Isolite(TM) Dryfield Illuminator Wins "Townie Choice" Award for the Fourth Straight Year

Jan. 29, 2009 21:43 UTC

Isolite^™ Dryfield Illuminator Wins “Townie Choice” Award for the Fourth Straight Year

Hot Product is Fueling Company's Growth; 2009 Brings New Facility and Expanded Staffing

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- For the fourth year in a row, Isolite Systems took home a coveted “Townie Choice” Award from Dentaltown magazine for its unique dental product — the Isolite^™ dryfield illuminator.

The Isolite dryfield illuminator is an innovative dental tool that combines the functions of light, suction and retraction into a single device solving many of the frustrations that dental professionals deal with on a daily basis.

Isolite Systems is using the momentum of this and other recent product accolades to grow its business in a time when many businesses are contracting. This year, the company will be adding additional staff and moving into a new facility in Santa Barbara that will encompass new offices, expanded manufacturing and assembly capabilities, and a warehouse.

“We launched our original Isolite through the Dentaltown web community, and if it wasn’t for the ‘Townies’, we’d never be where we are today,” said Sandi Hirsch, General Manager of Isolite Systems. “We owe the ‘Townies’ a debt of gratitude.”

Hirsch added that because the Isolite increases dental operatory productivity by 20 - 30%, its popularity is leading to increased business and company growth.

The “Townie Choice” Awards were started by Dr. Howard Farran and Farran Media in 2003 to assist dentists in making product purchasing decisions, and are considered the “people’s choice” of the products and services available in the dental industry today. The Isolite dryfield illuminator was the winner in the category of Prosthodontics, Restorative Dentistry and Cheek Retraction Materials. Voting for the awards was open to more than 100,000 registered members of the Dentaltown interactive community (www.dentaltown.com) and readers of Dentaltown magazine.

“When I was in dental school we had to use rubber dams,” said Mark J. Fleming, DDS, of Sarasota, FL, and a “Townie” member. “The Isolite has replaced the rubber dam in my office; with that it gives the patient security of nothing getting down their throat while supporting their jaw with a soft, comfortable bite block. For me, it retracts the tongue, opens the bite and allows access to distal teeth, all in one piece. I use it for all my restorative procedures, and I can’t imagine practicing without it. In fact, I won’t!”

Tiffany Lee, DDS, of Torrance, CA, is an Isolite customer who runs a high-tech practice and is also a “Townie.” Not only does the Isolite assist with her operatory efficiency and work flow, but it’s a vital tool for her while participating in charity dental missions.

“Isolite allowed me to work solo and provide dentistry to 50 orphaned children in Cambodia,” Lee said. “Without the Isolite, we would never have been able to complete the children's dental treatment. When you are working in the field, everything can and does go wrong. It’s great to have one reliable piece of equipment, like Isolite, that never goes down. It’s like having an assistant without paying for their airfare.”

The “Townie Choice” Award is the latest recognition garnered by Isolite Systems and its popular device, and is one of five accolades received from the dental publishing industry in 2008. Those accolades include:

• Named by Dentistry Today magazine as one of its Top 100 Products for 2008
• Named to Dental Product Reports magazine's Top 100 Products of Distinction for 2008
• Received a 4.8 rating (out of a possible 5.0) and named a “Best Product 2008” by Dental Product Shopper magazine
• Named to Dentalcompare’s Top 108 Products for 2008

Isolite Systems was founded by Thomas R. Hirsch, DDS, and his brother, industrial product designer, James A. Hirsch, in 2000 to bring to market the Isolite dryfield illuminator and other dental products. The company holds more than a dozen United States and international patents on its products and is intent on growing both its domestic and international business.

About Isolite Systems

Isolite Systems is committed to transcending the limitations of existing dental technology with innovative, ergonomically efficient products that help dental professionals work more productively with less stress and fatigue. Dentists, dental assistants and hygienists at dental practices and clinics throughout North America are making their practices more profitable using Isolite Systems products while improving patient comfort and safety. For more information about Isolite Systems, please call (805) 560-9888 or visit www.isolitesystems.com.

Contacts

Isolite Systems
Maureen Sullivan, Director of Marketing
805-560-9888
msullivan@isolitesystems.com

 

Source: Isolite Systems

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Thomas R. Hirsch, DDS, and James A. Hirsch, co-creators of the Isolite dryfield illuminator, are shown with Sandi Hirsch, General Manager of Isolite Systems. Summer Clark (seated) demonstrates the four-time "Townie Choice" award-winning dental device. (Photo: Business Wire)

View this news release and multimedia online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090129006277/en

TENS instructions

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: tshewman@insight.rr.com
TENS instructions

First and most important, any bite including a TENS bite should not be done WITHOUT  a proper diagnosis!! Without the proper diagnosis, there is room for error.....allot of error.
There are other ways and types of bite registration techniques and each have their place!
Lastly, not EVERYTHING can be included in an email and every patient should be treated as an individual case.
In otherwords, we assume no responsibility if you mess up. :-)

Basic Step by Step Instructions:

First, most patients will be unfamiliar with the muscle stimulating process.  Explaining what they will experience is important.

Step 1: Occlusal Connections and Placement

Connect the electrodes to the electrode cable(s)

Option A: Occlusal Two Channel three electrodes for balance of left and right muscles of mastication: use one electrode over each coronoid notch one electrode at the back of the neck for a total of three electrodes.

Option B: Occlusal and Cervical Two Channel with balance between the Occlusion and Cervical areas: use one electrode for each wire for a total of four electrodes. One electrode over coronoid notch and trapezius bilaterally.


Step 3.         Clean the skin and dry
Wipe electrode sites with rubbing alcohol and dry


Step 4. Occlusal Placement


A.      Occlusal TWO channel (three electrodes with left and right balance) Place each electrode with black wire over coronoid  notches and the electrode with both red wires on the middle of the back of the neck below the hair line (if using Dolotens-if J4/5 you can have one dedicated "lead" to the neck electrode).

Caution:  Care should be used to place the electrodes accurately.  If the patient feels a pounding in their head, the electrodes have not been properly placed.  The electrode on the back of the neck should be accurately placed in the exact centre of the middle of the neck to achieve balanced muscle contraction.

Occlusal AND Cervical Placement

B.      For two channels, place one channel over coronoid notches and the other channel two wires over trigger points on the trap muscles.
       Note:  In the case of sideburns and beards, consider shaving the area.

Step 5. Turn the unit on.

Note:   The unit automatically starts at the lowest setting when turned on.  At any time if a pause in pulse stimulation is desired (for example when recording EMGs), press (P) to pause (with some units) and to restart the stimulation at the same setting, press (P) again.  The stimulation will automatically and slowly ramp to the previous intensity.

Step 6. Increase Intensity slowly by and always ensure the patient is comfortable.  Increase intensity slowly until the lower front teeth have a very slight upward movement, 1 to 2 mm. (place a little finger between the anterior teeth and have the patient close and rest their teeth on the little finger and adjust intensity for the first slight perceptive squeeze of the teeth on the finger).  Adjust for balance and patient comfort depending on configuration.
The cervical area should have a light, gentle comfortable contraction or squeeze.   If the teeth are tapping with each pulse, turn the intensity down until the mandible has slight movement without the lower and upper teeth contacting.

Note: After a few minutes, the muscles may "loosen up" and the movement of the mandible increase without change in intensity.  It is common to reduce the intensity after a few minutes to avoid the teeth from tapping.


Step 7. Maintain the patient in a comfortable, quiet, relaxed upright environment for about 20-60 minutes.

Note: To evaluate balance on each side of the face, place one finger on each side of the mandible just below the electrodes and feel the masseter muscles for balance.  Patient perception of balance is sometimes helpful.  Visual observation of the muscles of facial expression are less valid when determining balanced muscle contraction.

Step 8. Establishing a physiologic rest occlusion, a position of the mandible needs to be found where the muscles are at relaxed without fatigue.  Neuromuscular stimulation and a muscle rested position of the mandible are valuable for these clinical procedures:
1.      Mandibular Rest Position
2.      Occlusal Adjustments
3.      Taking a bite registration, Neuromuscualar maxillo-mandibular relationship
4.      Impressions and moulding denture boarders
5.      Mastication and Cervical muscle relaxation
Note: The optimal mandibular rest position is where the muscles are all simultaneously at their rested muscle length and tone.  Muscles of mastication are highly differentiated and even a few muscle fibers can be hyperactive while the majority of the muscle fibbers may be relaxed creating an muscle hyperactive maxillo-mandibular relationship.  To sustain muscle relaxation, the clinician should start from a position which has relaxed muscles.
Step 9: Mandibular Rest Position, clinical suggestions:
A.      Ensure patient is relaxed in an upright position, sitting or standing.

       B.      Make a mark on the patient's nose and chin for reference.

C.      Evaluate aesthetics (vertical, lateral and anterior/posterior profile position of the mandible, habitual and desired).

D       Evaluate disc position and joint sounds for possible joint position/disc improvement.  (Seriously deranged TMJ disorder patients may take additional considerations.)

E.      Measure the distance between the marks of the nose and chin (B) when the patient is biting in their habitual occlusion and compare with the aesthetic  (C) and disc (D) considerations.  Measure the distance between the nose and chin marks when the patient is relaxing and teeth are apart and compare with the habitual mandibular position (B).

If the patient is aesthetically over-closed, have the patient let their lips part, tell the patient to slightly open and relax. (The jaw will slowly close to its rested position. Re-evaluate and repeat if necessary.)

If the jaw is too open, tell the patient to slightly close with lips together and relax.  For the discs, have the patient open and protrude, slowly closing and relax without popping off their discs.  Repeat these movements as necessary.

F.      Ensure the patient has a stable resting position and the jaw repeatedly returns to the position of rest (is stable without drifting up and down).  If rest is not stable, consider additional TENS time and moist heat on the muscles.
.

Step 10:        Taking an occlusal registration

A       Have the patient open and place a slow set firm bite registration material between the teeth, leaving the TENS on (preferably subthreshold) during the entire set of the material.  (The gentle pulsing provides about 1 to 2 mm of freeway space.

Tell the patient to relax their muscles, relax their tongue and slowly let the mandible float up.  Have the patient close until the distance between the two marks on the nose and chin are at the selected rested position chosen above in 8 F.

Note: Although some prefer to PULSE into the BR material, it may be better to have the TENS be "SUBTHRESHOLD" during the actual BR procedure as the stimulation is neutrally mediated there is stimulation of OPENING AND CLOSING muscles. Therefore, by being subthreshold, the muscles remain relaxed and the patient slowly drifts into the BR material under the doctor's verbal guidance.

Note: If stimulating trapezius and mandibular muscles, before taking the bite registration, reduce or eliminate the trapezius stimulation as per Jankelson.

C.      After the bite registration has set, confirm in the mouth the recorded bite registration position and expected aesthetic and disc positions are in fact as desired and the patient is comfortable without strain or stress closing into the bite registration.

Caution: The marks on the skin (soft tissues) do not always accurately represent the changes between the maxilla and mandible.  The occlusal registration may need to be repeated to achieve the optimal position of physiologic rest, aesthetics, and joint arrangement.

       Caution: The Doctor should avoid touching the patient during the occlusal registration.  Any manipulation of the mandible by the doctor may negatively influence the result. Taking more than one bite registration, permits the patient to subjectively compare the differences.

Step 11:        Turn the unit off.  Remove the electrodes, discard the electrodes and clean the wires and device with rubbing alcohol or appropriate surface disinfectant.

Step 12:        Evaluating the occlusal registration: Before any definitive restorative treatment permanently altering the dentition, the doctor should complete a thorough diagnosis which often includes a reversible temporary evaluation of the altered maxillo-mandibular relationship.  Clinicians frequently use the bite registration to mount models on an articulator and construct a lower acrylic laboratory device (sometimes referred to as an orthosis, splint or guard) with minimal or no occlusal anatomy.

Never say that Peter Maroon doesn't Pay His Bets! And he was GOOD!!!!!!!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dr John Dano <DrJohn@drjohndano.com>
Subject: Never say that Peter Maroon doesn't Pay His Bets! And he was GOOD!!!!!!!


For those on this forum that do not know, Peter Maroon is an "Over The
Edge" New England Patriots Fan!  The day after the Patriots loss in the
Super Bowl last year, Peter was spouting off about how the Pats were
going to get back and win the Super Bowl in 2009.  So, Pete and I
entered into a friendly wager with me stating that they would not!  I
put up some Carson's Ribs versus New England Lobster.  Well, Pete paid
up last week and on my doorstep last Wednesday was this big guy, about 2
1/2 pounds.  My daughter (that's her hand) and I had fun preparing him,
I had never cooked a live lobster before! When my wife got home from
work, we had a fantastic meal of clam chowder and lobster along with our
salads.  Sorry I did not get any pictures of him on the table, my
fingers had to much butter on them to hold the camera by then!

John Dano
McHenry, IL

DrMikeMaroon has invited you to join YouTube group ACE - Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics

Invitation to join YouTube Group: ACE - Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics DrMikeMaroon has invited you to join YouTube group ACE - Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics. Click here to join this group. See you back on YouTube! - The YouTube Team
© 2009 YouTube, LLC

DVD's now available from ACE Dallas 2009 - Symposium on NeuroMuscular Dentistry

Get your DVD's today. Call 800-701-6223 or email PMaroon@ACEsthetics.com

Ultra-Low frequency TENS

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Todd Shewman <tshewman@insight.rr.com>
Date: Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Subject: Ultra-Low frequency TENS

Have received a couple notes asking about the Ultra-Low Frequency (ULF) DoloTens special from the meeting. It is attached for those interested. For those who ordered, Neuromuscular Technologies will be contacting you to let you know when it will be shipped.

Cheers!

Todd

ACE Dallas 2009 is over...Thanks everyone!

Thanks to everyone who made ACE Dallas 2009 Symposium on NeuroMuscular Dentistry a tremendous success.

This format was very well-received by all and we had a nice blend of NM docs and CR docs here. I believe that everyone came away with a better understanding of NM dentistry and realized that there are a lot of similarities between the two philosophies.

It was wonderful for me to see the equipment in use, as well as the numerous case studies that were presented. I appreciate all involved including:

Dr. Tom Hedge
Dr. Rick Coker
Dr. Clayton Chan
Dr. Brad Durham
Dr. Curtis Westersund
Dr. Tim Adams
Mr. Todd Shewman
Dr. Bob Walker & Dr. Kaye McArthur
Peter Maroon
Dr. Tim Hale
Dr. Ray Voller


Thanks also to our sponsors:
Myotronics
Ocean Ceramics
Springstone Financing
Rose Nierman Practice Management
The Center for Exceptional Practices & Dental Ceramics
Noraxon EMG & Sensor Sytems
NeuroMuscular Technologies, Inc.
Itamar Medical


I also want to give a special shout out to Dr. Bill Domb for his extraordinary efforts in videotaping our ACE events. Bill is one of those rare individuals whose friendship doesn't go unnoticed, but who doesn't want a lot of praise either. Thank you Bill for all you do for ACE.


I am very proud of everyone who attended this event. The information was presented in an easy to understand format and in a positive manner in a true spirit of sharing...and it was well-received by all of the attendees. This is one of those rare events where it's easy to say, "You should have been here!"


I look forward to seeing you all at a future ACE event and look forward to the sharing of information that will continue to occur online and in the future.


Thank you all for your continued support of our group.

Dr. Curtis Westersund & Dr. Tim Hale at ACE Dallas 2009

Dr. Clayton Chan demonstrates a NeuroMuscular bite registration at ACE Dallas 2009 - 7

Dr. Clayton Chan demonstrates a NeuroMuscular bite registration at ACE Dallas 2009 - 6

Dr. Clayton Chan demonstrates a NeuroMuscular bite registration at ACE Dallas 2009 - 5

Dr. Clayton Chan demonstrates a NeuroMuscular bite registration at ACE Dallas 2009 - 4

Dr. Clayton Chan demonstrates a NeuroMuscular bite registration at ACE Dallas 2009 - 3

Dr. Clayton Chan demonstrates a NeuroMuscular bite registration at ACE Dallas 2009 - 2

Dr. Clayton Chan demonstrates a NeuroMuscular bite registration at ACE Dallas 2009 - 1

Dr. Dave Schmidt - Testimonial

NeuroMuscular Dentistry Panel at ACE Dallas 2009 - 2

NeuroMuscular Dentistry Panel at ACE Dallas 2009 - 1

Dr. Greg Friedman - ACE Testimonial

Dr. Tim Adams - ACE Testimonial

Dr. Clayton Chan - ACE Testimonial

Dr. Curtis Westersund speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 6

Dr. Curtis Westersund speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 5

Dr. Curtis Westersund speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 4

Dr. Curtis Westersund speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 3

Dr. Curtis Westersund speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 2

Dr. Curtis Westersund speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 1

Dr. Tom Hedge discusses the ACE Tampa 2009 Conference on Dental Marketing & Web Optimization

Dr. Mike Maroon invites you to an ACE event in 2009

Dr. Ray Voller - ACE Testimonial

Dr. Tim Hale makes a special presentation to Dr. Tim Adams at ACE Dallas 2009

Dr. Tim Adams speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 3

Dr. Tim Adams speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 2

Dr. Tim Adams speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 1

Enjoying Dinner & Friends at ACE Dallas 2009 - 2

Enjoying Dinner & Friends at ACE Dallas 2009 - 1

Dr. Bob Walker & Dr. Kaye McArthur speak at ACE Dallas 2009 - 3

Dr. Bob Walker & Dr. Kaye McArthur speak at ACE Dallas 2009 - 2

Dr. Bob Walker & Dr. Kaye McArthur speak at ACE Dallas 2009 - 1

Todd Shewman speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 4

Todd Shewman speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 3

Todd Shewman speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 2

Todd Shewman speaks at ACE Dallas 2009 - 1

Obama & Biden spotted at ACE Dallas 2009

Dr. Clayton Chan speaking about occlusion 8

Dr. Clayton Chan speaking about occlusion 7

Dr. Clayton Chan speaking about occlusion 6

Dr. Clayton Chan speaking about occlusion 5

Dr. Clayton Chan speaking about occlusion 4

Dr. Clayton Chan speaking about occlusion 3

Dr. Clayton Chan speaking about occlusion 2

Dr. Clayton Chan speaking about occlusion 1

Dr. Brad Durham Commercial on Restorative Dentistry

Dr. Brad Durham TV ad 2

Dr. Brad Durham TV ad 1

Dr. Curtis Westersund's customizable presentations to help patients understand TMD

Dr. Clayton Chan is speaking right now!

Dr. Clayton Chan is speaking right now! His presentation style is exceptional. Clayton is an engaging speaker, fabulous teacher and is able to get his point across without offending anyone, as well as inviting all opinions and discussion.

If you ever get the chance to see one of his presentations live, or take one of his courses, you should. For more information on his programs visit www.ClaytonChanDDS.com

View ALL photos from ACE Dallas 2009 here!

You can view ALL of the photos from ACE Dallas 2009 here:

 

http://s513.photobucket.com/albums/t337/drmikemaroon/Dallas%202009/

 

Enjoy!

 

Posting LIVE from ACE Dallas 2009!

I'll be posting updates from the ACE Dallas 2009 Symposium on NeuroMuscular Dentistry all day at the ACE Dental Blog.

 

http://www.acedental.blogspot.com/

 

Best line of the meeting so far...Dr. Curtis Westersund told the crowd last night that whenever he got a Big Chinook, he would get a migraine! :D

 

Love it!

 

Great seeing old & new friends here...we have a nice group of folks looking to learn more about full mouth rehab and taking better care of patients.

 

Don't forget...Dr. Brad Durham speaking on Thursday night Jan 22 at ACE Dallas 2009!

Hi all!

Those of you attending the ACE Dallas 2009 Symposium on NeuroMuscular Dentistry this week in Dallas, TX that Dr. Brad Durham will be presenting a program from 7pm-9pm tomorrow night (Thursday Jan 22, 2009) at the Omni Dallas Park West Hotel.

It will be a great way to meet & greet everyone coming in for the Symposium and a chance to hear Brad present some of his best information!

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.

Thanks.

For more information on the meeting visit www.ACEDallas2009.com