Pearls for your practice

by Joe Blaes, DDS

Profluorid Varnish

This is a thin and tasty white transparent 5% sodium fluoride varnish that is available in a new nonmessy delivery system. The delivery system is easy to open and easy to hold as you dispense the varnish with the included brush. My hygienists and assistants agreed that this was a great system. It is transparent in appearance and will not cause a yellow discoloration of the teeth. Profluorid Varnish has great-tasting flavors (caramel, cherry, mint, and melon) without any nasty aftertaste, and it adheres well to a moist surface. The great taste is due to the addition of xylitol and the fact that it contains no saccharin, aspartame, or gluten. The material spreads easily and sets quickly after contact with saliva. Profluorid Varnish has enhanced flow characteristics with a thin spreadable consistency that allows it to reach areas that some varnishes may miss. But the best news about this product is the high immediate fluoride release. In the first hour after application, the fluoride release has reached 7,000 ppm, which is maintained for the next three hours. This gives your patients the maximum effect of the fluoride treatment. This is a great, easy, nonmessy, single-dose delivery system that gives your patients the very best fluoride varnish application. Visit www.vocoamerica.com for more information.

Sensonic® Professional Plus Toothbrush

This new brush is powered by the latest sonic technology that produces powerful, yet gentle plaque removal. The advanced brush head design with extra soft end-rounded bristles gently targets those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth. The Sensonic Professional Plus has advanced features that include a slim ergonomic handle design that makes the brush easier to hold in the proper position. Some patients come with small mouths and some come with large mouths so this brush has three brush head options that allow your patients to make the best selection to meet their individual needs. There is a new charging base with a recharge indicator gauge. It also features a two-minute brushing timer with 30-second intervals to ensure adequate brushing time in each quadrant of the mouth. There is a dual-speed control on the handle that allows for selecting low speed for gentle cleaning and gum massaging or high speed for better cleaning and plaque removal. This feature empowers the dentist or the hygienist to select the speed setting that is best for the patient's treatment. The Sensonic Professional Plus comes with a premium travel case and hygienic brush-head covers. It is covered by a two-year warranty. The product is available exclusively through your dental distributor. Visit www.waterpik.com for more information.

To have Dr. Joe Blaes present his lecture, "Pearls For Your Practice®," for your study group or dental society, please call (866) 274-4500.