Tuesday, February 4, 2025

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.

Monday, February 3, 2025

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.