Tuesday, April 21, 2026

AMD Lasers Announces New Picasso Pro Diode Laser and LEAP Endodontic Protocol




Regular readers may remember that, for a general dentist, I've always loved endodontics.  I've had the unique benefit of working with a couple of amazing endodontists who sat with me and gave me a hands-on "mini residency" in how to get the best results possible.  If I would have been forced to only do one procedure my entire career, I would have become an endodontist.  Because of my intense interest in the subject, I follow the advancements in endodontics with great interest.  I've also been fortunate enough to have been able to teach endodontics to other GP's many times in my career.  I find it really rewarding to be able to help other doctors, who face the same GP challenges that I do, about ways to make the procedure easier and get better clinical outcomes.

About five years ago, I was visiting AMD Lasers at their headquarters outside Salt Lake City.  During that visit, Dr. Densen Cao, the CEO of the company, told me they had begun research on simplifying endodontics.  The idea was interesting as it involved using a diode laser to disinfect the canals.  For years AMD has manufactured and sold the Picasso line of diode lasers and the company had discovered that there was potentially a way to greatly reduce bacterial counts in root canals through the use of laser disinfection.  The idea was in the early stages of research and development, but Dr. Cao thought it held great promise.  All good science takes time and AMD did an incredible amount of testing and research in this area.  Now, five years later, the company has announced a new laser and their new endodontic protocol, with the science to back it up. 

The new laser is the Picasso Pro and the new endo procedure is LEAP (Laser Enhanced Ablation Procedure).  The company has research demonstrating >99.9% reduction of E. faecalis and I think this would be a great protocol to pair with the new Endocator from Vista-Apex Solutions.

The recent press release from AMD contains all the critical info...


Innovative integrated diode laser protocol achieves >99.99% bacterial reduction while simplifying endodontic workflow and reducing treatment time

AMD Lasers, Inc., a subsidiary of the CAO Group, Inc. and a global leader in dental technology and manufacturing, today announced the launch of LEAP® (Laser Endodontic Ablation Procedure), a next-generation laser-assisted root canal disinfection system designed to deliver predictable, reliable, and affordable complete bacterial elimination while simplifying clinical workflow. The technology will be formally introduced at the 2026 American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Annual Meeting beginning April 15, 2026.

LEAP integrates the Picasso Pro™ diode laser, proprietary LEAP disinfection solution, and specially engineered LEAP fiber tips to create a complete laser-driven canal disinfection protocol. All LEAP elements and the overall protocol have been FDA approved. Independent laboratory research demonstrates greater than 99.99% bacterial reduction against Enterococcus faecalis, one of the most persistent pathogens in endodontic infections.

Addressing a Two-Century Challenge in Endodontics

Canal disinfection is the most critical step in root canal treatment. Reliable and complete root canal disinfection has been sought by researchers and clinicians since modern endodontic therapy was first introduced more than 200 years ago. Conventional protocols rely primarily on chemical irrigation, most commonly using sodium hypochlorite. Some also combine ultrasonic or laser agitation techniques. While widely used, sodium hypochlorite presents challenges including tissue toxicity risk, procedural complexity, and extended contact times required for improved antimicrobial effectiveness.

Following more than a decade of research and development, AMD scientists have developed a method that converts diode laser energy into controlled thermal ablation within the root canal system, eliminating residual bacteria through ablation while preserving surrounding cementum and periodontal ligament structures.

The LEAP tip, beginning at 200 μm in diameter, enables clinicians to reach the apical third of the canal with minimal canal enlargement, helping preserve natural tooth structure.

Integrated Laser Disinfection Platform

The LEAP system combines four key technologies: the Picasso Pro 810 nm diode laser, dedicated LEAP treatment protocol software, proprietary LEAP irrigation and disinfection solution, and disposable LEAP endodontic fiber tips. This integrated approach enables deep canal penetration, controlled thermal disinfection, and predictable bacterial reduction under low-energy laser parameters.

Independent laboratory testing has demonstrated >99.99% reduction of E. faecalis bacteria. Early clinical evaluation has also reported strong patient comfort outcomes, including 80% of patients reporting no pain with 24 hours of treatment and 100% reporting no pain after seven days.

Faster Workflow for Endodontic Procedures

The LEAP protocol simplifies traditional endodontic procedures and may also significantly reduce treatment time. Key workflow advantages include minimal file sequence and reduced dentin removal, reduced irrigation steps, and shorter solution exposure time. The LEAP protocol also eliminates the need for sodium hypochlorite in root canal treatment.

Together, these efficiencies may reduce endodontic procedure time by up to 50% while minimizing the potential for multi-visit treatments, improving chairside productivity and- enhancing the patient experience.

Picasso Pro: A Multi-Purpose Clinical Platform

The Picasso Pro diode laser platform provides clinicians with a versatile tool for multiple dental procedures, including soft tissue surgery and management, laser assisted pain alleviation (LAPA™) for painless injection, photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, endodontic applications including LEAP, and future laser induced reversible adhesive (LIRA™).

Key platform features of this 810 nm diode laser include its dedicated LEAP protocol mode, iPad-based interface with automatic software updates, and compact design for easy integration into dental operatories.

Clinical and Economic Advantages

LEAP was developed to deliver advanced endodontic technology at a practical price point. The MSRP for the Picasso Pro laser system will be under $10,000, and LEAP consumables carry less than a $30 per-procedure cost. Treatment time is reduced from an average of 90 minutes to 50 minutes, improving the patient experience while allowing clinicians to treat more patients per day. By combining advanced disinfection performance with accessible technology costs, LEAP allows practices to enhance patient care while improving operational efficiency.

Executive Commentary

“LEAP represents the first fully integrated diode laser protocol specifically designed for root canal disinfection and is a part of our continuous innovation in dentistry,” said Densen Cao, PhD, CEO of CAO Group, AMD’s parent company.

“By achieving greater than 99.99% bacterial reduction while eliminating sodium hypochlorite and significantly reducing procedure time, LEAP provides clinicians with a repeatable, reliable, and affordable canal disinfection technology. We believe this innovation represents a revolutionary advancement in dental root canal treatment.”

For more information about LEAP and Picasso Pro, please visit www.amdlasers.com or booth #1809 at the 2026 American Association of Endodontists Annual Meeting. AMD will provide comprehensive demos and lectures at AAE booth. Clinicians can also preview the Picasso Pro system and LEAP products at www.amdlasers.com.

About AMD Lasers

AMD Lasers, Inc. (AMD), a subsidiary of the CAO Group, Inc., is a global innovator and manufacturer in advanced dental technologies. AMD has created many innovations contributing to dentistry including LED curing light, diode lasers, PVP teeth whitening thickener and viscoelastic gelatin strips, direct x-ray photon detection sensor, laser curing light, complete canal disinfection, and many others. The Picasso diode laser product line has become one of the most widely adopted dental laser platforms worldwide. The company innovates and manufactures clinically proven products to make dentistry easier, faster, and better for practitioners and patients.

Monday, April 20, 2026

Calcium Phosphate Ion Clusters (CPIC): Biomimetic Remineralization and the Next Step in Preventive Dentistry - ProMin from PacDent

 


A long post today.  I've been working on this one for a while and I think it's finally ready.  I was originally thinking of this as an article, but I decided to post it rather than go that route.  Dentistry has always been about being as minimally invasive as possible, and with that in mind, take a look below.  This is something I'm pretty excited about from a remineralization standpoint.



Dentistry is in the middle of a quiet revolution. For decades, the profession has been steadily moving away from a purely mechanical model of treatment and toward something more biologically driven. Adhesive dentistry changed the way we think about tooth preparation. Digital dentistry transformed diagnostics and workflow. Now biomimetic technologies are beginning to reshape how we manage early disease.

One of the most exciting developments in this space is Calcium Phosphate Ion Cluster technology—commonly referred to as CPIC. This approach takes a different path from traditional remineralization strategies. Instead of simply coating the surface of enamel or slowly releasing minerals, CPIC technology delivers calcium and phosphate in an ultra‑bioavailable form that can penetrate microscopic defects in tooth structure and rebuild mineral from within.

For clinicians who are passionate about minimally invasive dentistry, that idea should immediately grab attention.

To understand why CPIC matters, it helps to revisit the basic chemistry of teeth. Enamel is composed almost entirely of hydroxyapatite crystals arranged in highly organized rods. Despite being incredibly strong, enamel is not immune to chemical attack. Acids produced by bacteria—or introduced through diet—begin dissolving hydroxyapatite, pulling calcium and phosphate ions out of the tooth. The result is demineralization and the formation of microscopic porosities within the enamel structure.

If the oral environment shifts back toward neutrality and minerals are available, the tooth can repair itself. Saliva plays a major role in this process, providing calcium and phosphate ions that help rebuild hydroxyapatite. The challenge is that natural remineralization is often incomplete. In many patients the balance tips toward continued mineral loss, eventually leading to cavitation.

Traditional preventive strategies have focused on strengthening enamel or increasing mineral availability. Fluoride remains the gold standard because it promotes the formation of fluorapatite, a crystal that is more resistant to acid dissolution than hydroxyapatite. Fluoride has saved countless teeth over the decades, but even fluoride has limitations when it comes to rebuilding deeper subsurface lesions.

And that is where CPIC technology enters the picture.

Calcium Phosphate Ion Clusters represent a biomimetic approach to remineralization. Instead of delivering minerals as particles or compounds that dissolve slowly, CPIC technology organizes calcium and phosphate ions into extremely small, stable clusters. These clusters remain highly soluble and mobile, allowing them to diffuse into the microscopic channels created during enamel demineralization.

Once these clusters penetrate the lesion, they rapidly transform into hydroxyapatite crystals. In essence, the mineral rebuild begins inside the lesion rather than simply forming a protective coating on the surface.

From a clinical perspective, that capability is extremely important.

Early carious lesions often exist beneath an apparently intact enamel surface. These so‑called white spot lesions represent subsurface mineral loss. Traditional remineralization agents sometimes struggle to deliver sufficient mineral ions to these deeper areas. Because CPIC clusters are so small and chemically reactive, they can move through the porous enamel matrix and deposit minerals exactly where they are needed.

This creates the possibility of repairing early lesions before they ever require a handpiece.

Another area where CPIC technology shines is dentinal hypersensitivity. All of us who treat patients regularly know how common—and how frustrating—sensitivity can be. When dentinal tubules become exposed, fluid movement inside the tubules stimulates nerve endings, producing sharp pain when the patient encounters cold, sweet, or tactile stimuli.

Many desensitizing products attempt to block these tubules using various compounds or precipitates. CPIC technology takes a slightly different approach. By delivering calcium and phosphate ions directly into the tubule openings, CPIC formulations encourage hydroxyapatite formation within the tubules themselves. Over time this mineral deposition helps seal the tubules in a way that closely mimics the tooth’s natural structure.

The result is reduced sensitivity combined with strengthening of the surrounding dentin.

The synergy between calcium, phosphate, and fluoride also makes CPIC particularly attractive in preventive dentistry. When fluoride is present during the remineralization process, the newly formed mineral can incorporate fluoride ions and create fluorapatite. Because fluorapatite is more resistant to acid dissolution than standard hydroxyapatite, this combination provides a powerful defensive mechanism against future demineralization.

In other words, the technology does not simply repair the tooth—it helps make the repaired structure more resilient.

One of the most interesting clinical applications of CPIC technology today comes from PacDent in the form of ProMin F. This formulation combines Calcium Phosphate Ion Cluster technology with fluoride in a desensitizing and remineralizing paste designed for professional use.

What makes ProMin F particularly intriguing is the way it fits into modern digital dentistry workflows.

Today’s dental practices increasingly rely on intraoral scanners and 3D printing to create custom appliances. Nightguards, surgical guides, orthodontic models, and occlusal splints are routinely fabricated through digital workflows. PacDent’s ProMin F takes advantage of this same technology by allowing clinicians to deliver the remineralizing paste through custom 3D printed trays.

This approach creates a highly targeted mineral delivery system.

Using an intraoral scan, the clinician can design and fabricate a tray that precisely adapts to the patient’s dentition. The tray holds the ProMin F material directly against the enamel surfaces, ensuring intimate contact between the CPIC formulation and the tooth structure. Because the tray is custom fabricated, the material stays exactly where it is intended rather than being diluted by saliva or displaced by soft tissues.

For remineralization therapies, contact and consistency matter. The tray allows patients to wear the appliance for short daily intervals, providing repeated exposure to calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions. Each application contributes to the gradual rebuilding of minerals within enamel defects and dentinal tubules.

From a patient management perspective, this is a really attractive  solution. The treatment is non‑invasive, comfortable, and easy to integrate into daily routines.

Clinically, there are several scenarios where this approach can be especially valuable.

Orthodontic patients are one obvious example. White spot lesions around brackets remain a persistent challenge in orthodontic care. Delivering CPIC therapy through a custom tray provides a way to encourage remineralization of these lesions once appliances are removed.

Another useful application is post‑whitening sensitivity. Tooth whitening procedures can temporarily increase dentinal permeability and sensitivity. Using a CPIC‑based desensitizing paste in a custom tray allows clinicians to rapidly occlude dentinal tubules and restore mineral balance after bleaching.

High‑risk caries patients may also benefit significantly from this approach. Patients with reduced salivary flow, high bacterial loads, or dietary challenges often struggle to maintain adequate remineralization. Targeted CPIC therapy delivered through a tray provides an additional layer of mineral support that complements traditional preventive measures.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of CPIC technology is how well it aligns with the philosophy of modern dentistry. Today’s clinicians are increasingly focused on preservation. The goal is not simply to repair damage but to prevent disease progression whenever possible. Technologies that mimic natural biological processes fit perfectly into this mindset.

Instead of removing  weakened enamel and placing a restorative material, clinicians can support the tooth’s own repair mechanisms.

The integration of CPIC chemistry with digital tray fabrication is also a reminder of how rapidly dentistry is evolving. Digital workflows provide precision and customization. Biomimetic chemistry provides the biological repair mechanism. Together they create treatment strategies that would have been difficult to imagine just a decade ago.

Looking ahead, the potential applications of CPIC technology may extend well beyond topical pastes. Researchers are exploring ways to incorporate biomimetic mineralization strategies into restorative materials, coatings, and preventive treatments. As our understanding of enamel chemistry continues to grow, technologies that replicate natural mineral formation are likely to become increasingly important in everyday clinical dentistry.

For clinicians who enjoy staying on the leading edge of dental technology, CPIC represents a fascinating intersection of chemistry, biology, and digital workflow.

It is not just another preventive product. It is a glimpse into the future of how dentistry may repair and preserve tooth structure in a truly biomimetic way.


Thursday, April 16, 2026

eHealth Deepens Support for Consumers 
with End-of-Life Financial Planning Solutions

 

New Final Expense Life Insurance Plans help people and their families 
better plan for funeral and burial or cremation expenses 

A new eHealth survey found 65% of Americans underestimate the cost of a funeral with viewing and cremation; 35% underestimate the cost of a funeral with cremation

eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading private online health insurance marketplace, today announced it now offers Final Expense life insurance plans, helping Americans and their families plan for funeral and burial or cremation expenses. 

The new plans are part of eHealth’s strategy to better meet the coverage and wellness needs of individuals and families, offering an expanded portfolio of plans, services and support to help consumers live healthier, more financially secure lives.  

“Honoring loved ones upon passing is an important part of life for many families, yet this is an often-overlooked part of end-of-life planning,” said Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth. “The cost of a traditional funeral and burial averages over $8,000, so these new plans can help people prepare for this part of life while helping protect their loved ones from the financial burden associated with a funeral and burial or cremation.”

A new eHealth survey of more than 1,000 Americans aged 65 and older found many people are unprepared to cover the cost of funeral and burial expenses. Key findings:

  • 65% underestimate the average cost of a funeral with viewing and cremation, while 35% underestimate the average cost of a funeral with cremation.
  • 47% worry about burdening loved ones with the cost of a funeral and burial or cremation.
  • 62% plan to be cremated, while 23% prefer to be buried; 15% don’t know or have no preference.

Among survey respondents living on an income of less than $50,000 per year:

  • 56% worry about burdening their loved ones with the cost of a funeral and burial or cremation.
  • 33% have no insurance or money set aside to help cover these end-of-life expenses.

eHealth's Final Expense plans are offered through Mutual of Omaha and available by phone, allowing licensed insurance agents to discuss coverage options as part of a broader, personalized financial protection discussion. The policies can provide tax-free funds* for various purposes, including funeral and burial or cremation expenses, outstanding medical bills, travel costs, legal fees, or other related needs.

Two types of Final Expense plans are available:

  • Level Benefit Plans, offered to people ages 45 to 85, with coverage amounts ranging from $2,000 to $50,000.
  • Graded Benefit Plans, offered to people ages 45 to 80, with coverage amounts ranging from $2,000 to $20,000.

Applicants are not required to undergo a medical exam to qualify for coverage. Instead, eligibility is determined through responses to a limited set of health questions covering a lookback period of approximately two to four years. The plans are designed to be affordable and provide beneficiaries with quick access to guaranteed funds, helping reduce financial stress during a difficult time.

The average cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial exceeds $8,000, while the average cost of a funeral with a viewing and cremation is more than $6,000

“These new plans allow us to provide people with affordable, easy-to-qualify coverage that helps protect their loved ones from the financial burden associated with end-of-life expenses,” continued Derrick Duke. “It aligns with our commitment to expanding access to products that support financial peace of mind in retirement.”

Specific plan availability may vary by state; some plans may not be available in Arkansas, Montana, New York, and North Carolina. Coverage and premiums may vary based on qualifying factors.



*Consult a tax professional for personal tax advice.

About eHealth


We’re Matchmakers. For over 25 years, eHealth has helped millions of Americans find the healthcare coverage that fits their needs at a price they can afford. As a leading independent licensed insurance agency and advisor, eHealth offers access to over 180 health insurers, including national and regional companies.  

For more information, visit ehealth.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook,  Instagram, and X. Open positions can be found on our career page.  


Wednesday, April 15, 2026

American Dental Association and American Board of Dental Examiners Advance Dental Licensure Examinations Through New Agreement


 

ADEX to incorporate the Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DLOSCE) into the ADEX Dental Examination no later than Aug. 1, 2026

 

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) have finalized an agreement to license the ADA's Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DLOSCE) for incorporation into the ADEX Dental Examination, marking a significant step forward in modernizing dental licensure and advancing patient safety.

The agreement benefits public health, dental licensure candidates, the dental profession, and licensing boards to help ensure dentists enter the profession with proven competence and uphold the highest standards for patient safety.

The integration of the ADA's DLOSCE simplifies licensure pathways and supports licensure portability, benefiting candidates seeking to practice in 48 states and other jurisdictions — including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the U.S. Virgin Islands — that currently accept or require the ADEX Dental Examination.

"This agreement represents an important milestone for the dental profession," said Dr. Richard Rosato, D.M.D., president of the ADA. "By aligning pathways to licensure and advancing candidate assessment, we are strengthening licensure portability, supporting a more mobile and responsive workforce, and ensuring that patient safety remains paramount. The ADA has long championed solutions that modernize licensure while protecting the public, and this collaboration reflects our commitment to shaping a strong, sustainable future for dentistry in service to public health."

The ADEX Dental Examination with its DLOSCE component represents a modernized, evidence-based approach to evaluating clinical competence and readiness for practice. The ADEX Dental Examination will continue to assess candidates' clinical hand skills alongside their treatment-planning and decision-making abilities. Through inclusion of the DLOSCE, the ADEX Dental Examination will benefit from the DLOSCE's extensive use of images and 3D models that allow candidates to demonstrate their clinical judgment in scenarios that closely mirror real-world practice.

 "ADEX has long served state dental boards to support licensure processes that reflect both public protection and clinical competence," said Dr. Mark Armstrong, Chair of ADEX. "This agreement continues that work by strengthening alignment across assessment components while preserving the clinical hand-skills evaluation that remains central to licensure in most U.S. jurisdictions."

 The agreement follows extensive collaboration among the ADA, ADEX, the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), and the ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure (CDEL) that began in 2025. In March 2026, the ADA Board of Trustees and ADEX Board of Directors voted to approve the general terms that led to this joint agreement.

Central to discussions was a shared commitment to ensuring that dental licensure assessments continue to evolve in step with advancements in clinical education, technology, and patient care. Both organizations emphasized the importance of strengthening public protection while also enhancing the portability of dental licensure for candidates navigating an increasingly mobile profession.

 ADEX will sunset its DSE OSCE no later than Aug. 1, 2026. Upon sunset of the DSE OSCE, all ADEX Dental Examination administrations will include the DLOSCE.

 The DLOSCE will no longer be offered or administered as a standalone examination to new DLOSCE candidates, except in conjunction with the ADEX Dental Examination, after Aug. 1, 2026. All standalone administrations of the DLOSCE will cease after Oct. 9, 2026.

 About the American Dental Association

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 152,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance has long been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), published monthly, is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org. 

About the American Board of Dental Examiners

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting dental boards in their mission to protect the public through the licensure of qualified oral health professionals. Established in 1969, ADEX administers independent competency examinations developed and approved by representatives of state dental boards. ADEX examinations are accepted or required by law in 51 U.S. jurisdictions and serve as the initial licensure pathway for 98% of dental and 85% of dental hygiene candidates nationwide. Through ongoing collaboration with dental boards and educators, ADEX continues to advance innovative, evidence-based assessment methods that uphold the highest standards of fairness, clinical competence, and public protection. Learn more at adextesting.org.

Thursday, April 2, 2026

SuperMouth Launches One of the First Electric Toothbrush Systems Designed Exclusively for Orthodontic Care

 

If you happen to know someone who's going through orthodontic treatment that uses traditional wires, here's something to definitely think about.  SuperMouth has just released a new powered tooth brush made specifically for orthodontics.

Orthodontic brackets and wires are difficult to clean around, even if the patient is diligent about it.  I love the idea of a brush specifically designed to help with that problem.  In my career I've seen many patients that needed fillings done because cavities formed around the edges of the brackets.  They normally are small areas, but I've never enjoyed putting fillings on teeth right after a patient finishes ortho treatment.  I'm all for anything that can help prevent that.

I've tried the SuperMouth Ultim8 brush, which I got my hands on last year.  I really liked it.  The company is shipping me this new model to try.  I think you can assume I'll be happy with it, however if I have any concerns, I'll let the company know and post something here, so that all of you know too.

Here's all the info on the new Ultim8 Ortho Edition...

Orthodontist-Engineered Electric Toothbrush Features Up to 60x Better Cleaning Around Braces; Patented Bristles, and UV Sanitization to Revolutionize Oral Hygiene


SuperMouth, the dentist-founded brand known for its advanced oral care solutions for all ages, is proud to unveil its latest innovation: the Ultim8 SmartBrush System Ortho-Edition. As one of the first orthodontist-engineered electric toothbrushes designed to support users through every stage of orthodontic treatment, it delivers superior cleaning, advanced hygiene, and unmatched comfort. 

Equipped with patented SuperBristles® Ortho, the Ultim8 Ortho SmartBrush cleans up to 60 times more effectively around braces than a manual brush. Developed after scanning thousands of teeth with braces, these specialized bristles adapt to the natural contours by wrapping around braces or other orthodontic appliances, like aligner attachments, for a meticulous clean, while the super-soft PBT filaments provide three times more bristles than standard brushes. To ensure peak hygiene, the system’s Ultim8 SmartHub™ features a built-in UV sanitizer that effectively eliminates 99.9% of germs in just five minutes and dries the bristles between uses. 

The system was developed through decades of clinical experience by Dr. Kami Hoss, founder of SuperMouth and orthodontist of over 30 years. Dr. Hoss identified three common issues with traditional toothbrushes––that they are ineffective, unsafe, and unhygienic––and set out to revolutionize at-home oral care through accessible, high-performance technology. 

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Ultim8 SmartBrush System Ortho-Edition, a comprehensive electric toothbrush specially engineered for braces,” said Dr. Kami Hoss, founder of SuperMouth. “Following years of patient care, we identified the unique hygiene challenges of orthodontic patients and where ordinary brushes fall short. This system was created to fill those gaps. With bristles that clean up to 60 times more effectively and features that ensure a deeper clean, our goal is to support patients through every stage of their smile journey.”

The latest addition to SuperMouth’s collection of electric toothbrushes, the Ultim8 SmartBrush System Ortho-Edition includes standout features such as: 

  • Four Sonic Modes: Select from four modes designed to effectively clean: Ortho, Super, Sensitive, and Smart. The new Ortho mode is specifically designed for patients in braces or aligners, and the new Smart mode intelligently adapts to real-time brushing pressure for optimized, effortless results. 
  • Pressure Sensor Protection: Prevents over-brushing by providing real-time visual feedback through lights that indicate if pressure is too heavy, too little, or just right. 
  • Replaceable Brush Heads: Developed by leading orthodontists, the system includes three replaceable ortho-specific brush heads. 
  • Ultim8 SmartHub™: This all-in-one station stores, charges, sanitizes, and dries the brush between uses. It features a five-minute UV sanitizer, a built-in dryer, and a dual function cap that serves as both a protective cover and a practical rinse cup. 
  • Travel SmartCase™: A new standard for portable care, the SmartCase features a powerful UV sanitizer to eliminate germs and bacteria on the go, a long-lasting rechargeable battery, and custom spaces for travel-sized toothpaste and floss. 
  • Versatile Charging: Offers multiple power options, including SmartMag wireless charging, an adaptive charger in the base, and the Travel SmartCase. 
  • Waterproof Design: Fully waterproof to allow for convenient brushing in the shower.
  • SmartTimer™: Automates shut-off after two minutes and provides 30-second quadrant reminders to ensure even, dentist-recommended brushing time. 

Currently available for purchase at SuperMouth.com, with Amazon availability coming soon, the Ultim8 SmartBrush System Ortho-Edition comes in two customizable versions: $199.99 for the SmartBrush, SmartHub, and Travel SmartCase, and $169.99 for the SmartBrush and SmartHub. Each system is also available in three beautiful colors: Sapphire Blue, Pearly White, and Rose Gold.  

For more information about SuperMouth and the Ultim8 SmartBrush System Ortho-Edition, please visit www.SuperMouth.com.

About SuperMouth®

SuperMouth is a dentist-founded oral care brand offering over 200 best-in-class products and holding nearly 300 patents, reflecting its commitment to innovation and excellence. With products designed for every age and stage of life, SuperMouth continues to push the boundaries of oral care, creating solutions that combine safety, effectiveness, and fun. Learn more at www.SuperMouth.com.


Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Bringing Artificial Intelligence to Help with Oral Cancer Detection

 

Sometimes less is more and in this case, it applies to this post...

Today is a short post because most of the info will come from the link at the bottom.  Researchers at Harvard are working on ways to bring AI into the realm of detecting oral cancer.

Oral cancer is a horrible disease.  It is often fatal, mainly because it isn't detected in the early stages.  Cancers detected in Stage 1 or Stage 2 often have much better outcomes.  However, oral cancer is often not detected until Stage 3 or Stage 4 which makes them much more difficult treat and extremely difficult to recover from.  Globally it is responsible for around 325,000 deaths per year.

Dentistry has been trying for decades to create a way to make them easier to detect.  That's why I was excited to read about a study from Harvard that deals with using the emerging tech of AI to make detection easier and faster.

Follow this link for more info.