THE X FACTOR

MyRay (800/416-3078; myrayamerica.com) debuts its X-pod wireless digital system, making the capture of diagnosticquality X-rays a breeze. Designed with patient comfort in mind, the device's sensor features chamfered edges and rounded corners. The thin fiberoptic plate improves image definition and protects the silicon receptor from X-ray exposure. Thanks to a highcapacity lithium-polymer battery, dentists can gather a day's worth of images on the 2GB SD memory card without recharging. Images can be reviewed on the integrated, handheld touchscreen, which offers multi-zoom capability and image-enhancing tools, as well as tooth association charts. The device allows easy organization of patient files and sharing with other computers — Mac or PC — using Bluetooth 2 wireless connectivity or a USB cable.

FORCEPS FUN

Why not make a trip to the dentist as child-friendly as possible? With its new Rainbow Presidential Pedo Forceps, Hu-Friedy (800/483-7433; hu-friedy.com) aims to do just that. Designed to conform to a child's natural tooth structure, the forceps offer a firm, accurate grasp of primary teeth and roots, resulting in smooth extractions. These forceps can help preserve delicate tissue and bone, reduce the risk of complications and lessen anxiety.

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

When a visual boost is needed, Hager's (800/328-2335; hagerworldwide.com) Comfort Fit Magnifiers may provide welcome assistance. These magnifiers offer stylish comfort, protection and five diopter strengths from +1.0 to +3.0 magnifications. Bifocal readers that have been molded into the lens help with reading and fine detail work. Other features include: Ultra-dura Anti- Scratch coating; soft, flexible nasal fingers; padded temple tips and cushioned brow bar; and adjustable temple length and ratcheting lens inclination for a secure, customized fit.

BONDS THAT DON'T BREAK

Take 3M ESPE's (800/634- 2249; 3MESPE.com) Clicker Dispenser, add RelyX Unicem 2 Self-Adhesive Cement and you've got a reliable, easy-to-use system that offers enhanced bond strength, well-balanced mechanical properties, and esthetics that are long lasting with no post-op sensitivity. The Clicker Dispenser offers a consistent mixing ratio to deliver the correct dosage via clicks and consumption level indicator. The cement is based on the original RelyX formula with enhancements that include a new rheology, novel monomers and fillers that facilitate simplified dual-paste mixing. The material is great for permanent cementation of all-ceramic, composite or metal inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, posts, screws, and in cementing restorations to implant abutments.

ON-THE-SPOT DENTURE DUPLICATION

Lang Dental (888/222-5264; langdental.com) provides easy duplication systems for onthe- spot implant and denture care and repair. With the Duplicator Flask, dentists will be able to create reliable duplicate prostheses in-house, providing quick, economical results for patients. The Denture Duplication System and Implant Duplication System each include a flask (used to duplicate existing prostheses, for fabrication of a dental stent, or template to guide implant placement), along with all the ingredients for successful duplication, including the manufacturer's Jet powders and liquids. Also on tap is Lang's new Jet XR Self-Curing Radiopaque Acrylic for fabrication of methacrylate-based appliances and for use where radiopaque dental devices are needed.

IN-HOME SPA FOR WHITER TEETH

Now you can take it with you. Heraeus Kulzer (800/431- 1785; heraeusdentalusa.com) has announced that its popular VenusWhite Pro tooth-whitening gel is available in 50-Syringe Packs. Designed for home use, the VenusWhite Pro comes in 16%, 22% and 35% carbamide peroxide strengths. The gel is easily applied via custom thermoformed trays for 30 minutes a day, and because of its carbamide peroxide plus potassium nitrate ingredients, it's said to help decrease sensitivity that can sometimes result from bleaching. Various kit configurations are available, as are education and marketing materials that your clinical customers can use when discussing this system with patients.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

When it comes to locating root canal fractures, the Microlux Endo Lite from AdDent (855/211-3413; addent.com) can shed some light. An attachment to the multipurpose Microlux Transilluminator handpiece, the 1 mm fiber (when placed in the sulcus, next to a treated tooth) will reveal fractures as a dark line. It can also be used in detecting interproximal caries in posterior teeth and in illuminating surgical procedures. It includes a disposable lightguide. Refill packs of 25 lightguides are available.

SHIELD IN A BOTTLE

Sunstar America (800/528-8537; sunstaramericas.com) unveils its G-U-M PerioShield Oral Health Rinse, a new contender in the treatment and prevention of gingivitis. By inhibiting the adhesion of bacteria to tooth surfaces and enhancing regular oral hygiene, the rinse helps to prevent plaque formation, gingivitis and periodontitis. Containing a proprietary ingredient, delmopinol hydrochloride 0.2%, the technology behind the rinse is designed to block plaque formation by actually providing a protective shield for teeth and gums. All patients need to do to receive the protection is rinse twice a day for 30 seconds.

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA

New from Acteon North America (800/289-6367; us.acteongroup.com) is the U_USB 2.0 second generation Integrated Intraoral Camera Docking Station. Engineered for dental chair use, the unit, like its predecessor, is installed as integrated equipment. The difference is that it is USB only, so there are no memory boards or analog outputs. Physical size is reduced by as much as a third. Adaptable to most dental chairs, the station features an updated, modular plug for connection of video cables and can accommodate most operatory designs.

A BRAND NEW ACT

Thanks to the aging process, many baby boomers are beginning to feel the effects of dry mouth. This can lead to all sorts of problems, such as increased risk of caries. Chattem's (866/ACT-RINSE; actfluoride.com) new ACT Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Rinse Dry Mouth is stepping up to the plate to address this issue. Described as a dry mouth relief formula with 0.02% sodium fluoride, the formula, used twice a day, is designed to help moisturize mouth tissue, strengthen teeth, soothe gums as well as freshen breath. And that's not all. With its refreshing mint flavor, it tastes great, too.

KEEP TRACK OF BUSY PRACTICES

It's a good thing when your dental practice customers are busy. But when their appointment books are chock full, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the necessary information — especially when dentists are away from their offices. That's where a product such as Henry Schein's (800/DENTRIX; Dentrix.com) Dentrix Mobile, a new feature of the Dentrix G4 practice management system, comes in handy. The newly released tool allows secure, passwordprotected, remote access to schedules and patient information via smartphones. This is great news for dentists receiving emergency patient calls. With Dentrix Mobile, dentists and their staffs can check schedules for open time slots from virtually anywhere. As a bonus, dentists can also use the system to verify patients' information when they call to request prescriptions. That's a lot of helpful features wrapped into one system.