CHICAGO, March 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Everything changes over time. We've come a long way from the telephones of Alexander Graham Bell. We've come a long way from the calisthenics of the 1920s. We expect change and we welcome it — endodontics is no different. For Root Canal Awareness Week, March 27 – April 2, the American Association of Endodontists is releasing new videos to get patients up-to-speed on the realities of modern root canal treatment.

"It's time that patients realize the once-dreaded root canal has come a long way," said AAE President Dr. Terryl A. Propper, a private practicing endodontist in Nashville, Tenn. "Advancements in training, equipment, technology and anesthesia make modern root canal treatment virtually painless."

Despite these advancements, 67 percent of Americans say fear of pain most concerns them about having root canal treatment, according to a recent AAE survey. However, endodontists, the root canal specialists, are experts in pain management, experienced in complex diagnosis and treatment and maintain high levels of patient care to save natural teeth and support overall oral health.

"Even if your dentist does not recommend a root canal specialist, ask about the benefits of consulting one," said Dr. Propper. "Americans are taking more control of their health care, and that should include oral health. Patients who need root canal treatment should consider seeing an endodontist."

For more information about the AAE and Root Canal Awareness Week, follow the AAE on Twitter at @savingyourteeth or search #rootcanal. To find an endodontist in your area, ask your general dentist for a referral, or use the Find an Endodontist feature at www.aae.org.

Video - https://youtu.be/1jaBR0IOpxE

PITTSTON, Pa., March 24, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With a network of more than 9,000 members, The Lucy Hobbs Project's commission to select six honorees each year for the distinction of Exemplary Women in the Dental Community is no easy undertaking.

This year, when The Lucy Hobbs Project® lauds these award recipients during its 4th annual celebration, to be held June 2 and 3 in Dallas, Texas, attendees will be awestruck by winners in the following categories: Clinical Expertise, Industry Icon, Mentor, Woman-to-Watch, Innovator, and Humanitarian. Free to attend, the celebration offers one CE credit and requires registration: www.regmadeeasy.com/benco/the-lucy-hobbs-project/2016

Though best known for the monumental stride made for her gender in 1866 -- earning the first dental doctorate -- what Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor did in the years that followed deserves equal time in the spotlight. Mentoring, establishing a network of support for others in her situation, and persevering in the face of all obstacles also contributed to Dr. Hobbs' legacy. Likewise, common denominators exist among the 24 women – 18 past honorees and 6 new winners -  celebrated with an award that bears her name. Their dental excellence commands respect, and their ability to lead, teach, innovate, and drive change inspires amazement.

Powered by Benco Dental, The Lucy Hobbs Project is a national, long-term program based on three pillars – networking, innovating and giving back.  Named after Dr. Hobbs, this project aims to bring women together from all facets of the dental industry – dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, receptionists, sales representatives and others. The project is free to join and offers networking opportunities, educational programs and charitable events. 

Its annual celebration takes the opportunity to honor those who in some way have helped lead the charge for women in dentistry and embody the project goals. Among this year's Lucy Hobbs Award recipients are six pioneers for change, whose unwavering professional dedication merits accolades:

• Joyce Bassett, FAACD, FAGD, recipient of the Clinical Expertise award, studied biology as an undergrad at the University of Toledo at age 16, and entered the College of Dentistry at Ohio State by 19. Without skipping a beat, Dr. Bassett opened a private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, with its focus on complex rehabilitation cases.  Voted among the Top 5 Female CE Educators, this national lecturer and published author founded the Women Teaching Women Cosmetic Learning Facility, which has been an adjunct teaching site for the Arizona Dental School. The state's only accredited Fellow in The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Bassett recently earned the appointment of President for the organization.

• Col. Theresa S. Gonzales, Ret., DMD, MS, MSS, recipient of the Industry Icon award,continually enlightens her students as Director of Orofacial Pain Management and Professor of Oral Pathology at the Medical University of South Carolina - James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. Daily, she calls onthe vast knowledge amassed during a distinguished career in active federal service with the U.S. Army Dental Corps.  A Diplomate of the American Boards of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Orofacial Pain, Forensic Dentistry and Forensic Examiners, Col. Gonzales most recently shared her vision with the Office of the Army Surgeon General. A dynamic lecturer who winds humor into dental education, Col. Gonzales has authored 50-plus scientific publications and is the recipient of the International College of Dentists Award for Excellence in Research, the Order of Military Medical Merit and the Surgeon General's A designator for clinical excellence.

• Susan Maples, DDS, recipient of the Mentor award, educates dental groups throughout the country, transferring expertise gained under the most renowned teachers in her field and at her practice of 30 years in Holt, Michigan. With her work in advanced dental restoration and innovative total health implementation strategies, Dr. Maples combines her love for dentistry and her passion for health. She is instrumental in positioning the dental profession to play a major role in the pending health care crisis. In the hopes of discovering pre-diabetes and diabetes sooner in the patient population, Dr. Maples recently was published for a study, Diabetes Detection in the Dental Office. Originator of the Hands-On Learning Lab™ Kit for children, Dr. Maples is recognized nationally for making a significant difference in children's oral and physical health. In her own office, she individually mentors her patients toward health and has inspired dozens toward a career in dentistry.

• Kadambari 'Kady' Rawal, BDS, CAGS, recipient of the Woman-to-Watch award,provides dental care to her patients at the Faculty Practice of Boston University Dental Health Center. Passionate about geriatric dentistry, she also provides dental treatment to the elderly living in long-term care housing in the Boston area. Dr. Rawal earned her BDS degree from D.Y. Patil University School of Dentistry in Mumbai, India, and later joined Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM), where she graduated from the AEGD residency program and where she currently serves as Clinical Assistant Professor. She is the faculty mentor for the American Association of Women Dentists' Chapter at BUGSDM and also represents the Women in Dentistry Committee on the board of the Boston District Dental Society. As an advocate for BUGSDM's Women-to-Women program, she conducts monthly oral screenings for homeless, abused women in Boston and has also conducted dental outreach programs for women living within the red light districts of India.

• Pamela Schmidt, DDS, NMD, IBDM, recipient of the Innovator award, has a commitment to providing a holistic and whole body health approach to patients in her Rockford, Illinois dental practice.Certified in integrative biologic dental medicine and board certified as a naturopathic physician, Dr. Schmidt has been instrumental in changing dentistry, from being one of the first female dentists in Rockford to utilizing ozone therapy and introducing safe mercury removal protocol.  Hers was the first dental office in Illinois to feature a mercury containment system, which ensures the waste is removed to a treatment plant and is not toxic to the environment.

• Mary Teddy Wray, DDS, recipient of the Humanitarian award, empowers her team with knowledge and confidence as owner and CEO of a dental practice in Bel Air, Maryland. In addition to inspiring with her clinical expertise, she demonstrates by example another vital ingredient in the formula for success: giving of oneself for a greater good. A graduate of Georgetown University School of Dentistry, Dr. Wray contributes as an active member of 10 professional associations. She dedicates her personal talents and resources to create safe havens and provide free dental services for victims of assault and abuse, as well as members of the homeless, elderly, and disabled populations. Her committed efforts help sustain more than 20 charitable organizations within her community and across the globe.

To learn more about the The Lucy Hobbs Project® and its  4th annual Celebration Honoring Exemplary Women in the Dental Community, or to sign up for The Lucy Hobbs Project®, visit: www.thelucyhobbsproject.com

Charlotte, NC (March 23, 2016) –Dentsply Sirona, Inc., The Dental Solutions Company^™, is proud to continue its tradition of unparalleled innovation and award-winning design with its INTEGO Transcendental Treatment Center. Designed for easy expansion and integration of all current and future technologies, INTEGO sets the stage for the ultimate operatory experience for both clinician and patients at competitive pricing.

INTEGO allows practitioners to seamlessly integrate all components of digital dentistry, including CAD/CAM tabletop peripheral equipment, into one easy-to-use unit, streamlining workflow while increasing efficiency. Ergonomically built to ensure optimum patient comfort while maximizing clinical proficiency, INTEGO exceeds the industry standard for digital practice growth and performance.

INTEGO is available in two flexible models, the INTEGO TS (Traditional Delivery) and INTEGO CS (Continental Delivery). Both the INTEGO TS and INTEGO CS are equipped with an EasyTouch user interface that provides complete control of all operatory instruments via the touch screen. A generously-sized, easy-to-read 22" medical grade monitor screen allows the clinician to better showcase patient treatment modules including intra-oral and x-ray images, software and planning views, media player files, and even PowerPoint presentations.

The dentist element offers standard features that allow for future upgrades and integrations. The units are pre-configured to accept three drill drives with up to two electric motors, an ultrasonic scaler, and an intra-oral camera. They also allow for five instrument positions, all with light source capability. The dentist elements are height adjustable with pneumatic brake and both versions are equipped to add a tray (included in the CS version.)

Both INTEGO TS and INTEGO CS offer the LEDview operating light, which provides superior illumination of the treatment area. In addition, a network interface, an SDHC memory card slot, and a USB port allow the integration of new functions as well as immediate service technician communication.  

INTEGO patient chairs are ergonomically designed to provide the most comfortable experience possible for both patient and clinician. A double articulating headrest is fully adjustable to fit patients of all shapes and sizes as well as allowing optimal visibility in a wide range of treatment situations.

Chair surfaces are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to clean. Seamless lines, smooth surfaces, and premium materials result in a simple yet sophisticated appearance that is both stylish and practical, positioning INTEGO as a beautiful centerpiece of any operatory.

For additional information on Dentsply Sirona’s INTEGO transcendental treatment centers, dental professionals are encouraged to contact their Patterson representative, or visit www.sironatc.com.

Savannah, GA (March 23, 2016)– Brasseler USA^®, a leading manufacturer of innovative, quality dental instrumentation, is pleased to introduce the new “HygienePro” eNewsletter. The Brasseler USA “HygienePro” eNewsletter is packed with practical practice tips and techniques geared exclusively towards the dental hygienist. The eNewsletter will be available on a quarterly basis starting March 2016.

The Brasseler USA “HygienePro” eNewsletter includes engaging features pertaining to all aspects of the dental hygiene profession such as:

·       Informative Videos: providing tips for best practices

·       Product Maintenance: instructions on maintaining and extending the lifespan of hygiene products

·       Special Manufacturer Promotions: exclusive money-saving promotions for select popular Brasseler USA products

“We are excited to cater to the hygienist with a newsletter that is both helpful and fun to peruse,” remarked Brenda McCarson, RDH, BS, Brasseler USA’s National Manager of Hygiene. “We look forward to hearing feedback about the content–what we did right, and what dental hygienists would like to see more of in the future. This is their newsletter, and we look forward to tailoring it toward topics they can immediately put into practice.

Upcoming issues of the Brasseler USA “HygienePro” eNewsletter include topics such as:         

·       Spring 2016: Improve efficiency using longer terminal shank length curettes

·       Summer 2016: Cassettes for instrument containment and organization

·       Fall/Winter 2016: Implant Maintenance: trends in instrumentation

·       Spring 2017: Piezo ultrasonic scalers: avoiding common technique mistakes             

“Dental hygiene is such an important factor in the oral healthcare equation,” continued McCarson. “We at Brasseler recognize that the dental hygienist plays a significant role in providing optimal oral healthcare, and our Company is constantly striving to develop products and services that improve the way dental hygienists practice to improve patient care.”

To sign up for the new Brasseler USA “HygienePro” eNewsletter and to learn more about all Brasseler USA products and services, please visit BrasselerUSA.com. 

Zahn Dental announced its new BLAB blog, which it calls "the ultimate go-to source for all knowledge and resources needed to keep customers at the forefront of industry trends." BLAB supports customers in making educated decisions to improve their business as they navigate the digital dentistry world. 

EXPAND your knowledge SHARPEN your skills with MASTER CERAMIST PETER PIZZI

Virtual Study Club

With Jensen Dental’s convenient and cost-effective Virtual Study Clubs, you and your employees can engage in valuable professional learning opportunities within your own environment.

• Enjoy learning from the comforts of your laboratory or home office. Simply project the sessions on a conference room screen, and you’re ready to go!

• Forget about a plane ticket or a full tank of gas, all you need to join is a high-speed internet connection and a telephone.

• This unique format allows for training of multiple participants through live presentations allowing any number of employees to learn by ‘over-the-shoulder’ observation.

TUITION:$189

DATES:Tuesday April 12th, April 19th, April 26th & May 3rd

TIME:12PMEST - 1PMEST CE CREDITS: 5 CDT

TO REGISTER:

www.jensendental.com/virtual-study-club/

Esthetic Realities Series

Peter Pizzi, CDT, MDT

ZIRCONIA LAYERING CERAMIC STRATEGIES  - VIRTUAL STUDY CLUB

Module 1:

Essentials of Zirconia Framework Design & Shading

The first step in the fabrication of restorations that are esthetic, functional and enduring begins with a properly designed and executed substructure. This has proved to be particularly true when considering a zirconia restoration. Although zirconia does not require an opaque application, the bright and highly reflective nature of the material can often present problems. These characteristics can be controlled however, with a variety of ceramic materials and application methods.

Module 2:

The Dentin Build-Up & The Role of Opacious Dentins

The dentin buildup is largely responsible for establishing the optical characteristics of the finished restoration. Although called the “dentin” layer, opacious dentins, shoulder powders, effect enamels, mamelon materials and stains are often used in conjunction with dentin materials to create this structure. The dimensions of the dentin layer are carefully constructed in consideration of the full and final form, only then can the proper dentin to enamel proportions be achieved.

Module 3:

Enamel & Translucent Materials

Enamel powders are typically differentiated by their relative translucency, light scattering capability and color influence. Many have been specifically formulated to produce an opalescence effect similar to natural teeth while others exhibit high degrees of fluorescence. Understanding the various optical properties of these enamels and how to use them is fundamental to mimicking natural teeth.

Module 4:

Contour And Surface Texture

Shape, surface texture, luster and function are the most important aspects of crown fabrication. Visual aids assure us of achieving the correct tooth form, while proper instrumentation helps us develop the minute surface details that are characteristic of natural and highly esthetic restorations.

Interested in learning more?

Call 800-243-2000

or visit www.jensendental.com/virtual- study-club/

(Charlotte, NC, March 22, 2016) – Underserved children across the country will receive vital oral health services, thanks to a generous product donation from SS White made to America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation. Valued at more than $112,000, the donated products were distributed to the America’s ToothFairy Affiliate Network, a national network of community-based healthcare facilities and outreach programs providing educational, preventive and restorative services for children.

The product donation included Revelation®, Piranha® and Piranha® 2X Diamond Burs, Carbide Burs, Composite Finishing Kits, Caries Access Block Assemblies, and other valuable products.

Recipients of the SS White donation include:

A.T. Still University dba Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Mesa, AZ

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington – DC Dental Clinic, Washington DC

Arroyo Vista Family Health Center, Los Angeles, CA

Gateway to Oral Health Foundation, St.  Louis, MO

FirstHealth of the Carolinas Dental Care Centers, Southern Pines, NC

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL

Cass County Dental Clinic, Belton, MO

Children’s Dental Health Services, Rochester, MN

Community Dental Services, Inc., Albuquerque, NM

Conway Interfaith Clinic, Conway, AR

Douglas County Dental Clinic, Lawrence, KS

Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN

KinderSmile Foundation, Bloomfield, NJ

Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care, Inc., Washington, DC

San Gabriel Valley Foundation for Dental Health, La Puente, CA

St. John’s Well Child & Family Center, Los Angeles, CA

The Children’s Dental Center, Inglewood, CA

“SS White is proud to support the mission of America’s ToothFairy and the efforts of its national Affiliate Network,” said Tom Gallop, CEO of SS White. “We are pleased to provide this donation to expand delivery of vital oral health services for underserved children and youth.”

“America’s ToothFairy is grateful to SS White for this generous donation of valuable burs and products for our clinical partners,” said Fern Ingber, America’s ToothFairy President and CEO. “This donation will allow our Affiliate Network to provide valuable services and treatment for children in need.”

Dentsply Sirona Announces Additional Celebrity Speaker and Key Opinion Leaders to SIROWORLD Lineup 

SIROWORLD is the largest educational, inspirational and entertaining event in all of digital dentistry and Dentsply Sirona is elated to welcome Connie Podesta- therapist, comedienne, award-winning author and former TV/radio personality- to the already robust lineup of celebrity entertainers speaking at the three-day educational festival.

Podesta will entertain SIROWORLD attendees with her unusual yet captivating speaking style. Blending humor, individuality and substanceto formulate an unforgettable presentation for viewers, Podesta promises to motivate her audience with an empowering and uplifting message to “stand out” in a crowd, in sales, in ones leadership style, and in personal and professionalrelationships.

“At Dentsply Sirona we empower others to innovate and break down barriers,” said Director of Clinical CAD/CAM Ingo Zimmer, “so it goes without saying that we are overjoyed to welcome Connie Podesta- whois fearless and willing to address the necessary issues to ignite positive change- to the SIROWORLD platform.”

More than 100 industry-leading clinicians and influential business leaders are expected to speak at SIROWORLD. As education is the top priority at SIROWORLD, Dentsply Sirona continues to recruit the best thought leaders within the industry.

Clinical speakers joining the lineup at SIROWORLD include*:

Bernie Stoltz- A seasoned motivator, public speakerandacclaimed coach with more than 30 years of business leadership, Stoltz was the founder of five successful companies before co-founding Fortune Management more than 20 years ago. As CEO of Fortune Management, the world’s largest executive coaching organization for doctors, Stoltz has conducted thousands of training programs across the country.

Fred Joyal- Founder of 1-800-DENTIST, author and award-winning businessman, Joyal is the industry’s foremost expert on dental consumer marketing. He has lectured at dental tradeshows nationwide and regularly contributes to various print and online publications. Joyal was awarded the Conrad Hilton Distinguished Entrepreneur Award by Loyola, and sits on the board of directors for the Children’s Dental Center of Greater Los Angeles.

Frank Spear, DDS, MSD- Founder and director of Spear Education, national lecturer and affiliate professor of the graduate prosthodontics program at the University of Washington. Dr. Spear is co-owner of a private practice in Seattle. Please note: Dr. Spear’s presentation at SIROWORLD will be his only appearance in 2016!

Michael DiTolla, DDS- DiTolla will be the clinical host of SIROWORLD in August. He is the director of clinical affairs at Dentsply Sirona and is well known as one of dentistry’s most entertaining and regaling speakers. With more than 20 years of experience, DiTolla has extensive experience with multiple CAD/CAM systems and technologies.

Sponsors Announced for SIROWORLD:The Ultimate Dental Meeting as Sponsorship Opportunities Rapidly Fill

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Dentsply Sirona, TheDental Solutions Company™, has announced the list of sponsors already confirmed for SIROWORLD: The Ultimate Dental Meeting.

Scheduled from Aug. 11-13, 2016, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida, SIROWORLD is a comprehensive three-day event that will transcend all educational events previously hosted by Dentsply Sirona in content, attendance and entertainment. The first of its kind, the inaugural event will not focus solely on CEREC owners or prospects, but instead cater to all aspects of digital dentistry, including CAD/CAM (CEREC), extraoral and intraoral imaging, orthodontics, endodontics, hygiene, lab, practice management and more.

Current confirmed SIROWORLD sponsors include:

·   Emerald Sponsor:DENTSPLY

·   Diamond Sponsor: IvoclarVivadent

·   Silver Sponsors: Vita and Clear Correct

·   Bronze Sponsor: Dry Shield

“This year, we are looking forward to collaborating with familiar sponsors as well as introducing new sponsors to the SIROWORLD sponsorship family,” said Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Dentsply Sirona Alex Sadusky. “We are thrilled to experience together with our sponsors the new annual educational event promising toprovide the best digital dentistry has to offer.”

SIROWORLD is an educational festival that combines groundbreaking general sessions, innovative and track-specific breakout sessions featuring some of the industry’s elite thought leaders and iconicbusiness professionals, unlimited networking opportunities and the opportunity to enjoy unmatched entertainment all while earning up to 18 CE credits.

To learn more about sponsorship of SIROWORLD, please downloadand review the 2016 SIROWORLD Prospectus here.To find out more about sponsorship opportunities still available for the inaugural annual event and the benefits that coincide with sponsoring the largest event in digital dentistry, please contact Alex Sadusky at alex.sadusky@dentsplysirona.com.

The First AvaDent International Symposium

Scottsdale, Arizona –March 17, 2016 – AvaDent Digital Dental Solutions (AvaDent) today announced The First AvaDent International Symposium. DIGITAL DENTURES: HOW TO MAKE AN EDUCATED DECISION! September 23rd & 24th 2016 • Talking Stick Resort - Scottsdale - Arizona

Digital dentures is one of the hottest topics in dentistry today. Market surveys confirm the wave of denture market demand that is overwhelming dental professionals. Numerous industry publications report on new technologies that are being utilized to manufacture digital dentures. Established manufacturers show their developments at dental exhibitions around the globe. CAD/CAM, 3D-Printing, and CAE are the new buzz words. AvaDent Digital Dental Solutions decided to create a unique opportunity for dental professionals to get first-hand information about digital dentures and related business topics. We imagined ourselves in the position the dental professional and organized the First AvaDent International Symposium where professionals will find a wealth of information in order to make an educated decision on digital prosthetic solutions. Renowned international speakers will present on their experiences and findings on digital dentures. All aspects will be covered by highly respected professionals from universities, manufacturers, dental offices, and dental laboratories. The diverse program will span 1.5 days and will include a workshop where participants can discuss with other knowledgeable professionals, various topics to help build their own business plans. The First AvaDent International Symposium will take place on September 23rd and 24th 2016 at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

For more information please go to: https://www.avadent.com/symposium-2016/

CHICAGO, March 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prosthodontists recommend patients celebrate World Oral Health Day on March 20 by beating the odds of do-it-again dentistry by adopting 6 tips to care for their restored teeth. The time is now, and here's why.

The National Institutes of Health estimate that 158 million people worldwide have no teeth and 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) NHANES data. Figure 1 shows the worldwide distribution of severe tooth loss incidence per 100,000 persons.

Many of these individuals are treated with restorations including crowns, bridges, or veneers supported by natural tooth structure or by implant-supported restorations. The best way to care for and maintain these dental restorations, however, has remained unclear until now.

The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is bringing some clarity to the situation with prosthodontists presenting new recommendations from leaders across oral health – prosthodontists, general dentists, and dental hygienists during the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) Annual Meeting on March 17 in Los Angeles and continuing with public education in honor of World Health Day on Sunday, March 20.

The first Clinical Practice Guidelines for Patients with Dental Restorations, featured in the peer-reviewed Journal of Prosthodontics, aim to keep restored teeth healthy and strong through lifelong recall and maintenance.

The new guidelines are actually simpler than one might think, recommending that patients with restorations visit their dentist at least every six months for clinical examinations to clean, adjust, repair, and/or replace their restorations. The most significant detail is that they urge practitioners to follow a personalized regimen for professional maintenance and to educate patients on how best to care for restorations at home.

"If you don't take care of your restored teeth, you are at risk of losing them and your investment," said board certified Prosthodontist Lily T. Garcia, DDS, MS, FACP, who is vice chair of the ACP Education Foundation.

"In fact, a recent 17-year retrospective study has shown that the risk of dental implant failure rate is 90% less in patients who actively participate in a maintenance program as compared to patients who do not," points out board certified prosthodontist Donald A. Curtis, DMD, FACP, of UCSF School of Dentistry, who sees patients in his private practice in Berkeley, Calif., and served as senior investigator. "The science is staggering."

Over 14 months, Dr. Curtis put the science through rigorous vetting and testing along with lead researcher, board certified prosthodontist Avinash S. Bidra, BDS, MS, FACP, of the UConn School of Dental Medicine.

These baseline clinical practice guidelines on recall and maintenance now serve as a roadmap to keep restored teeth, and surrounding tissue (gums, bone) healthy and your crowns, bridges, and veneers looking as natural and beautiful throughout the years.

To maintain your teeth restorations or implant restorations at home, Prosthodontist Dr. Avinash Bidra summed up the guidelines to UConn Today in 6 simple steps:

1. Obtain a dental examination and cleaning at least every 6 months.

2. Follow your dentist's tailored at-home maintenance recommendations.

3. Brush your teeth with a fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day.

4. Floss your teeth at least once a day.

5. Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist.

6. Wear a night guard regularly if recommended by your dentist to protect your restorations.

He adds 2 additional tips that are important:

1. Do not smoke or chew tobacco.

2. Watch your diet closely and avoid a high-sugar diet.

The new guidelines were developed from an ACP led scientific panel of experts appointed by the American College of Prosthodontists, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Hygienists Association who all critically evaluated and debated findings from two comprehensive systematic reviews covering 10 to 15 years of research literature.

The new guidelines couldn't have come at a better time according to prosthodontist and ACP President, Carl Driscoll, DMD, FACP. "As people live longer, so do their dental restorations," said Dr. Driscoll. "No patient wants to go through the treatment, expense and process getting a 'new' tooth again due to a lack of regular professional and at-home maintenance."