Top 50 products of 2017: Part 2

Every year, the dental industry is presented with a slew of products that make promises to revolutionize and transform the way dentistry is practiced. Some of the claims end up being a bit of a stretch - perhaps a product is good or an iterative update to a useful product, but it might not be something that makes people wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Read more: Top 50 products of 2017: Part 1

And then, on the other hand, there are a class of products that stand apart. The ones that truly do shape and transform the dental industry in such ways that bottom lines are improved, that jobs are made more efficient and, of course, that patients are better cared for. Those are the type of products we’ve picked for our top 50 editor’s choice products of 2017. These products blew us away throughout the year, and we’re proud to bring you this roundup of the solutions pushing dentistry forward.

Click through the slides to check out more of this year's top products.

Planmeca Emerald™

The Planmeca Emerald™ intraoral scanner is lightweight, ergonomically designed and engineered to quickly capture vivid color images in real-time. A compact, slim design is said to provide the clinician with a comfortable feel and superior control while scanning patients. Automatic fog prevention embedded into the streamlined scanner tips reportedly enables continuous scanning of the patient, while the autoclavable tips are designed to prevent cross-infection and increase patient safety.

Planmeca
630-529-2300  |  planmeca.com

EndoSafe Plus

The EndoSafe Plus is an apical negative pressure irrigation system that is said to be lightweight, easy to use and portable. It reportedly can be used for simultaneous irrigation and evacuation. Three flow-rate settings are engineered to provide a consistent exchange of active endodontic solutions and flushing of debris. The device features quick-connect, 20 mL reservoirs that can be filled with medicament. The system also comes with 10 disposable EndoSafe Negative Pressure Tips.

Vista Dental Products
877-418-4782  |  vista-dental.com

Double-sided diamond discs

New double-sided discs from Komet USA are designed to incorporate coarse diamond grains, as indicated by the instrument’s green color ring for ease of identification. The discs are reportedly specially designed to ensure optimal chip removal while separating, pre-cutting and contouring acrylic and veneering ceramics. The D2014.HP.180 measures 18 mm in diameter while the D2014.HP.220 has a 22 mm diameter.

Komet USA
800-208-1630  |  kometusa.com

DentaForm 3D printer

The DentaForm is reportedly the world’s fastest dental model 3D printer, utilizing Structo’s proprietary Mask Stereolithography (MSLA) technology. With a large build platform measuring 200 x 150 mm, the DentaForm is designed to print highly accurate precision models for the fitting of crowns and bridges in the area of restorative dentistry. Users can reportedly print full arches and quadrants that are extremely precise with reproducible fit at a high throughput.

Structo 3D
+65 6514 7332  |  structo3d.com

SMARTmatic Series

The SMARTmatic Series reportedly unites KaVo’s trusted quality with smart features for optimal ease of use and successful clinical outcomes. Designed with flexibility in mind, the series is ideal for anyone wishing to combine the highest standards in reliability with a broad spectrum of treatment options. Features are said to include a small head size for better view, stainless steel construction, high-precision ball bearings, a lightweight and balanced design, and ceramic sliders within the chuck system for securing the bur. 

KaVo
888-ASK-KAVO  |  kavo.com

Beautifil II LS (Low Shrink)

The Beautifil II LS (Low Shrink) composite is designed to provide clinicians with the means to reduce polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress while achieving predictable and functional esthetics. The composite incorporates Shofu’s proprietary Giomer chemistry and reportedly demonstrates excellent compressive and flexural strength, maintains ideal color stability and polishes in an instant, creating a glossy luster. Beautifil II LS is available in syringes, tips and value kits in 14 dentin and enamel shades.

Shofu Dental Corporation
800-827-4638  |  shofu.com
 

Thera-Smile™

Mavrik Dental Systems™ recently introduced Thera-Smile™, a reportedly revolutionary approach to in-office teeth whitening. Thera-Smile treatments are delivered via the Thera-OralTM system platform, where delivery of medicaments is fully controlled in dosage and temperature within a patented vacuum-sealed mouthpiece. The intuitive console “brain” with glove-responsive interface is said to offer the clinician or hygienist complete control. The whitening system is designed to elevate the patient and clinician experience.

Mavrik Dental Systems
+972 9-974-0100  |  mavrikdental.com

BioCoat™

is a bioactive resin pit and fissure sealant with patented SmartCap™ Technology. It reportedly combines optimal physical properties with extended release of fluoride and remineralization ions for relentless protection. BioCoat is engineered to flow freely for excellent adaption and adhesion to the enamel. It is said to be easily light cured and to offer an esthetic appearance.

Premier^® Dental Products Company
888-670-6100  |  premusa.com
 

SR Smart Reviews

SR Smart Reviews’ super technical, proprietary algorithm reportedly analyzes billions of patient interactions to determine which patients are most likely to leave positive reviews. Through a simple text message, dental staff  can ask patients to leave a review. Only patients who leave a high NPS score will be redirected online; other reviews will be sent to the dental office for reference. SR Smart Reviews is designed to sync with patient databases, thereby simplifying the process.

Solutionreach
866-605-6867  |  solutionreach.com

ENAMIC multiColor

is a new CAD/CAM block with an integrated shade gradient for highly esthetic and long-lasting results. The material is reportedly ideal for posterior, anterior and implant restorations as well as veneers. The block’s natural color gradient includes six finely nuanced layers with a smooth transition from cervical to incisal edge, providing a natural play of light for lifelike vitality. It can be milled either chairside or in the laboratory.

VITA North America
800-828-3839  |  vitanorthamerica.com
 

DentiMax Kiosk

The DentiMax Kiosk is designed to make it convenient for patients to provide their complete health histories and insurance information to dental offices. Using any smartphone, tablet or computer, patients can go to the practice’s web kiosk to complete their “paperwork.” The user-friendly software is designed to enable office staff to review information, ensuring its completeness and accuracy, before uploading it into their practice’s management software.

DentiMax
800-704-8494  |  dentimax.com

KaVo OP™ 3D

The OP 3D is a unit for advanced dental imaging needs. It is designed to be a complete X-ray platform, providing easy-to-use features throughout the whole dental imaging workflow. The OP 3D reportedly offers efficient tools for optimizing the patient dose with its ability to allow the clinician to select the best resolution, Field of  View (FOV) size and region of interest. The versatile programs for both panoramic and 3D are engineered to offer imaging excellence for a variety of users, ranging from general dental practitioners to craniofacial surgeons.

KaVo Kerr
888-275-5286  |  kavo.com
 

PrograMill One

is a small, compact, 5-axis milling machine. It is engineered to combine industrial manufacturing quality with high precision and a sleek, modern design. The machine is app-based, reportedly allowing easy operation with a tablet or smartphone. PrograMill One seamlessly auto connects with 3Shape intraoral scanners. The unit is designed specifically for milling IPS e.max. PrograMill One will be available in the U.S. in 2018.

Ivoclar Vivadent
800-533-6825  |  ivoclardigital.com

SoloCem and DuoCem

COLTENE added two new resin-based cements, SoloCem and DuoCem, to its portfolio of luting agents. SoloCem is a self-adhesive dual-curing resin cement that is reportedly easy to use and offers high bonding strength without additional adhesive. It may be used for permanent cementation of crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays for ceramic, metal and composite materials. DuoCem is a dual-curing resin cement that is designed to offer superior bond strength, especially in areas where light can’t reach. It is said to be ideal for a range of indications.

COLTENE
330-916-8800  |  coltene.com
 

Smile Lite MDP

is reportedly the first device specially developed for allowing beautiful dental photos on a smartphone. Smile Lite MDP is equipped with three groups of LEDs with four levels of brightness for each one. Users can set the power of illumination to easily take anterior and posterior pictures as well as micro-photography. The plug-and-play device is equipped with a universal adapter that can be used with any model of smartphone. 

Smile Line USA
877-755-6868  |  smilelineusa.com

ProMax^® 3D LE

The new Planmeca ProMax^® 3D LE provides a 2D and 3D imaging system that’s combined with the power of Planmeca Romexis^® imaging software. The ProMax 3D LE is reportedly the gateway to Planmeca 3D imaging systems, offering great value without sacrificing quality. Dentists can plan and verify implant placement using the realistic implant, abutment and crown models included in the Romexis software.

Planmeca
630-529-2300  |  planmecausa.com
 

Flexsonic Swivel Air Scaler

The Flexsonic Swivel Air Scaler is said to offer comparable design and performance to other leading scalers for almost half the price. The scaler is engineered to provide super-efficient removal of hard calculus and stains. The scaler reportedly has an ergonomic, comfortable grip as well as a quick disconnect swivel for improved comfort and easy removal from tubing. 

Johnson-Promident
845-589-0210  |  johnsonpromident.com

ScanX Intraoral View

The ScanX Intraoral View is said to be the next generation of digital radiography systems for all intraoral formats. Its large touchscreen, easy-to-use interface and multiple slots for simultaneous scanning enable the intuitive, efficient and time-saving digitization of PSPs for all intraoral formats. The ScanX Intraoral View reportedly makes PSP diagnostics quicker, more reliable and more convenient.

Air Techniques, Inc.
800-AIR TECH  |  airtechniques.com

Fuse

Fuse is a cloud-based practice management system that’s said to seamlessly keep doctors connected across multiple locations. An intuitive interface is designed to enable efficient navigation, allowing clinicians to focus on providing excellent patient care. Patient information can be accessed on a smartphone, tablet or desktop. Fuse also comes with industry-leading training and best-in-class support.

Patterson Dental
800-873-7683  |  pattersondental.com/fuse

TPH Spectra^® ST

is uniquely designed with new and novel filler technology, SphereTEC™, to simplify the path to long-lasting, esthetic restorations. The composite reportedly is easy to adapt to the cavity, has excellent sculptability and won’t stick to instruments. It utilizes an intuitive ‘CLOUD’ shading system that covers the entire VITA range with five stain-resistant shades, making shade selection simple and accurate.

Dentsply Sirona
800-532-2855  |  class2restorations.com

Meg-Torq^®

The Meg-Torq^® wireless auto torque driver is reportedly the easiest, fastest and safest way to place implant prosthetic components. Pre-programmed settings are designed to provide exact torque values for accuracy and ease of use. The torque driver is said to be powerful and compact, making it ideal for single-handed use in hard-to-reach areas. It also features a large, easy-to-read LCD display that shows every function. 

ids (integrated dental systems)
866-277-5662  |  idsimplants.com

OmniOptic™

is said to be the first and only interchangeable magnification loupe that allows the clinician to select the optimal magnification power for each procedure. Accommodating four magnification powers ranging from 2.5x to 5.5x, the OmniOptic system is designed to be an ideal system for users looking to increase their magnification over the course of their career.

Orascoptic™
800-369-3698  |  orascoptic.com

TORNADO^S

The TORNADO^S is said to be the most powerful turbine with a compact head. Like the TORNADO turbine, the TORNADO^S is equipped with Bien-Air SteadyTorque™ technology. Thanks to its compact head, the TORNADO^S is designed to offer improved visibility in the working area and facilitate access to molar areas, ensuring optimal patient comfort. It is also said to reduce the length of operations and improve the productivity of dental clinics.

Bien-Air
800-433-2436  |  bienair.com

MMG ChairFill

is an automated marketing software system that’s designed to automatically fill dentists’ schedules and chairs with the right kind of patients at the right time. Integration with all the major practice management softwares allows ChairFill to monitor open chair time and then search existing patient records 24/7. ChairFill can fill last-minute cancellations as well as open appointments months or weeks in advance.

MMG Fusion
844-938-7466  |  mmgfusion.com

Aligner Sleep Appliance^®

The Aligner Sleep Appliance^® (ASA) is reportedly the only appliance in the market that can be used in conjunction with clear aligners. ASA is fabricated with a proprietary process that allows the patient to use the same sleep appliance even as clear aligner trays are changed during treatment. ASA is a patented and FDA-cleared product, and sleep test results have showed it’s an effective treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in patients who are being treated with clear aligners.

SleepArchiTx™
888-777-3198  |  sleeparchitx.com