like the teeth a bit longer?  Point, click, done.  This emerging tech is going to allow high end practitioners to accurately show patients the results before the process is even started and then be able to use that data to give the patient the exact result they saw.  I was blown away.

I also got a chance to spend about an hour at the MidWinter Lab Day held at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker drive on Friday morning.  While I didn't have a chance to spend a lot of time looking around, I was impressed with the attendance while also being wowed by the digital equipment on display.  There were lots of mills, 3D printers, scanners, and other equipment on display.

I had stopped by to shoot a video for DGSHAPE about the in-office milling solutions they offer and while there I couldn't believe how many cool technologies are available to the dental labs.  I'll be doing a deeper reveal on DGSHAPE's new products soon, but trust me when I say you'll be impressed.

So, to wrap up I'd like to tell you that the Chicago MidWinter Meeting is still the place to be in February.  Plan on attending next year!

Dental Accessories Announces HyperLight Portable X-Ray

 

Many offices are now using handheld portable x-ray units routinely.  They save space, are easy to use, safe, and they don't require any installation that involves attaching cumbersome hardware to the wall.  When I built my office in 2007, these devices were barely on the market, but if I had it to do over again, I would for sure be looking at handheld units.

Wall mounted units can be cumbersome and sometimes positioning the unit on the arm can be difficult when you're trying to get the perfect angle for a periapical radiograph.  There's nothing worse than missing the apex on a difficult endodontic case.

There's also the hassle of having them installed.  They require a wall mounted plate that, obviously, leaves holes in the wall.  I've known offices that needed to replace a wall mounted unit and had to have someone come into the office and repair the area where the previous was attached.

My buddy Dr. Marty Jablow uses handheld units in his office and he swears by them.  If Marty likes a system I know it's worth checking out.

The latest entry into this market is the HyperLight from Dental Accessories.  Here'w what the company has to say about this new device...

• Unparalleled Portability & Efficiency: Experience the freedom of the HyperLight Portable X-Ray. Weighing just 4 pounds, its compact design allows for easy one-handed operation.
• Crystal Clear Imaging: Equipped with a 0.4mm focal spot, HyperLight delivers sharp, high-resolution images, ensuring precise diagnostics and patient care.
• Advanced Safety Features: Designed with your safety in mind, HyperLight includes a built-in double leaded shield and a backscatter radiation shield to protect operators from leakage radiation, alongside a locking system to prevent unintentional exposure.
• Seamless Integration: Perfectly compatible with our NanoPix Intraoral Sensors, HyperLight enhances your diagnostic capabilities with intuitive operation and exceptional image quality.  There's no software to install and no monthly charges!
• Long-Lasting Battery Life: 2500mAh battery capable of 500 x-ray shots on a single charge! 
• Official Distributor Guarantee: Purchase with confidence directly from us to ensure you receive the original HyperLight system complete with a full 2-year warranty and dedicated support.
•  FDA Approved with Low Patient Dosage: Prioritize your patients' health with HyperLight, an FDA-approved system designed to minimize patient exposure while delivering superior diagnostic results.

Regular price 

$2,999.99

If you're interested in purchasing, this link will take you to the page at Dental Accessories.   

100 Most Common Photos Used by Romance Scammers This Valentine’s Day

 

Today's post is a bit of a public service announcement in an attempt to help people avoid online scams.  Lots of people fall victim to these types of things every year.  Many of them are young and highly educated.

Here's an amazing stat... in 2023 Americans were fleeced for $1.14 billion in romance scams.  Adding to that shocking info, the stat for 2022 was $547 million.  That means that the amount of money stolen from lonely victims more than doubled in a single year.

During 2024 I happened to read several articles from major news outlets, including the New York Times, that told of adult children discovering their older parents, many of whom had lost their spouse, had spent their entire life savings on scams like this.  Articles discussed millions of dollars sent to scammers posing as lonely, single people trying to find true love.  Often the fund transfers continued even after they were discovered by an adult child because the parent said the child "just didn't understand.  This person would never hurt me.  We are in love and they need help."  I also want to add that the victim isn't always elderly and potentially in mental decline.  Many young people are taken in by these scams as well.  Some have even said they knew better, but they got caught up in relationship anyway.

It's a sad reality that this happens.  There has always been a criminal element in humanity and there always will be.  The part of this that is truly troubling is people preying on the hearts and minds of the vulnerable, people who are lonely and truly need someone.

As regular readers know, I'm a big fan of AI in dentistry.  It can do some amazing things and definitely helps us in diagnosis.  However, like everything in life, there is no left without a right, no up without a down, no good without a bad.  Unfortunately this also applies to AI.  Scammers are now utilizing AI systems to create amazingly believable emails designed to help draw victims in.  They are also using AI to create incredible images of very attractive people to help draw victims in as well.

Five suggestions I read lately that can help people avoid these types of scams are:

1. Never send money to online acquaintances.  If you've never physically met the person, don't send money.
2. Insist on video chats to confirm the identity.
3. Be cautious of claims involving military service or living abroad.
4. Be wary of individuals who express love or commitment too quickly.
5. Do not invest anything proposed by someone you have only met online.

Number 5 above is critically important.  Some of the scams draw victims in and then tell them about a great investment opportunity.  A fake website that shows the investment growing, completes the scam.  Of course when the victim attempts to withdraw any money, the website vanishes along with the victims funds.

The moral is to be alert and skeptical online.  These types of scams leave the victim penniless, alone, and ashamed.  I really dislike having to even warm people about things like this.  However, if I can help even one person, it's all worth it.

Siligent CEO Tasha Dickinson will be Speaking on the latest Cybersecurity Risks during CDS MidWinter Meeting 2025

 

As a lover of all things tech, I've got a lot of passion about cybersecurity.  As more and more digital technologies make their way into our world and our profession, we are acquiring more and more digital patient info.  This digital data makes us more agile in treatment as well as more precise... and it's only getting better.  For the first time in dental history we now have a totally digital workflow by pairing intraoral scanners with onsite mills and 3D printers.

Of course, all of that digital patient data means keeping it secure from prying eyes and cyber criminals.  It behooves every office to be aware of threats and how to manage your risk profile to keep the locks as secure as possible.  I met Tasha Dickinson a few years ago and I came away impressed.  She's sharp and knowledgeable about cybersecurity.  As CEO of Siligent, she runs a company dedicated to helping keep patient data as secure as it can be.  I was excited to recently learn that Tasha will be in Chicago speaking, as well as exhibiting, at the upcoming Chicago MidWinter Meeting.  Read on for all of the details...

Tasha Dickinson, founder, CEO and Chief Technology Officer of  Siligent, a leading and trusted provider of advanced cybersecurity and IT solutions for the dental industry will be teaching a 3.0 CE course on cybersecurity during the upcoming Chicago Midwinter Meeting.

Scheduled for Thursday, February 20 from 2:30 PM – 4 PM,  The specific topic of the course is “Risk Assessments: What Dentists Need to Know to Protect Their Practices.” According to Tasha, “In recent years, the cybersecurity threats to dental offices have become more prevalent and impactful, damaging practices. My goal is to explain what the actual risks are for a dental practice. Help them understand what essential cybersecurity innovations need to be put into place and how to get started. We want to ensure that practices are protected from criminals who may install ransomware or sell their patient data on the black market putting their business and their patients at risk.” 

After attending this course, practice owners will be able to do the following:

• Identify cybersecurity risks

• Make smart technology decisions

• Protect their business, their families and their patients

“Cybersecurity will be of critical importance to dental practices throughout 2025 so attending this course early in the year could not be more advantageous, added Dickinson.”

Siligent Technology will also be exhibiting at booth #904 and Tasha will be on hand to answer any questions regarding cybersecurity and dental IT throughout the meeting.  

About Siligent Technology:

Siligent is a leading and trusted provider of advanced cybersecurity and IT solutions tailored specifically for the dental industry. 

Founded in 2020, the company empowers and supports dental professionals with secure, reliable, and innovative technologies to protect patient data, streamline operations, and improve clinical outcomes. 

Since its inception, dental companies have trusted Siligent Technology to keep their businesses safe, connected, and ahead of the curve.

For more information, visit http://www.siligent.com.

The Final Agenda of the Dental VIP (Venture, Innovation & Partnering) Summit Features a Who’s Who of Dental Innovators

 

I can't believe we're almost 2 months into 2025!  I also can't believe the performance by the KC Chiefs in the Super Bowl, but there are plenty of blogs venting on that topic, so I'll let it drop.

Much more importantly, next week is the annual Chicago Dental Society's MidWinter Meeting.  In the industry, it's considered one of the crown jewels.  More new product announcements are made during CMW than any other meeting in the United States.  Probably needless to say, but I always attend.  It's one of my favorite meetings on the circuit.

This year on Wednesday February 19th, there is going to be a super special event.  The Dental VIP Summit which seeks to bring people with good ideas together with industry leaders in finance and product development to help make connections.  Those connections will then help spur industry growth with new and cutting edge technologies.

This is the first event of its kind and it promises to be pretty incredible.  I plan on being there all day and I'll be on a panel discussion in the afternoon with some of my friends who are experts in dental technology.

I've got all the info included below.  This promises to be pretty incredible so I hope to see a lot of you there!

Taking Place in Chicago on February 19th, This Exclusive Event Will  Introduce Disruptive Dental Technologies to Multiple Stakeholders

Chicago,  IL – February 7, 2025 –  The final agenda of the inaugural Dental VIP (Venture, Innovation & Partnering) Summit, will feature an impressive list of dental technology luminaries representing start-up founders, key opinion leaders, dental industry executives, and investors.

This event was created to spotlight transformative technologies designed to revolutionize the dental industry, and will take place on February 19, 2025, at the Intercontinental Chicago Miracle Mile, prior to the annual Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting.

According to Marty Jablow, DMD, Co-Chairman of the Summit and President of Dental Tech Advisors, “The Dental VIP Summit was designed to be the preeminent platform for start-ups, industry leaders, investors, clinical innovators and journalists to connect, collaborate, and accelerate advancements in dental care.”

The inaugural event will feature rapid-fire presentations from cutting-edge start-ups, panel discussions with industry leaders, and keynote insights from renowned experts. 

For more information about The Dental VIP Summit, contact Craig Simak, CEO of Healthegy craig@healthegy.com. To register for this event, visit https://www.dentalvipsummit.com/

About the Dental VIP Summit: 

The first of what is intended to be an ongoing series of ground-breaking events, the Dental VIP (Venture, Innovation & Partnering) Summit is designed to explore the future of clinical and operational dental innovation and propel the standard of patient care forward. During each event, attendees will gain unparalleled access to insights from thought leaders, discover emerging technologies, and network with top-tier professionals, including entrepreneurs, corporate R&D teams, business development executives, and investors.

Join Me this Friday at the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry

 

I'm giving two half day lectures this Friday during the meeting at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry.  I really love getting out and getting to interact with my peers.  It's always fun and incredibly interesting for me to get a chance to meet dentists from different parts of the world.   The best part is how much *I* learn by doing this.  Often times I think people tend to think that the one with the laptop is the person in the room who has all the answers.  In reality, it's the power of 'the hive' that really makes it great.  Getting smart and committed people in the same room normally creates results that are better than the sum of the individual parts.

The two half day lectures will cover "Technologies to Change Your Practice" where I'll discuss a lot of new and cutting edge tech that can make practicing dentistry easier, more efficient, and lower stress.  

The second program will cover a bunch of info on 3D and it's amazing impact on the profession.  I call the presentation "There's No D Like 3D".  It allows me to discuss CBCT, intraoral scanners, milling, and 3D printing.

If you are in the Birmingham area and are interested in any of these topics, I'd be honored to have you join me.  I always get so much to think about when I interact with my peers.  I hope to see some of you there!

Garrison Dental Announces Availabilitly of New Quad Matrix System

 

On January 29th, Garrison Dental announced their new Quad Matrix System is available for purchase.

One of the most difficult things dentists do routinely is to restore a Class 2 preparation.  This is especially true when it comes to preps on adjacent teeth.  Restoring a DO on one tooth that contacts an MO on another can be incredibly challenging to get everything 'just right'.  The contours, contacts, and occlusion need to be spot on... and that can be difficult to achieve.

Over the years the industry has seen lots of sectional matrix systems brought to market.  They all have advantages and disadvantages.  I routinely use a variety of different systems for different situations.

However, no system has come up with a way to handle routine single tooth cases as well as those more difficult situations that came with adjacent preps... until now.

The Quad Matrix uses asymmetrical rings and a special 'split wedge' to address that problem.  The ring has a 'driver tip' on one side and it uses that tip to press the two legs of the split wedge against the proximal areas of each tooth.  This helps to ensure proper contours and contacts.  In other systems the ring will curve the edge against one side or the other.  Quad Matrix allows you to get proper contours and emergence angle on *both* restorations simultaneously.

I realize that the written word can be confusing on something like this.  Garrison Dental does as well.  That's why they've created a webpage in their "Learning Center" that can show you exactly how to use this new system.

If you're interested and would like more information, follow this link to learn and purchase Quad Matrix.  It's available now.

Inflatrix - An *Inflatible* Matrix System for Restorative Dentistry

Some of the most creative ideas in dentistry come from dentists themselves.  Today's post is about one of those creative solutions.  The Inflatrix is a matrix system that actually inflates, similar to a balloon, to provide precise contours and contacts.

The device was invented by Dr. Mark Thoresen a general dentist in Wyoming.  One night he was watching the James Bond film GoldenEye, where Q is demonstrating gadgets to Bond.  In the background, a Q Branch employee enters a phone booth which is suddenly filled by a giant airbag, trapping the man inside.  At that moment the idea for Infltrix was conceived.  The first sketch of a prototype device was completed an hour later.

The device is a small, thin, polymer 'pillow' that is placed between the teeth.  It connects to a one-way valve and a syringe filled with water. The syringe plunger is depressed and the water inflates the pillow to seal Inflatrix against the tooth and provide the proper anatomic contour against which the filling will be placed.  The polymer is much more gentle on the gingival tissues than metal bands that are frequently used in these situations.

Dr. Thoresen has worked on both sides of the dental industry, both in private practice as well as dental sales.  He's worked in the industry selling lasers, instruments, magnification, and also trains dental assistants.  This has allowed him to see the industry from both sides, which gives him a good perspective on the dental market as a whole.

Inflatrix is twice-patented, trademarked, and is an FDA 501 (k) exempt device that has been in development for several years.  Dr. Thoresen has methodically worked on the Inflatrix, running it through several generations with beta testers to improve the use and functionality of the device.  

Recently Dr. Thoresen entered Inflatrix into the Energy Capital Startup Challenge and was selected as a winner, receiving a share of the $50k prize awarded.  This influx of capital is helping to spur further product development.

The device is not yet on the market, but it's a pretty smart idea that I wanted to make readers aware of.  As Dr. Thoresen prepares Inflatrix for sales and distribution, I'll be sure to keep you updated on when you'll be able to purchase.