A marriage of flossing and brushing

Sonic-Fusion flossing toothbrush

The new Sonic-Fusion flossing toothbrush from Waterpik was launched in May at the California Dental Association Meeting. This device is unlike any other toothbrush I have ever seen. It is the perfect marriage of sonic tooth brushing and water flossing. With three different modes, the user can choose to (1) brush only, (2) water floss only, or (3) brush and water floss at the same time. With 10 pressure settings, 60 seconds of water capacity, and a 2-minute brushing timer with a 30-second pacer, the user can customize the brushing experience based on the directions of a dental hygienist or personal preference.

The system comes with a three-year warranty, and it includes two flossing brush heads and a travel case. You will want to give this unique product a try. Visit waterpik.com to order your brush, watch a demonstration, and learn more about the science behind the design.

Voice-activated periodontal charting

Time . . . if only we had more of it! As a coach and consultant, I’m always expecting comprehensive periodontal charting to be completed at least once per year for every adult patient. In addition to pocket depths, comprehensive charting includes bleeding, recession, furcation involvement, clinical attachment loss, pus, and mucogingival involvement. But unfortunately, I rarely see it. When I ask why, the answer is always the same: “I don’t have time” and/or “There is no one to record the data for me.”

The answer to this dilemma is VoiceWorks by Florida Probe. Most of my clients use this system, and all who do, rave about the ease of use, the autonomy that it gives the hygienist, and the codiagnosis opportunity it provides for the patient. Best of all, every patient can seamlessly receive a comprehensive periodontal charting and evaluation, which should be done once per year as soon as all permanent teeth are present (minus third molars and retained deciduous teeth).

With more than 300 voice commands, VoiceWorks speaks 13 different languages and will run in the background of all software systems, much like your imaging software. If you are not performing at least 35% periodontal procedures in your hygiene department, VoiceWorks might be the answer for you. The talk-over technique creates the perfect environment for treatment acceptance.

Call Florida Probe today at (877) 357-7623 to learn more, and use the code KM17 for $200 off your first headset.

C-Shape it

There are not many instruments that you can share with your doctor, but C-Shape is one of them. This unique, one-of-a-kind instrument is designed to ensure longer-lasting, stronger composite fillings and sealants with better margins that take less time to place. Composite and sealant materials will not stick to the silicone tips.

The basic handle is used with two soft silicone removable tip options, a rounded tip and a flat tip, that are designed to place, shape, and mold composite or sealant material. The rounded tip is ideal for occlusal and lingual surfaces because it conforms nicely to the natural contour of the tooth. Under pressure, the material is forced into the grooves (or prep), preventing voids and gaps at the margins. The flat tip is ideal for Class III and IV restorations. It shapes and seals anterior and interproximal restorations.

Visit cshapeit.com to learn more, watch a how-to video, or order a kit.

EVERYONE NEEDS A SIDEKICK

What’s not to love about the new Sidekick water flosser from Waterpik? It’s ultracompact, small enough to travel with, and offers all the benefits of a full-sized device. I love it for home use as well because it has a small footprint and takes up very little bathroom counter, cupboard, or drawer space.

The reservoir holds enough liquid for a full 60 seconds of use, and when you’re finished water flossing, the entire unit zips into a water-resistant pouch. Sidekick comes in three color combinations: white with chrome accents, white with rose gold accents (my favorite), and black with copper accents. There is a color for every preference! And why not? Our home care devices should be pretty and fun.

The Sidekick offers the following features and benefits:

• Approximately 5” x 7” in size

• Five pressure settings with sliding pressure control

• Swivel-handled flossing stylus with tip

• Sixty seconds of water capacity

• Dual-function water reservoir/lid

• Water-resistant zippered case

• Global voltage compatible

The Waterpik 14-Day Challenge app is a must! Now, your patients can get how-to information and inspirational advice on their phones, helping them create healthy daily habits with their water flossers. Your patients can purchase the Sidekick for $129.99 at amazon.com or waterpik.com.