Week in Review: SDF and biofilms; fluoridation levels; and material strength

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

SAN FRANCISCO - We've been fortunate that the annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is here this week. This is always one of the more interesting meetings to cover, as there is an impressive amount of clinical research presented in oral sessions and via posters. Our first two stories here are from the meeting.

Our coverage starts with a new study on silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which, despite its flaws, may be the best option for arresting caries development in baby teeth. Researchers of a new study presented at the IADR meeting reported that SDF was significantly more effective than fluoride varnish in preventing biofilm formation. Learn more here.

What level of community water fluoridation is effective at both reducing fluoride exposure and preventing caries? Another new study presented at IADR 2017 found that 0.7 mg/L appears to be effective at these goals. Read our coverage here.

Also this week on DrBicuspid.com, maintaining a restorative material's strength after grinding and polishing is a key concern for practitioners using a chairside CAD/CAM process. However, between glass-ceramic materials and so-called softer materials, which retain the most strength after a grinding and polishing process? Learn more here.

We've also reported on the latest industry news and new product releases, including the following:

• Dentsply Sirona has opened its Cerec system for the export of scan data to other manufacturers' software.
• Planmeca has introduced a number of new products, including an implant guide module, an operating light, and an analytics service.
• Philips Sonicare has launched smart toothbrush and breath care products.
• Brasseler has added titanium probes to its ImplantPro line.

Next week we'll be bringing you exclusive new product coverage of the 17th International Dental Show in Germany, along with more clinical coverage of the IADR meeting and the latest developments on the potential replacement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.