Over the past few years, there has been something of a paradigm shift in cosmetic dentistry to more minimally invasive protocols. The modern, preferred approach to enhance someone’s smile is to move their own teeth into a more favourable position, whiten the teeth and use cosmetic contouring, or bonding, to create a more appealing smile. The so-called ABC approach — Align, Bleach, Composite (or Contouring).

The ABC approach is well within the capability of the general dentist, and with the advent of companies such as Quick Straight Teeth, there are many more dentists offering ABC in preference to veneers. Awareness of orthodontics amongst patients has increased due to consumer advertising and the fact that more dentists are now offering cosmetic orthodontic solutions.

The stigma of ugly, metal, ‘train-track,’ braces is one that many people harbour from their teenage years, so there is something of a hurdle to overcome in providing orthodontics to grown-ups. Their fears generally comprise some, or all, of the following: price, discomfort, aesthetics and time.

It is the duty of the treating clinician to provide an option that overcomes all of these issues, however, this is often easier said than done. In cosmetic orthodontics, it is rare to find a solution that has no compromise – the very best quality, at realistic prices. Quick Straight Teeth is one example of a company that offer the very best, gold-standard components whilst maintaining the most realistic prices in the market, to ensure straight teeth are made available to a wider audience.

With companies such as 3M at the forefront of orthodontics, we are able to overcome any trepidation that grown-ups may have regarding the provision of orthodontics. Discomfort is kept to a minimum by using only small-gauge round wires, ceramic brackets and tooth-coloured wires allow for beautifully aesthetic, almost invisible braces, treatment times are short due to the focus being on anterior alignment, rather than comprehensive orthodontics and all this can be done at a fraction of the price of most aligners.

So, we know what’s stopping people having their teeth straightened, and how to overcome these issues – but what is stopping dentists providing orthodontic solutions to grown-up people? Many dentists are comfortable providing removable, clear aligners for patients but often refer out any cases requiring fixed solutions to their local orthodontist. To general dentists, fixed orthodontics is seen as something of a mystery. A complex world of angles and forces where they would rather not tread.

In the case of children, it does most definitely require a specialist orthodontist to see such cases due to the many factors at play in the growing jaw. However, in the case of grown-ups, who require minimal alignment of the front 6 or 8 teeth, this can be done safely and effectively in general practice with the close support and supervision of our learned specialist colleagues. If they work alongside a good quality orthodontic laboratory using the indirect-bonding method then the whole process becomes enjoyable, predictable and profitable.

Given the litigious nature of our times minimally invasive and conservative dentistry should always be the preferred approach of any clinician, and is almost always in the best interest of the patient.

Why not investigate the world of cosmetic orthodontics today? It’s as easy as ABC.

TP Orthodontics has added Nu-Edge^® Self-Ligating metal bracket with passive mechanics to their product line up.

Nu-Edge SL brackets offer several distinct features over competitor self-ligating brackets. 

Nu-Edge SL brackets feature a robust locking mechanism. Once the patented slide is locked in place, the archwire slot becomes a rigid tunnel preventing the bracket from becoming unseated. Our patented dumbbell mechanism provides audible assurance that the slide is completely closed. Additionally, Nu-Edge SL brackets do not require a special tool for ligating.

The sliding mechanism does not protrude like other self-ligating brackets. This gives a smoother surface that enhances patient comfort.

Nu-Edge SL brackets are made from Cobalt Chromium. They are ideal for nickel sensitive patients while offering superior strength to prevent slot collapse due to any occlusal forces.

The brackets feature nano-polishing technology which prevents bacterial adhesion, reduces friction and enhances surface smoothness for increased patient comfort. It has an extremely small footprint and profile design, making the bracket aesthetically pleasing for patients.

Nu-Edge SL also features deep undercuts and hidden tie wings allowing for traditional ligation when needed. Metal ties can also be used due to the strategically placed auxiliary wire slot.

The patented maze base design is metal injected molded and provides unparalleled bond strength and unmatched adhesive retention during debonding.

Contact Kathy Kanellos via kathy.kanellos@tportho.com to discuss TP Orthodontics’ Nu-Edge^®. Alternatively call 1800 643 055 or visit www.tportho.com.

The new Pure Newtron^® clinical ultrasonic scaler with B.LED (Blue LED) technology from ACTEON enables users to identify and remove almost 20% more plaque. 

The new integrated clinical ultrasonic scaler incorporates B.LED technology with F.L.A.G. – a fluorescent dental plaque disclosing solution that guides the doctor in real-time. Dental plaque is clearly identified under fluorescence, helping doctors see better and treat faster.

Treatment with the B.LED ultrasonic scaler reduces the overuse of instruments thus preserving healthy tissues. Post-treatment F.L.A.G can be washed away with water from a triplex syringe, leaving no residual staining.

Using proven Newtron technology, Pure Newtron provides better tactile sense, no power loss and improved patient comfort. Powerful cavitation at the tip’s extremity induces deposit fragmentation with a disinfecting effect while removing plaque.

The automatic and continuous ultrasonic frequency adjustment allows continuous efficiency, whatever the load applied without harming teeth or soft tissues.

Power is regulated in real-time, according to the resistance encountered by the tip, for constant performance, with no force needed using ACTEON’s stainless steel tips.

Studies have shown B.LED technology with F.L.A.G. allows the doctor to remove 19.3%* more dental plaque in comparison to performing the same procedure without B.LED technology. The B.LED fluorescent technology also enables doctors to educate patients and encourage acceptance of treatment.

Pure Newtron provides a fast, less invasive treatment that is comfortable for both the patient and doctor. Available from A-dec, phone 1800 225 010 or visit www.pure-newtron.com.

*T. Marrien, Clinical evaluation of assisted supraginigval scaling by plaque disclosing agent F.L.A.G ^TM for B.LED, Thesis March.

The Progeny Vantage® Panoramic System is back in Australasia and, with an added range of enhancements, it’s now better than ever. Better still, for a limited time Progeny Vantage® is available at a great promotional price.

The Progeny Vantage® advantage

Originally introduced to the market in 2010, the Progeny Vantage® Panoramic System marked a significant step forward winning the “Good Design Award” at the Mid-winter show in Chicago in 2011. Offering exceptional flexibility from exam set up to image review, Vantage delivered both on clinical reliability, and patient experience.

In 2014, Progeny Vantage® manufacturer Midmark withdrew the system from the market and embarked on a major review to identify potential enhancements and new features to improve performance and usability.

Introducing Progeny Vantage® 2.1

Fast forward to 2016 and the new and improved Progeny Vantage® 2.1 is finally here with the first release being in Australasia. The new Progeny Vantage® 2.1, which features a range of enhancements including:

• A new tablet-like display – selections are as simple as a touch or swipe of the finger
• An extended range of pre-programmed exams – now Pedo, Bitewing, and TMJ
• An improved collimator system
• Image preview and point of use of imbedded training videos
• Improved sound and clarity for exam set up
• An improved X-ray controller unit – better performance for cephalometric exams of larger patients
• Progeny Clarity Enhanced Imaging Filter set provides superior diagnostic imaging options for more accurate analysis

The Progeny Vantage® 2.1 is fully upgradable from the base model and is available with Ceph or as a stand-alone. As with the previous system, the Progeny Vantage® 2.1 features a small footprint, which provides for easy no-fuss installation.

The choice you can’t go past™

As a panoramic x-ray system, Progeny Vantage® 2.1 is full of features. Few of Vantage’s competitors offer Ceph as an entry level option. Many don’t offer the range of preset exam options. Others have comparatively limited power capacity. By contrast, Progeny Vantage® 2.1 utilises the latest technology to provide a full range of exam and diagnostic features. Manufactured in the US to exacting standards, Progeny Vantage® 2.1 is easy-to-use and delivers superb image quality.

The Progeny Vantage® 2.1 also comes with unrivalled support. Operators can access on board videos for ‘how to’ training on the different exams and laser positioning. Remote diagnostics make for quick and easy trouble shooting and, as an extra offer, the Progeny Vantage® 2.1 comes with 60 days access to VantageTrustSM at no cost, a remote support and training service that provides online image analysis and feedback on positioning the patient or tips for improving image capture.

A great system at a great price

On these features alone, Progeny Vantage® 2.1 represents great value. But even better, for a limited time we’re offering a promotional introductory price.

Talk to ICONA

The new and improved Progeny Vantage® 2.1 is available right now exclusively from ICONA Pty. Talk to us today on 1300 442 662 or see our products at www.icona.net.au.

The Jasper Vektor appliance offers the most innovative, comfortable and efficient solution for Class II correction. Other common fixed appliances on the market tend to produce linear forces that result in frequent failure, unwanted tipping and patient discomfort.

The Jasper Vektor contains a unique spring design that produces curved vectors. The appliance flexes 25-45% of its overall length which results in the only appliance to deliver gentle, intrusive forces that do not tip the maxilla or produce unwanted extrusion. It provides just the right amount of force needed for efficient Class II correction. Many cases see results in as fast as 6 weeks.

They are made with a robust, nickel-titanium alloy that provides strength and flexibility. Installation is easy and the kit comes with the tools needed to place the appliance on patients.

The design keeps the appliance away from the “food zone” that allows the Vektor to remain clean and avoid any bacteria build up. Additionally, the design allows for natural lateral mandibular movement that enhances patient comfort. Jasper Vektor is also a compliance-independent appliance that ensures proper treatment is given and helps the doctor manage the overall treatment schedule.

Contact Kathy Kanellos via kathy.kanellos@tportho.com to discuss TP Orthodontics’ Jasper Vektor Class II Corrector Appliance^®. Alternatively call 1800 643 055 or click: www.tportho.com.