University of Florida researchers are experimenting with relaxin to augment the mechanical action of retainers and braces:

Relaxin is best known as the hormone that helps women's pelvic ligaments stretch in preparation for giving birth. It does this by softening collagen and elastin in the tissues, loosening strong, cord-like fibers until they have the consistency of limp spaghetti noodles.

That ability prompted researchers to consider relaxin a possible way to accelerate tooth movement and prevent relapse, a condition where the tooth migrates back to its original position after braces are removed.

"You can imagine normal collagen and elastin fibers to be like rubber bands that attach to the tooth to hold it in place," said Wheeler. "Those tissue fibers resist the force of the orthodontic treatment applied to move the tooth, and, when that force is removed, say when the braces are taken off, the elasticity of the tissues springs the tooth back into position."

UF researchers will evaluate whether injecting relaxin into the gums will loosen the collagen and elastin fibers and reorganize them so teeth can move more freely into orthodontic alignment. Once the teeth have been moved, researchers will administer another injection of relaxin under the premise that it will further soften gum tissue fibers, preventing them from pulling teeth back into their original position.

More from BAS Medical...

From the press release by Biomedics NZ Limited:

A New Zealand based company, Biomedics NZ Limited reports that it has obtained FDA approval for its Ultra Suction™, complete denture stabilizer system.

Biomedics NZ reports that Ultra Suction™ system comprises a tiny unidirectional device that is imbedded into a denture plate. As the denture wearer bites firmly, the air trapped between the gum and the denture is expelled through the device, via two air passages. The lower pressure obtained beneath the denture tends to exert a pull and helps secure the denture against the gum. Properly fitted dentures can increase wearing comfort, the ability to chew and therefore impact on the overall health of the patient.

Consider reading the original post on Ultra Suction™, as it contains some valuable comments from Mony Paz, M.D., the inventor of the device.

From the product's website:

This system combines the patented Sonicare high-speed bristle motion with a new specially formulated liquid toothpaste from Crest. The push of a button delivers noticeable results.

Healthy gums

Designed to provide a deep, thorough clean throughout your mouth, the IntelliClean system is proven to be gentle on teeth and gums.

Improved oral health

The IntelliClean system has been proven to reduce gingivitis and promote healthy gums. Crest liquid toothpaste delivers the additional benefit of anticavity protection.

Fresher breath

Dispensing an added dose of Crest liquid toothpaste during brushing provides an extra burst of freshness.

Anti-cavity protection

The specially formulated Crest liquid toothpaste with sodium fluoride fights cavities.

Naturally whiter teeth

Significantly removes coffee, tea and tobacco stains, for naturally whiter teeth.

The invigorating feeling of a sonicare toothbrush

This stimulating feeling of clean will motivate you to brush longer.

This cool system is described as ".. one step closer to daily flossing." So either the system, or $1.39 per 500 yards of one-step-better-than-this-system floss. The choice is yours. Check your local Walgreens, since both the floss and the IntelliClean system should be now available.

More at product's page...

The oral rinse is being regulated as a medical device and not as a drug because its primary mode of action is to create a physical barrier, rather than to act chemically. The product contains a surfactant that acts as a physical barrier, making it harder for bacteria to stick to tooth surfaces. FDA also has approved a number of other anti-gingivitis oral rinses, but since these products act chemically to kill bacteria that live in the mouth, they are regulated as antimicrobial drugs rather than as devices.

More about the rinse at Sinclair Pharmaceuticals...

The company's flagship product, which is in the final stages of development, is an Implant Location System (ILS) that uses a disposable micro-robot for carrying out dental implant procedures. The company promises that when this product hits the market, the process of getting dental implants will be less painful and less expensive.

[...]

The bone-sensing technology will enable precision three-dimensional measurement of bone tissue covered by soft tissue, without the need for invasive surgical procedures. The Implant Location System applies tactile sensing technology to offer intra-oral image-guided navigation specifically for dentists. Its computer-guided sensing, navigation and guiding suite for placement of dental implants is designed both for the general practitioner and the expert.

Tactile Technologies' aim is to help the firms that manufacture implants to find a solution for placing them that minimizes the risks and simplifies the procedure They are doing so using tactile sensing technology, three-dimensional radiological visualization and miniaturized robotic control which is changing the dental landscape.

More at TactileTech...

Flashback: TraumaCad: a Surgical Planning by Orthocrat...

CDR Wireless™ is the world's first wireless direct digital radiography system, combining the added convenience of cable-free movement to the practice-building power of our Active Pixel Sensors.

A perfect complement to any existing CDR system, our Wireless Sensors provide greater mobility at chairside, increasing your exam efficiency while providing the same high level of image quality and reduced radiation exposure you expect from our wired Sensors.

We recommend using Schick Technologies-manufactured Universal Holders for proper and safe Sensor positioning. Do not use Snap-A-Ray Holders with CDR Wireless Sensors.

Schick Technologies is the recepient of the 2005 Digital Radiography Technology Leadership of the Year Award by Frost & Sullivan.

More at Schick Technologies...

Over the next few weeks, we will present to you most (if not all) of the cool new inventions awarded last night.

Here's a sneak peek: the HydraBrush "automatic car wash for your mouth." We had a demonstration right up on the podium last night, pictured above. The description taken from company's website:

... "self-positions" relative to the teeth and gums... It has six (6) brushes that are positioned to correctly contact tooth and gum surfaces. The user simply bites into the brushing head, and self-positioning is automatic. The brushes reciprocate in short strokes in accordance with ADA recommended "Bass" brushing technique", (placing bristles 1/2 on teeth and 1/2 on the gums at approximately a 45 degree angle, and brushing with a short/quick back and forth action).

... relies on accurate bristle positioning to obtain effectiveness, and as a result, the brushes can reciprocate at a fraction of the speed of other products, resulting in user enjoyment of a comfortable massage with every use.

In addition to six brushes, HydraBrush™ has four (4) water jets that effectively oral irrigate during the brushing process. HydraBrush™ is much more effective than other oral irrigation devices because the water jets are preset to an angle that directs the pressurized fluid precisely into the gingival pockets and between teeth, again eliminating the element of human error.

HydraBrush™, with its six brushes and four water jets all working simultaneously, generates an oral cleansing with effectiveness far beyond that of any other oral care product. The cleaning process is also very enjoyable.

Hook me up! No, seriously. This product was the most accessible to any attendee, and ... I want one!

UPDATE (3/17/05):

You can see the photos here. Many thanks to Frost & Sullivan for a great event and many congrats to all the winners!

ARIBA X-ray, Inc. describes the product:

Unlike other "portable" x-ray instruments, the battery powered NOMAD™ offers true portability with cordless operation and freedom from line voltage fluctuation. More than 100 exposures on one battery charge. Optimal for remote use and confined spaces as well as operatory functions.

The external backscatter shield and internal radiation shielding protect the operator from radiation exposure.

This spiffy new product is awaiting the response on approval from the FDA.

More at ARIBA X-ray...

Mony Paz from Biomedics NZ undertook a major redevelopment, taking into account today's understanding of material science and the physical mechanisms of denture retention.This revolutionary technology is now delivered in a comprehensive mounting system.

-- profiled bar has been developed to keep tissue proliferation to the minimum necessary for maintaining a seal. The specially formulated safe metal bar is fairly malleable, to fit any shape and contour of the alveolar ridge.

-- valves have been developed to expel the air and control the pressure level beneath the denture, using the specially formulated diaphragms.

-- processing cap has been developed with the dental practitioner in mind. The processing cap is specially designed to make the self curing procedure easy and safe, preventing damage to the valves.

-- service key has been designed to double as a gauge for both depth and diameter of the valve housing in the denture.

-- system is the result of research and laboratory development, lead by Mony Paz and Biomedics NZ team of professionals in the fields of product development, science and technology, dentistry and dental technology.

More at Biomedics NZ...

Update: Please read the comments for some thoughts from the developer of the denture adhesive system.