In my practice...

“There can be nothing more frustrating when the wedge doesn’t work! Fumbling in the interdental area trying to insert a wedge or the wedge backs out or simply doesn’t hold the matrix in place is a constant frustration of many a dentist...”

This issue we look into some products and equipment that I use in practice. We look at some recently released new products and elaborate on how their use can be applied in practice. Investing in the right armamentarium allows clinical practice to be simpler and more enjoyable for the wet-fingered dentist and hopefully, this column provides the reader with some of the latest “tools of the trade”

Straumann TLX implant

The original Straumann Standard Plus implant has been the original tissue level implant that has enjoyed long term success over three decades and has been often cited as the implant with the least peri-implantitis prevalence (Derks et al, 2015). The Straumann TLX implant has continued in this tradition, however has added innovative features that may suit the progressive implant clinician with the ability to expand on their treatment options and being able to offer immediate placement and better stability in poor quality bone. The Straumann TLX implant provides high primary stability with a variable thread design and tapered implant core. With the design of the threads, it allows an osseodensification as the implant is inserted, condensing and distributing the bone chips through the flutes. The design of the threads allows a cutting motion being able to forward and reverse the implant to seat. Due to deep apical threads, it allows an immediate stability and engagement suitable for immediate placement and/or immediate loading. With the tissue level design, the machined collar with a built-in emergence profile allows sound biological stability with preservation of the periimplant soft tissue. The implant-abutment interface is above the bone level which means there is no micro-gap in the critical healing zone. The prosthetic connection is similar to the BLX implant with a 7 degree internal connection providing a morse-like seal for better prosthetic stability.

Valo X (Ultradent)

bility, power and versatility. It has an aluminum construction, featuring an ergonomic wand design delivering optimal access to all regions of the mouth. Additionally, the light features a 12.5 mm lens, which I believe is the largest on the market amongst the major manufacturers. It also has a powerful custom LED chip that delivers superior curing depth and beam col limation with better thermal management than other lights. The VALO X curing light is equipped with two power modes (Standard Power and Xtra Power modes), two diagnostic aid modes (Black Light and White Light Diagnostic Aid modes) and the ability to work corded or cordless. Its simplified design allows for one-button activation and its Accelerometer Func tion allows you to cycle between its power and diagnostic aid modes with a simple wave of the wand. Five accessory lenses come included with each light, further enhancing the versatility of your VALO X curing light. It has accessory lenses which allow transillumination, tack or point cure, proximal cure and diffuser lenses which can help to choose shades in white light mode and in black light mode, shows fluorescent particles in dental resins.

Garrison Composi-Tight 3D fusion wedge

There can be nothing more frustrating when the wedge doesn’t work! Fumbling in the interdental area trying to insert a wedge or the wedge backs out or simply doesn’t hold the matrix in place is a constant frustration of many a dentist. My recommended wedge is the Composi-Tight 3D Fusion wedge as it’s a wedge that moulds two materials together, providing both adaptability and retention. It has Soft-Face technology which is a soft rubberised material fused to the core which means the wedge moulds itself to root irregularities as you insert and due to the retentive fins that fold in as its inserted, they spring back when clear of the interproximal space firmly locking the wedge in place.

About the author

When the original Valo light was released, it was loaded with so many advantages and became one of the leading lights on the market. Now, the VALO X curing light has been designed to add to these original features with dura-

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Ensure predictable You’ll quickly discover Because when it WHY DENTISTS LOVE

• Ideal height

• Pre-trimmed

• Accurate occlusal

Ensure predictable You’ll quickly discover Because when it WHY DENTISTS LOVE

• Ideal height

• Pre-trimmed

• Accurate occlusal

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Dr Christopher Ho is a Specialist Prosthodontist based in Sydney, Australia. He is Head of School of the Australasian College of Dental Practitioners, Visiting Lecturer at Kings College London, Adjunct A/Prof at University of Puthisastra and Editor of the Wiley-Blackwell textbook “Practical Procedures in Aesthetic Dentistry” and “Practical Procedures in Implant Dentistry”.

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