Archive
Zirconia Use Advances and CAD/CAM Systems Debut
Venezuelan Division is Founded
Developments in Resin Modified Glass-Ionomer Cements
First Ultrasonic Toothbrush Patented in the U.S.
Initially, the Ultima worked only on ultrasound. A few years later, a motor was added to the Ultrasonex brush, which provided additional sonic vibration.
Flowable and Packable Composites Developed
This format made restorations difficult and hard to polish. Flowable composites have a reduced filler load, making it flexible and more suitable to fill hard-to-reach areas, whereas packable composites were designed to achieve a better proximal contact and address issues such as shrinkage, wear and handling.
Use of Digital Radiography Increases
Unlike conventional radiography, digital radiography allows for post-processing adjustments in contrast, which expand the information that can be captured via film. In addition, film is coupled with high-cost, high-labor, hazardous materials and physical storage concerns.
Digital Patient Records Increase Efficiency and Accuracy
Due to the availability of more affordable, powerful and compact hardware and with the internet providing faster and easier access, the medical community adopted the practice of housing patient medical information electronically. For the majority of practices, digital records were introduced to increase efficiency and accuracy.
LED Curing Becomes More Common
Their use became even more prevalent in 1994, when high-brightness blue-light-emitting GaN LEDs were invented.