Kent Express - The Express Way (June Edition)

National Smile Month Welcome to Express The Way

As if our account managers and marketers were not a smiley enough bunch as it was, this month the team is grinning even wider as it celebrates National Smile Month.

Throughout June we’re making an even greater effort to champion the benefits of having good oral health and promoting the value of a healthy smile, and we encourage you all to do the same!

National Smile Month presents your practice with a great opportunity to highlight your oral hygiene, preventive and whitening ranges.

To help put a smile on everybody’s faces, including you amazing DCPs, we have exclusive offers on whitening gels, fluoride varnish, polishing kits and more which you won’t find anywhere else on the market.

For more information on how to get involved with National Smile Month, click here.

The debate is over, it’s officially shorts weather!

To help you step into the new season with a smile on your face, we’re turning up the heat on our offers with all-new exclusives across many of our biggest brands. Whether you’re looking to stock up on your favourite whitening gel or save money on your essential restoratives, you’ll find plenty of fantastic offers inside these pages. Remember all deals are available for this month only, so don’t miss out!

We’re Proud to Celebrate Pr i d e Month!

At Kent Express, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that provides everyone with opportunities to build confidence in their careers and develop the skills to express their unique life journeys. And we believe that all stakeholders within dentistry, including all practices, should be doing the same.

In 2023, we helped introduce our Pride & Allies initiative as part of our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. This provides a safe and supportive community where members can connect, share their experiences, and contribute to a more diverse and accepting work culture.

This Pride Month, let’s celebrate, reflect and progress as we aim to help every person in our industry feel accepted for who they are!

How to get the most from your Express Way

As you browse your Express Way, keep an eye out for the pink box buttons featured alongside all our promotions. When you see an offer you like, simply click on the pink box to be redirected to our website. From here you can log in to your account and view your discounts and savings on that offer in full. On some pages you can also find other clickable links, such as YouTube product tutorials and links to our social media channels.

Reduce chair time with

Time management is the key to increased productivity and profitability in the dental practice. Reducing chair time for restorations without compromising outcomes is a sure-fire way to boost production levels.

SimpliShade by Kerr is a composite material ideally suited for doing just this.

What is SimpliShade?

SimpliShade is Kerr’s universal composite system designed to eliminate the need for different composites for anterior and posterior restorations.

With its Adaptive Response Technology (ART), SimpliShade can help streamline restoration workflow and stock control without compromising strength or aesthetics. SimpliShade works in all cavity classes without the need for a blocker and is available in syringe or unidose form.

What is Adaptive Response Technology (ART)?

ART is Kerr’s unique nanoparticle filler network (50nm particle size) formulated to help achieve lifelike restorations with more ease and simplicity The ART filler system diffuses and reflects light in a similar way as human enamel. This is often referred to as the ‘chameleon effect’.

As well as providing superior blending capabilities, ART allows for high loading of 81% for enhanced structural integrity, better resistance to chipping and longer lasting restoration.

What does SimpliShade mean?

Kerr SimpliShade gets its name from its simplified shade range. Featuring three shades (Light, Medium, and Dark), SimpliShade makes it quick and easy to match all 16 VITA Classical shades. This results in quicker shade-matching and faster chair times The material’s opacity is designed to mimic tooth structure, to better mask underlying tooth stains with surrounding dentition.

With less composite shades to stock, re-order focus on patient care

Syringe 4g (choice of Light, Medium, Dark, Bleach White and Universal Opaque Unidose 0.25g x 20 (choice of Light and Medium) Unidose 0.25g x 10 (choice of Dark, Bleach White and Universal Opaque)

SimpliShade

What do dentists think of Kerr SimpliShade?

Chris Hall

Using SimpliShade for both his NHS and private patients, Chris Hall, the principal of a dental practice in Newport, Wales, had this to say about his experiences:

“I think it’s a great product. With its chameleon effect, when everything is bonded in place, you can’t see the margins, and is a lot easier to work with and polish up than other composites I have used in the past. With one product meeting all our requirements, it has reduced our need to store stock and reduced waste, because we don’t need to keep all sorts of colours at hand that may well go out of date before we need them.”

Gökhan Dokumacigil

Award-winning dentist, Gökhan Dokumacigil said:

by Laurence Bohan

Set it up perfectly

5 Reasons to choose OptiBond Universal

OptiBond Universal is your one-step universal adhesive for any technique or any substrate.

But with so many universal dental bonding agents on the market, why should you choose it for your restorative procedures? There are many reasons for this. Read all of them.

1. One bottle. One coat.

The beauty of OptiBond Universal lies in its simplicity. Primer, adhesive and etchant are all combined in one bottle. The advanced technology that forms the basis of this formula means one coat is all you need for your procedures.

2. Proven strength.

OptiBond Universal provides higher levels of bond strength in comparison to other universal adhesive systems on dentine and enamel.

3. Complete versatility.

Reconstructing the tooth structure involves different substrates with different peculiarities and challenges. OptiBond Universal offers the possibility to rely on proven technology for different substrates and techniques, from total etch to self-etch and selective etch, in just one bottle.

4. Protection against post-operative sensitivity. The hydrophilic nature of the OptiBond Universal wetting agent respects the composition of the natural tooth structure.

5. Deep family ties.

Building on a legacy of over 20 years of clinical success, OptiBond Universal is the latest addition to the renowned family of OptiBond dental bonding agents.

“I have found that SimpliShade is a composite that has easy sculpting and high polishing properties. In addition to these, it simplifies colour selection, which is an ongoing challenge for dentists, especially in the anterior. SimpliShade makes it easier to find the correct colour by decreasing the colour scale from a bunch of options to just three. It is not just good for the anterior – I also use it for direct posterior restorations alongside anterior composite veneers and diastema closure cases. For those composite veneer and diastema closure cases, I usually prefer the one-shade method. Plus, where there is a need to restore colourised teeth and fractured teeth, I usually use a bit of opaque colour to hide the colourisation and transitional line. In practice, all that means time-saving treatment for me and my patient without compromising the outcome.” Buy 2, Get NX3 Dual Cure Syringe FREE*

Make the change to EdgeEndo

The development of nickel titanium (NiTi) files has been one of the biggest advancements in dentistry in recent decades. Having overtaken traditional stainless-steel files, NiTi files are now easily the most widely used file for root canals thanks to the superior flexibility they provide. But not all NiTi file systems are the same.

How strong are they?

The unique heat-treated technology used in EdgeEndo files gives them twice the resistance to cyclic fatigue versus comparable heat-treated files on the market according to a cyclic fatigue test carried out by EdgeEndo.

The full results of the test can be viewed here

How flexible are they?

Heat-treated NiTi files are extremely flexible with EdgeEndo files capable of achieving 90° canal curvature.

Heat treatment allows flexibility to be maintained in the canal with a lower risk of the alloy bouncing back into shape and putting pressure on the file. Like most NiTi files, EdgeEndo files can be pre-bent to accommodate different canal structures.

Are they compatible with my current system?

All EdgeEndo files, obturators and points work interchangeably with the system and technique you already use to ensure a seamless transition. All EdgeEndo products use the universal ISO handle colour scheme to indicate the size of the file.

Features and benefits...

• Nickel titanium files are made with heat-treated FireWire™ with the flexibility to treat 90° curves.

• Fire-Wire™ NiTi does not bounce back, to preserve the apical anatomy.

• Sterile packs of 6.

What do dentists think?

Several testimonials from dentists who have switched to EdgeEndo files can be viewed here

12mm handle length

ISO Identification band

Variable taper

Silicon stop

Calibration rings

Parabolic Cross Section

Enhance Your Restorations

Trusted all over the world for more than 50 years, 3M dental composites have been used for over 1 billion dental restorations.§ Products like FiltekTM have become the composite of choice for thousands of dentists thanks to the number of advantages it brings to the table, most notably convenience. Similarly, when it comes to impressions, 3M’s award-winning range of a-silicone and polyether products have won several prestigious industry awards, including 3M™ Imprint™ 4 VPS Impression Material which has received the Dental Advisor’s Top Award for VPS Impression Material multiple years in a row. To add gloss and shine to new smile makeovers, 3MTM Sof-LexTM finishing and polishing discs are designed to be time-saving and easy to use.

Impression Materials

Impressioning is key to getting an accurate fitting restoration and the overall aesthetics of the final prosthesis. A silicone, or VPS, is widely regarded as the best impression material due to the advantages it holds over alternative materials. These include:

• Most dimensionally stable impression material.

• Best fine detail.

• Most time to pour.

• High patient acceptance.

One of the downsides of a-silicone is that it is naturally hydrophobic, so excellent moisture control is required to prevent bubbles or holes forming.

This is not the case with 3MTM ImprintTM 4 VPS which has a unique chemistry that makes it one of the most hydrophilic a-silicone materials on the market.

3MTM ImprintTM 4 VPS displaces moisture right from the start in the unset state. This allows the material to reproduce accurate details even in a moist environment – giving you better precision and confidence

According to 3M, it is the only a-silicone currently to offer active self-warming, a process whereby the material warms during its working time to approximately 37°C resulting in a snap-set setting profile right at the end of the working time. This self-warming technology speeds up the setting reaction which means shorter chair times and less patient stress.

Restorations From Start to Finish

Composites

With over 400 million dental restorations globally, 3MTM FiltekTM Supreme XTE Universal Restorative is a dental composite that ticks A LOT of boxes.

Able to provide beauty for anterior restorations and strength for posterior ones, 3MTM FiltekTM Supreme XTE is highly versatile and indicated for restoration classes I-V. Along with its superb aesthetics and excellent strength, studies have found 3M™ Filtek™ Supreme XTE to have wear resistance equivalent to enamel and high polish retention for lasting shine.

The 3MTM FiltekTM Supreme XTE range makes it easier to match any patient’s dentition, with 36 shades that directly align with the VITA Classical Shade Guide, for single-shade application or multi-shade layering techniques.

by Laurence Bohan

Finishing and Polishing

Finishing and polishing is key to achieving a high gloss look similar to natural teeth. To help you create a beautiful finish without spending a great deal of time, 3M has developed an easy-to-use, colour-coded system for the adjustment of composite, compomer, metal and ceramic restorations.

’

3MTM Sof-LexTM Finishing and Polishing

Studies have found 3MTM FiltekTM Supreme XTE to have wear resistance equivalent to enamel and high polish retention for lasting shine.

For a multi-shade technique, the four opacities (translucent, enamel, body and dentin) are colour-coded for easy identification and to help you create natural-looking results.

For single-shade application, an array of 8 “go-to” body shades most used for dental fillings lets you simplify your practice while still meeting high

Solutions is designed to help you quickly and efficiently achieve a result similar to diamond polishing. Due to the availability of the strips as well as discs in different grits and widths, even interproximal areas, as well as facial and lingual margins, can be finished and polished in a time-saving procedure without damaging the achieved results – all with an easy pop-off mount for quick changes.

Because abrasive particles are embedded throughout the rubberised spirals, all surfaces of the spiral design can be used: side, top, bottom and edge. Safety is enhanced courtesy of the unique, spiral geometry that adapts to all tooth anatomy and is kinder to gingival tissue.

Tooth whitening – what patients

It’s no secret that the demand for tooth whitening has increased substantially in recent years as more people look to brighten their smile.

Knowing what questions are already on the mind of potential patients can help you advertise whitening in your practice more effectively and equip you with all the information needed to confidently respond to any query. Here are the 6 of the most common tooth whitening questions patients have but might not always tell you.

How does it work?

For many patients, teeth whitening can be simply explained as the process of bleaching your teeth to make them lighter.

For those who want to know a bit more about the science behind this, it is worth explaining the role hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP) play in the process.

Hydrogen peroxide is water with an extra oxygen molecule. The extra oxygen molecule oxidises and gives peroxide its germ killing and bleaching power. The release of oxygen molecules penetrates the colour pigments inside the tooth, altering the shade of the teeth without effecting tooth structure.

How do I whiten my teeth at home?

All the best tooth whitening treatments begin in the dental practice where a custom-made tray can be made using an impression of the patient’s teeth. This ensures full coverage of the teeth and better results.

It is worth getting a better understanding of the patient’s lifestyle. This will help you prescribe a gel that fits around them, such as one specifically designed for overnight use. Whitening gels like Big White Smile have a selection of different formulas that work at varying rates to add convenience to a patient’s tooth whitening experience.

For example, Big White Smile is available in the following formulas:

Big White Smile premium whitening gel has a unique formula to hydrate the teeth during treatment and avoid sensitivity. ”

Is it safe?

HP breaks down quickly and works fast to whiten teeth, releasing most of its whitening power within the first 30 to 60 minutes of application.

Carbamide peroxide works the same way, but breaks down at a slower speed compared to HP.

CP’s oxidising power releases in the first 2 hours, then continues to work for up to 6 more hours. Because it spends more time in contact with the teeth, it is often used in whitening products that are worn overnight.

• 10% CP - for 8–10 hours (or overnight)

• 16% CP - for 4–6 hours

• 6% HP - for 1-1.5 hours

Providing patients with leaflets can help them learn more about the treatment and their options in their own time. Separate patient and doctor literature on Big White Smile comes FREE with every purchase.

Safety is one of the most important things to communicate with patients in your marketing and consultations. Professional teeth whitening overseen by a dentist is the only way patients can guarantee that what they are putting on their teeth is safe. When you quote a price to your patient, don’t be surprised if they mention a much cheaper product they’ve seen on the internet.

Let your patients know that DIY home whitening kits can be dangerous, uncomfortable, illegal and in most cases inferior to professional whitening treatment. In worst-case scenarios, DIY home whitening kits can cause burns, scarring and even tooth loss if too much HP or CP is used in the product.

patients want to know

How long does teeth whitening last?

There is no one size fits all answer to this question as the longevity of the whitening effect varies from patient to patient. One thing that is guaranteed and that patients should be made aware of is that no tooth whitening treatment is permanent.

Typically speaking, take-home whitening gels and in-office tooth whitening should last from anywhere between 3 months to a year, provided the patient practices good oral hygiene and doesn’t have too many bad oral habits.

Certain oral habits, such as smoking, drinking red wine, tea and coffee, can re-stain the teeth and reduce the lifespan of the whitening effect. These stains are known as extrinsic stains. As most of the population have the one or more of the above habits, some dentists recommend that whitening treatment be repeated every 6 – 12 months.

How much does it cost?

This is perhaps the most common question patients ask when discussing teeth whitening. The cost of private tooth whitening in the UK ranges from anywhere between £300 and £1000, with the exact figure varying according to location, local competitor prices etc. To keep your own fees down, it is worth shopping around for whitening products that offer the best all-round value.

Log in here to view your discounts

by Laurence Bohan

Will my teeth be sensitive after whitening?

No matter what type of tooth whitening product you use, there is always a chance that the patient’s gums will be sensitive to the chemicals in the products.

Some patients will experience zero sensitivity following treatment while others will. How long this sensitivity lasts depends on the existing state of the patient’s teeth. Postoperative sensitivity can last a few hours, a few days or for several months. It is important to carry out a few assessments of the patient’s teeth prior to agreeing to treatment. This way you can give them the best idea of the likelihood of any potential side effects.

One of the best ways to mitigate against this is to use a less harsh whitening product that has been designed to minimise sensitivity. Big White Smile premium whitening gel for example has a unique formula containing desensitisers and with optimum water content to hydrate the teeth during treatment and avoid sensitivity.

It is worth reminding patients that using too much gel in the tray can increase the likelihood of the bleaching agent spilling onto gums and creating sensitivity and potentially the temporary bleaching effect on the skin.

Finish, polish, adjust,

Finishing and Polishing DiscsExtra Thin

Extra thin finishing and polishing discs for scaling, buffing and polishing.

Ideal for incisal, cervical and approximal use. Aluminium oxide coated.

Various codes

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Composite Polishing Kit

Composite polishing kit in RA format. Five shapes in medium and fine for smoothing and high polishing of composite materials and natural teeth.

Use at 7,000-12,000 rpm.

Denture Adjustment Kit

HP format.

Use at 5,000-7,000 rpm.

3 grits: green for reducing, grey for smoothing, beige for high polishing.

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Universal Silicone Polishing Kit

Silicone polishing kit for resin-based materials such as composite, compomer, tooth enamal and porcelain.

Medium grit.

Right angle (RA) format.

Speed 5,000-12,000 rpm.

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Log in here to view your discounts

5720531 TC Cutter HP Plain Cut and Polishers x 5 (Coarse, Medium x 3, Fine)

5720532 Polishers x 10 (Disc x 2, Point x 2, Bullet x 2, Cup x 2 and Knife x 2)

5720530 Polishers x 12 (Mini Point x 2, Small Cup x 2, Wide Cup x 2, Eclipse x 2, Point, Flame, Torpedo and Bullet)

adjust, clean. Sorted.

UltraClean Wipes

The new UltraClean Wipes from Cybertech are designed to eliminate not only bacteria and viruses but several of the issues commonly associated with surface wipes.

Because UltraClean wipes are alcohol-free, they can effectively be used on all surfaces. This is convenient as some materials in the practice can be damaged when cleaned with alcohol.

Spectrum of activity

Good quality alcohol-free wipes usually contain a near identical spectrum of activity to that of alcohol-based wipes. This outlines the different viruses and bacteria the wipe can kill or inactivate.

UltraClean wipes are proven to kill a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast UltraClean Wipes and provide action in as little as 1 minute against many viruses.

It is important that any brand of wipe outlines the exact European EN Standards related to spectrum of activity it has been tested to. UltraClean wipes do just this.

Why not give them a try...

Save money and the environment

All dentists have been there. You offer a patient a tissue and they take enough for the whole waiting room. Dental practices get through a lot of paper tissues. This won’t change anytime soon.

What can change is how much you spend on tissues and the environmental impact they have. Switching to Mediwipes can both help save your practice money and lower your carbon footprint.

One at a time!

Coming it a flatsheet design and contemporary dispenser box, Mediwipes are easy to pull out one at a time.

This means a lot of money saved as less tissues are used unnecessarily or thrown in the bin.

Being able to take tissues out one at a time is also more hygienic as it reduces the chances of the patient touching the tissue underneath and potentially contaminating it.

Dispense one at a time

2-ply design

environment with Mediwipes

Superior quality

Mediwipes come in a superior, 2-ply design and quality soft feel that makes them ideal for clinical and laboratory use.

What is ply? It is simple. 2 ply hand tissues are made of two layers moulded together and 1 ply hand tissues are just the one layer.

This offers a greater level of strength and absorbency compared to 1 ply paper tissues.

Environmental impact

Medical tissues are used for a variety of purposes in a dental practice. This includes for patients to dry their hands and wipe their mouths, and for the dental team to wipe wet areas and mop up spills.

The more paper tissues we order, the more trees that need cutting down. To combat this, Mediwipes are made from 100% recycled tissue paper.

Choosing recycled tissues that are made from recycled materials and renewable resources over paper tissues can ease the world’s reliance on tree wood and lower your own carbon footprint Using recycled paper also saves energy and produces fewer emissions than paper tissues as they are easier to process into new products.

by Laurence Bohan

How DEHP Nano Flowable became our No.1 selling composite

There aren’t many dental brands who don’t have their own composite product. The market is full with quality restoratives capable of delivering outstanding results. However, the brand currently sitting atop all others when it comes to popularity among our customers is the DEHP Nano Flowable Composite.

Own Brand – Own Rules

As part of our immensely popular DEHP own brand range, the DEHP Nano Flowable Composite comes with certain advantages that make it stand out. The first of these is price.

In the same way that own brands can save you money on your weekly supermarket shop, our own brands like DEHP can offer excellent value at a friendly price. This is despite DEHP Nano Flowable Composite being tested to meet all current standards and offering all the essential qualities needed in a modern-day restorative.

Another huge perk of Kent Express own brands is that all products are completely guaranteed. So, if for whatever reason your DEHP Nano Flowable doesn’t live up to your expectations, you can return it to us for a full refund –no questions asked.

This additional protection can help provide some peace of mind, though the chances of return are minimal given DEHP Nano Flowable has been our no.1 selling dental composite for several years in a row.

When ordered online, the product comes with

Everything you’d want in a composite

The popularity of the DEHP Nano Flowable Composite is testament to the quality of the product. Its indications include Class V fillings, anterior fillings (Class III and IV), small posterior fillings and minimally invasive preparations. It is also suitable for composite and ceramic veneer repairs and the block-out of undercuts.

Nanocomposites are the composite type used in most of today’s restorations, providing the appropriate strength, opacity and polish retention. DEHP Nano Flowable Composites combine this with the thixotropic qualities that allow it to be used in even the smallest cavities and recesses of preparation more easily than a thicker composite would.

Because the material is radiopaque, distinguishing it from natural teeth on X-rays is easier too.

DEHP Nano Flowable Composite syringes are available in shades A2/B2 and A3/D3 for more straightforward shade-matching and less need to stock more shades than necessary.

For a conventional resin composite suitable for anterior and posterior restorations, DEHP Nanohybrid Composite is available in either syringe form or tips

Our most popular composite

Choose the DEHP consumables range

Over 80% of our customers currently buy and trust our own brands. It is now our no.1 brand for glass ionomer, burs, pouches, gloves, impression materials and lots more. Check out some of the other amazing offers available from DEHP.

Flowable Composite

Nanohybrid flowable composite with thixotropic formula for use in even the smallest cavities.

Colourful Colour ful

Economy Air/Water

Syringe Tips

Disposable.

Assorted colours.

by Laurence Bohan

The brands we love...

Ultradent is the award-winning brand behind the immensely popular Opalescence teeth whitening range.

Over the past 30 years, Opalescence has won over 50 teeth whitening awards and been used in over 100 million whitening treatments worldwide, according to Ultradent. This makes Opalescence undoubtedly one of the most popular tooth whitening products on the planet.

Why is Opalescence so popular?

Opalescence PF teeth whitening’s easy syringe delivery, five concentrations of carbamide peroxide (10%, 15%, 20%, 35%, and 45%), and three great tasting flavours (Mint, Melon, and Regular) allow for maximum treatment flexibility based on your patient’s needs. It is vegan (no animal products are used) and certified gluten-free and kosher, so it fits in with the lifestyles and beliefs of patients from diverse backgrounds.

Adapt to your patients’ lifestyles

Opalescence PF teeth whitening offers patients a personalised professional tooth whitening experience in the comfort of their own home.

The customised whitening trays are tailored to the patient’s smile, enhancing patient comfort and providing them the attention their smile deserves.

Its efficient syringe delivery is simple to use with the custom trays and allows for the patient to dispense just the right amount of whitening gel necessary for each application.

Depending on the concentration used, Opalescence PF teeth whitening can be worn day or night to better fit the patient’s lifestyle.

Opalescence is undoubtedly one of the most popular tooth whitening products on the planet. ” “

The gel itself is sticky and viscous which helps keep the gel and tray in place for a more effective treatment and an all-in-all better experience for patients.

How it works

Opalescence whitening gels contain a powerful whitening ingredient – either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide gels break down into water, oxygen, and reactive oxygen molecules. These reactive oxygen molecules oxidise the bonds of discoloured stain molecules. By changing the stained molecules, the tooth appearance becomes lighter. No LED lights are used in the process.

Create your patient their own kit

While each Opalescence teeth whitening kit is effective as a stand-alone tooth whitening treatment, many patients benefit from using a combination of products to meet their needs.

Because each Opalescence teeth whitening product works in combination with the others, it is easy to create a customised teeth whitening kit for any patient to take home.

For example, Opalescence PF whitening is an effective way to follow-up an Opalescence Boost in-office whitening treatment and go perfectly with the daily use of Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste.

Reduce patient sensitivity

Many whitening products on the market dehydrate teeth, resulting in uncomfortable sensitivity for patients.

Opalescence PF teeth whitening gel is made up of at least 20% water content which really helps to prevent dehydration

Ultradent

Your essential guide to fluoride

by Laurence Bohan

Fluoride varnish is one of the most popular treatments used to protect patients from cavities and tooth sensitivity. Used predominantly on children, some practices are now choosing to apply fluoride varnish to all children attending appointments.

Advice from Public Health England recommends that all children aged 3 years and over have fluoride varnish applied at least twice a year. Informed consent must always be given by the patient or parent/guardian.

What is fluoride varnish?

Fluoride varnish is a form of topical fluoride that is brushed directly onto the tooth’s surface during dental appointments.

Once applied, the sticky-like substance hardens and begins slowly releasing fluoride into the enamel. It typically stays on the teeth for 12 hours or more.

Fluoride has been found to help prevent cavities by making enamel more resistant to the actions of acid and sugars (demineralisation) and repairing existing damage (remineralisation).

What is it made of?

Fluoride varnish is composed of a high concentration of fluoride in a fast drying, alcohol and resin-based solution. The fluoride content of a varnish is commonly referred to as parts per million (ppm) or as a percentage.

The active ingredient of most fluoride varnishes is usually 5% sodium fluoride, (22,600 ppm fluoride), though some variants contain only 2.5%.

Fluoride has been found to help prevent cavities by making enamel more resistant to demineralisation. ” “

Why is it used a lot on children?

Fluoride varnish treatment is especially recommended to children because of its ability to protect the teeth from cavities and tooth decay.

Tooth decay is the most common reason for children aged five to nine to be admitted to hospital in the UK and is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among children worldwide.

In 2019/20 alone there were approximately 37,000 hospital admissions of children to extract decayed teeth in 2019-20. Fluoride varnish treatment is quick, non-invasive, painless and therefore an easy application on most children.

Can adults get fluoride varnish treatment?

Absolutely. It is not only children who can benefit from fluoride varnish. While it may not be important for everyone to continue fluoride treatment into adulthood, patients who are more at risk of cavities and tooth sensitivity can benefit from regular in-office fluoride application.

Fluoride varnish application best practice

Fluoride varnish is applied directly onto the tooth surface with use of a small soft brush. It is recommended that fluoride varnish be applied to as many tooth surfaces as possible for the enamel to fully benefit. A moist tooth surface is ideal for application and the treatment should only take a few minutes when done correctly.

NHS guidance recommends that patients avoid eating or drinking for approximately 30 minutes after treatment. For best results, they should avoid hot and sticky foods for 4 hours and stick to a soft diet for the rest of the day. Toothbrushing should be restricted to the morning after treatment. At this point the varnish should come off easily when brushed with toothpaste and any discolouration should also disappear.

fluoride varnish

What other benefits does fluoride varnish provide?

• Enamel remineralisation.

• Fluoride penetration into enamel helps protect the teeth for several months after treatment.

• Dries rapidly and sets even in the presence of saliva.

• Suitable for use in patients with a strong gag reflex as it does not require trays.

• Can help patients suffering from sensitivity from tooth whitening treatment.

• Available in a variety of flavours to make treatment more pleasant for patients.

Is it safe?

Despite the high fluoride concentration, the amount of varnish applied during treatment is very small. Because of this and how well the varnish adheres to the enamel, almost no fluoride is swallowed and therefore the risk of dental fluorosis is minimalised. An appropriate medical history should be taken, and a risk assessment should be carried out.

It is recommended that children showing obvious signs of systemic illness (e.g. colds, flu) or any abnormality of the face, lips or soft tissues of the mouth should be excluded on the day from fluoride varnish application.

Who can administer treatment?

Fluoride varnish treatment should only be administered professionally in a dental practice. Without this, patients are at risk of unsafe levels of fluoride and experiencing side effects.

Treatment can be carried out by a dentist or under the prescription of a dentist by a dental therapist or hygienist. According to the General Dental Council (GDC), dental nurses can also carry out fluoride varnish application on prescription from a dentist or via a dental health programme.

Characteristics to look out for

Colour: White varnish is often preferred by children and adults over brown/yellow varnish as it offers natural tooth-like aesthetics.

Handling: While tooth surfaces should ideally be kept dry during application, this isn’t always fully possible. Look for a varnish that claims to be easy to apply on wet tooth surfaces.

Flavour: Children can be particularly fussy when it comes to taste and smell. Stocking a range of different flavours can help with compliance in young patients.

Gluten-free: Opting for a paste that doesn’t contain gluten can help accommodate for the 8.5 million or so people in the UK following a gluten-free diet.

A product that ticks every one of these boxes is VOCO Profluorid Varnish, available in a choice of 6 unique flavours (melon, mint, cherry, caramel, cola lime and pina colada). 5+1

Various codes - 10ml tubes, 6 unique flavours!

Anaesthetics to inject

Anestadent™

Articaine Standard 1:100,000

Anestadent™ 4% w/v Articaine hydrochloride solution with adrenaline tartrate (epinephrine) for anaesthesia. Latex free

29244 Cartridge 2.2ml x 50

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Eurocaine

Lignocaine hydrochloride 2% with adrenaline 1:80,0000.

201368 Glass Cartridges 2.2ml

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Products not licensed for sale in the Republic of Ireland or The Channel Islands

confidence in your team

Citanest®

3% prilocaine hydrochloride with octapressin/ felypressin.

Glass cartridges.

221490 Standard 2.2ml x 50

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Lignocaine

Hydrochloride

Lidocaine-based anaesthetic.

Hydrochloride 1%.

201001 Ampoules 10ml x 10

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Septanest

4% articaine-based solution with adrenaline for anaesthesia.

Glass cartridges.

81301

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Lignokent

Lignocaine hydrochloride 2% with adrenaline 1:80,000.

Glass cartridges.

Xylocaine®

Lidocaine hydrochloride 2% with adrenaline (epinephrine) 1:80,000.

Glass cartridges.

221489 Standard 2.2ml x 50

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Lignospan

Special

Lidocaine-based anaesthetic 2% solution with epinephrine 1:80,000 for procedures by infiltration or nerve block injection.

8110 Glass Cartridges 2.2ml x 50

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Scandonest

3% Plain

Mepivacaine hydrochloride 3% without adrenaline.

Glass cartridges.

8118 3% Plain (Mepivacaine HCL) 2.2ml x 50

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Artikent

4% articaine hydrochloride with epinephrine/adrenaline 1:100,000.

Glass cartridges.

957925 2.2ml x 50

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957502 2.2ml x 50

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Jake Hooker Spotlight on...

To give you a greater insight into our team we are shining a light on some of our wonderful account managers and marketers. Up this month is account manager, Jake Hooker.

Funny, friendly and quick-witted, account manager Jake is without doubt the life and soul of the Kent Express party.

Jake has been a part of the sales team for four years and loves nothing more than helping his customers, making them feel valued and keeping their costs down with Price Plans. Outside of work his favourite pastimes include eating out at restaurants and discovering thrilling activities to do. When the thriller-seeking is done, he likes kicking back and watching some Homes Under the Hammer. With Jake’s cheerful outlook and talent for selling, should Dion Dublin be looking over his shoulder?

Contact Jake today on 01634 877471 before the BBC snap him up!

“Tell us more about Price Plans

Many of the DCPs who place orders with me are on a Price Plan. What this means is the price of the items they buy most are fixed and therefore will not go up anytime soon!

My customers love their price plans because it’s the quickest and easiest way to restock on supplies without the hassle of constantly comparing different websites and suppliers on price.

Locking in discounted prices on your favourite items can help your practice with forward planning and combating rising costs. Setting up a Price Plan really couldn’t be easier. Myself and any other Kent Express account manager can do this with you quickly over the phone or by email whenever you’re ready to go!