Dear Cosmetic Dentistry Insider,
Align Technology is looking to shake up the clear aligner market with its new, more flexible SmartTrack material, officially introduced January 21.
According to the company, SmartTrack is designed to more precisely conform to tooth morphology, attachments, and interproximal spaces to improve control of tooth movement throughout treatment and make it easier to insert and remove aligners.
In this latest Cosmetic Dentistry Insider Exclusive, we delve into the science behind SmartTrack and get some reactions from practitioners who have already used it.
Elsewhere in the Cosmetics Community, DrBicuspid.com spotlighted a study seeking a solution to a common issue associated with teeth-whitening: tooth sensitivity. Find out what additive helped to reduce the side effect.
There are other side effects to tooth whitening that can't be seen with the naked eye. Click here to read what Brazilian researchers found out about a certain whitening agent's impact on teeth at the molecular level.
Even so, a U.K. pop group has boosted sales of teeth-whitening products and services to its legion of teenage fans. Read what singing star is prompting this trend.
Meanwhile, with the increase in cosmetic dentistry's profile around the world, some peculiar -- and potentially harmful -- fads have appeared to give the impression of a healthy smile. One in Southeast Asia has proved to be fatal in some cases.
And the patent battle between competitors in the clear aligner market continues; click here to read the International Trade Commission's latest ruling.
In other news, there may be a benefit to sleep apnea. Learn how mild sleep apnea may actually help some people survive heart attacks here.
Finally, a 5-year-old boy old has become the first pediatric patient in the western U.S. to undergo transoral robotic surgery to repair his rare congenital condition, a laryngeal cleft. Read more.
