Sometimes an invention is so groundbreaking that nobody even thinks to ask for it.
Sumita Mitra’s invention of new-to-the-world dental technology has made life easier for patients and dentists.

At 15 years, 3M™ Filtek™ Supreme Brand received a clinical performance rating of 96% by The DENTAL ADVISOR™. Excellent aesthetics, low rate of fracture/chipping, minimal marginal discolouration, and minimal wear have been instrumental to the long-term success rate of more than 3000 monitored restorations.

As dental amalgam is phased out of European practices, the search is on for alternative treatments. Last year’s 3M Symposium revealed the minimally-invasive approaches that are now available.

Nearly a decade ago, 3M introduced the first truly universal adhesive. Since then, 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive has been clinically proven and has become the world’s most researched universal adhesive.
Now, Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive takes universal adhesives to the next level. It features all the benefits of the original plus new features to add even greater control and predictability.

Mobile tablets, a commonplace in many aspects of clinical practice in health care settings, have arrived in the dental industry with the introduction of the 3M™ Mobile True Definition Scanner, a one-of-a-kind tablet-based intraoral scanner that fits in your hand.

The latest improvement in a series of ongoing innovations. The newly developed tip bar offers more angulation control, when used in combination with the 3M™ AlastiK™ Lingual Ligatures* – setting a new standard for completely aesthetic, comfortable and individually customized orthodontic options. * Data on File

Light curing is a critical part of restorative dentistry, and you should make sure your curing light is working correctly. Many dentists assume their curing light is working properly without taking the time to test it. Here’s everything you need to know to test your curing lights to ensure you don’t compromise on the final result.

Have you ever checked your inventory to find you have multiple cements with the same indication? Or had to toss a bunch of barely used materials because they’d passed their expiration dates? Learn why the logical step toward simplifying cementation is to have a universal solution that works for self-adhesive and adhesive procedures.

Consistent with 3M’s strategy to increase customer relevance, the company has announced the formation of 3M Oral Care, combining the former 3M ESPE Dental and 3M Unitek Orthodontics into a single new division.

In the past, standard dental restorative materials were metals such as amalgam, gold or non-precious alloys with high atomic numbers. These metals – i.e. titanium, copper, strontium, ytterbium, silver, gold, bromine, barium, and strontium – are radiopaque and easily block out x-rays. This enables dental professionals to identify materials containing these elements on radiographs.

Since Lava Zirconia was introduced in 2001, the material has improved the smiles of millions of patients worldwide – with scientific studies showing excellent strength, aesthetics and clinical performance.

With 95 innovations launched in 2015, 3M’s designation as the Most Innovative Company in the Dental Industry was earned through a relentless commitment to science-based innovation.

Explore aesthetic treatment for extraction cases, a study of bond failure rates, TAD assisted distalisation, and targeted mechanics with CAD/CAM.

Discover aesthetic treatment options, see the latest improvements in buccal tubes, and get more efficient treatment with the articles in this issue.

Eight 3M orthodontic products have won Townie Choice Awards. Winners include APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive; Transbond™ Plus Self-Etching Primer; Ortholux™ Luminous Curing Light; Forsus™ Class II Correctors; Coil Springs, Molar Bands and Button Attachments. Orthotown magazine “community members” vote and favourites earn the awards.

The May 2016 issue highlights four cases using Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Brackets and looks at the advantages of SmartClip™ SL3 Brackets with improved clips.

Victory Series™ Low Profile Brackets with APC™ Flash-Free Adhesive will be available in Australia and New Zealand from October 2016, complementing this 3M line of best-selling metal brackets with best-in-class bonding efficiency. APC Flash-Free Adhesive allows users to move directly from bracket placement to bracket cure without removing adhesive flash.

Enhancements to the ligating clips on SmartClip™ SL3 Self-Ligating Brackets offer improved rotational control and reduced forces required for archwire engagement and disengagement. The improvements are designed to enhance treatment efficiency and increase patient comfort during archwire changes.

In this issue, authors from around the globe, sharing cases which show treatment with aesthetic Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Brackets and Incognito™ Lingual Brackets, 3M™ Self-Ligating Brackets and Forsus™ Class II Correctors.

They lick the majority of the toothpaste off their toothbrush and use the rest to paint a mural on the bathroom mirror. They claim to have thoroughly brushed their tiny little teeth, but the “Smell My Breath, Mummy!” test says otherwise.

3M is pleased to announce new products updates in 2015. Review new product introductions with the Unitek™ Lingual Instruments and AlastiK™ Lingual Ligatures as well as manufacturing improvements with Improved Bracket Surfaces and Innovation in Wire Customisation.

3M is constantly striving to make improvements to the Incognito™ Appliance System. Review recent product innovations such as: the Incognito™ Clear Precision Tray, the Splint for Incognito™ Light Appliance System, Low Profile Brackets and Forsus™ Class II Correctors for Incognito™ Appliances.

Dr. Lars Christensen speaks to the features and benefits of using RelyX™ Unicem 2 Cement with the Incognito™ Appliance System. Dr. Christensen provides a commentary of bonding and debonding with the cement. He also discusses his own practice data demonstrating success with the cement.

Dr. Neal Kravitz highlights the benefits of offering lingual orthodontics as a treatment option. With the increasing demand for aesthetics, he details why orthodontists should integrate lingual orthodontics into their office. The article includes a case study with the Incognito™ Appliance System.

View all Incognito™ Appliance System bonding protocols located in one booklet: Dual Cure Bonding with RelyX™ Unicem 2 Automix Self-Adhesive Resin Cement, Chemical Cure Bonding with Transbond™ IDB Pre-Mix Chemical Cure Adhesive, Rebonding and Bonding to Non-Enamel Surfaces with RelyX Unicem 2.

Today, clinical orthodontic practices are experiencing the process of digitisation. Dr. Mancini discusses the features and benefits of the digital workflow with the Incognito™ Appliance System. The article highlights the Unitek™ Treatment Management Portal, the Incognito™ Clear Precision Tray and the 3M™ True Definition Scanner.

Unitek™ Treatment Management Portal (TMP) and 3Shape Communicate™ software systems have been fully integrated, enabling orthodontists to take advantage of a simplified workflow when using the 3Shape TRIOS® Intraoral Scanner to create Incognito™ Appliances or Unitek™ Digital Models.

An advancement that makes everyone smile: 3M is reducing steps and materials that used to be required to create an esthetically pleasing dental crown or bridge.

New digital workflow option for custom orthodontic appliances reduces shipping and material costs by more than 50%.

Using 3M expertise in abrasives, we have developed a tooth restoration polishing alternative that provides speed, simplicity, economy and reusability.

One procedure that has the potential to slow down a dentist’s day is posterior restorations – fillings in the back of the mouth. 3M science is simplifying this procedure and improving productivity from start to finish.

Amalgam is a mixture of metals, including mercury that can be used to fill cavities. Over 50 years ago, 3M commercialized natural-looking resin composites that do not contain mercury as an added ingredient. That’s something to smile about.

Designed for the posterior, the unique optical properties and improved opacity of Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative enable the simplicity of one-step bulk placement – up to 5mm – with improved aesthetics.

Part dental scanner, part game changer. The 3M™ Mobile True Definition Scanner has been awarded an Edison Awards™ Bronze medal!. Winners were chosen for their excellence in concept, value, delivery and impact.

We are proud to celebrate an entire community of recommendations as 3M once again tops the annual Dentaltown magazine Townie Choice Awards with 15 product wins.

Making a great first impression matters. Especially for dentists and dental lab professionals involved with creating the highest possible quality dental restorations for patients.

We are proud to announce the launch of 3M Health Care Academy℠ as 3M’s new platform for customer education, providing a new and enhanced experience for health care professionals that draws on our science expertise, our people and our on-line platforms.

3M is pleased to announce that the 3M True Definition Scanner has met the rigorous standards set for third-party scanners and is now validated for case submission for the manufacture of Nobel Biocare’s renowned NobelProcera implant- and cement-based single-unit portfolio, including original abutments. 

More than 150 orthodontists from 25 countries around the world recently gathered for a conference of lectures, workshops, networking events and a poster symposium. Representing 5 different continents, 13 experts in lingual treatment presented the versatility and clinical quality achieved with the Incognito System.

“Our Company maintains an unwavering commitment to ethics and I am very proud of this acknowledgement from Ethisphere,” said Veena Lakkundi, 3M’s vice president and chief compliance officer. “At 3M, we achieve this when all of us at the company strive to live the 3M Code of Conduct. Our 91,000 employees have collectively won this award.”

NEW Filtek™ Universal Restorative from 3M ensures strong and aesthetic restorations while simplifying the shading process to improve productivity.

Adhesives are critical to the long-term success of any dental restoration – but making the right choice isn’t always easy. From the curing method to the number of steps involved, many factors can impact efficiency and retention. Read this clinical case to stay informed on the things to keep in mind when selecting an adhesive.

Many patients are suspicious of fluoride because it sounds like a chemical, which can have negative connotations. Learn how to talk about the benefits of fluoride with patients and staff – to ensure patient acceptance and healthier smiles.

Bulk fill composite materials were introduced for restorations more than a decade ago. Unfortunately, myths about bulk-fill materials continue to persist despite the significant advances made over the last few years. Let's take a closer look at Filtek One Bulk Fill Restorative's science and break down the myths.

If your light isn’t calibrated or functioning properly, you could be under-curing or over-curing without realising it. You can take back control of your cure by regularly and systematically monitoring the health of your curing light.