"Powdering is the 'impression' and the most critical factor in the success of the CEREC restoration. With the Powder Meister™ you can control this most important step and produce predictable, consistent results. It's a winner!"

Dr. Richard Masek
CEREC trainer
La Mesa, California


Background Information on Powdering


Why powdering (or opaquing) the tooth surface is necessary.

The surface of the tooth must be covered with a non-reflective coating to make it easier for the infrared camera to see detail. Without the non-reflective coating the effect on the camera is similar to our looking into a very bright light. Because of the high translucency of enamel, without an opaque surface applied to the tooth, the infrared beam would be projected back to the camera from totally different depths within the tooth.

 

An opaque, reflective surface provides a definitive point for the infrared beams to bounce back against.

 

"The Powder Meister truly eliminates the weak part of the CEREC procedure. I could recommend this simple and effective tool to every serious CEREC user."

Dr. Hubert Stieve
Germany

Past methods of opaquing the tooth surface and their disadvantages

Everyone with a CEREC is familiar with the butane-propelled powdering system and its many disadvantages. It frequently clogs; even when a concerted attempt is made to hold the butane can upright. The powdering tube is flimsy and easily deflected by the cheek or tongue. In order to change the direction of the powdering tube, a second hand is required, necessitating the clinician to let go of mirror or cheek. Am I preaching to the choir?

The above difficulties with the butane powdering system have forced many users to use a paint-on system. This paint-on system called ScanWhite has its own disadvantages. In the January 1999 issue of the International Journal of Computerized Dentistry, the German clinician Andreas Lenzen listed these disadvantages:
  • The editing of the marginal line is usually unavoidable.
  • It is not always opaque in the case of dark backgrounds.
  • A relatively long time is required to remove it from dentine.

Advantages of the Powder Meister

The Powder Meister makes powdering easy! With the ergonomically designed powdering tube, there is no longer a difficult area of the mouth to place imaging powder. With only a slight twist of thumb and index finger, the direction of powder flow can be changed with no interruption of the powdering process. The rigid stainless steel powdering tube can act as a cheek retractor and apply powder at the same time! In addition it is clog-proof and eliminates the need to constantly replace costly butane cans!

Back to Powdering Main Menu
HOME    Our Product    Dr. Lawler    CEREC     Clinical Tips     To Order