Top 11 of 2011

Top 11 of 2011
Thursday, January 5, 2012

What a year 2011 turned out to be – we saw everything from cities being occupied to Thursday being left behind to Dentalcompare launching a brand new site! This also holds true for dentistry – much of what has been taken for granted has been shot to the forefront of every practice. Putting a sign out front and hoping patients will come in doesn’t cut it anymore. New and innovated marketing practices are being put “into practice” across the country. This includes things such as Groupon deals, referral programs and expanding into new territory. This being our 6th year, we have noticed this trend in what users are looking for on Dentalcompare. It isn’t just about the products, but about finding the right product at the right time for your practice.

Dentalcompare has always taken a different approach to informing the dental market. When we launched 6 years ago a lot of people said we couldn’t create an unbiased product directory filled with great information. Here we are years later as the biggest dental specific website out there, always staying on the cutting edge of what our users are looking for.  With this in mind we decided to take a look at what the top products for 2011 were. We looked at a few different metrics, combining views, how many times information was requested and how many times a product was searched for and how many people looked for it on search engines. With all of that combined we determined what categories represented the things that people were looking for.

Without further ado – here are the top 11 product trends of 2011 – chosen by YOU our users. 

11. Dental Ceramic Ovens
With the expansion of CAD-CAM restorations in the field of dentistry, dental ceramic ovens have become an essential part of the equipment in your office. They allow you to fabricate a variety of materials, from traditional porcelains to the newer lithium disilicates. It also makes it possible to perform those subtle shade changes when trying to match that one anterior restoration, skipping the need to send it back to the lab for refinement.

10. Chairside CAD/CAM Restorations
CAD-CAM systems in the operatory are by no means new to dentistry. Today, the basics are the same: perform a direct digital scan of a prepared tooth, use digital tools to design the restoration, and mill the restoration from a block of some material. New developments make the design portion even easier, and newer versions of the camera ensure excellent fit of the restorations. Plus, there is a huge range of materials for you to use, bringing the artistry of the dental lab right into your office.

9. Digital Dental Impression Systems
Taking impressions for indirect restorations has largely remained unchanged for dozens of years. Even with the advent of new materials, the step-by-step procedure is the same and is subject to the same potential inaccuracies we have faced in the past. Digital impression systems aim to fix all of that. By taking a direct digital scan of the prepared tooth, we are able to have a more accurate impressions. You will know right away if there are any problems, or inadequate clearance with the opposing tooth. Experience the ease of seating a crown made from one of these impressions, and you will see the difference.

8. Ultrasonic Scalers
The ultrasonic scaler has always been a rugged workhorse in the treatment room. Newer versions have ergonomic swivel handpieces for better comfort. They also come with lights for better visibility and access to what you are doing. More robust versions can come with the ability to irrigate with chlorhexidine, further broadening the usefulness of these devices.


7. Practice Management Software
Dental Practice Management Software is the hub of your practice. More than just a digital calendar or ledger, it allows you to coordinate your staff, and your entire day. From sending electronic claims, to integration of digital images, to reporting the trends of your practice, this is an essential tool that can maximize the efficiency of your business like no other.


6. Cone Beam Imaging
Nothing has changed the face of dentistry like Cone Beam Imaging. From a diagnostic standpoint, seeing things in three dimensions allows for unprecedented diagnosis and treatment planning. In the last few years, several new machines have been introduced that are less expensive, and allow you to focus on a smaller region, helping to reduce the patients exposure to radiation.

5. Soft Tissue Laser
Dental diode lasers are no longer an exotic piece of dental equipment, but a tried and true addition to the operatory. Prices have significantly dropped in the last few years, making them more affordable than ever. Useful for everything from periodontics to endodontics to restorative dentistry, you will find that a soft tissue laser will be a part of most procedures in your office.

4. LED Curing Lights
Compared to their halogen ancestors, LED curing lights are lighter, brighter, and more efficient. Many are cordless for easy transfer to alternate treatment rooms. Considering how noisy the fans are on the halogen lights, you will love that these are whisper quiet.



3. Digital X-ray
Very few items in your office have the ability to impress your patients more than digital x-rays. They like the high-tech aspect, instant exposure, and the ability to share the images securely. Plus, in some cases, there is up to 90% less radiation per image than conventional D-Speed film.


2. Digital Panoramic X-Ray
As we become more and more conscious of a patients exposure to radiation, the true FMX is becoming a thing of the past. The new digital panoramic x-ray machines have amazing clarity, easy to operate, and very low radiation. Combine that with a set of bitewings, and you have more diagnostic information than twenty-one regular x-rays.


And the top product trend of 2011 is...
1. Intraoral Digital Cameras
As digital dentistry continues to expand, the intraoral digital camera has become an essential tool in the treatment room. There is simply no better way to communicate with your patients about the condition of their teeth. Plus, it helps in documenting cases for insurance companies, for referrals to a specialist.

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