I feel the use of the erbium laser in everyday practice will grow. First, it is starting to become consumer(patient) driven by means of the advertiseing efforts of both laser companies and dentists. The public thinks that we as dentists all pretty much do the same things. When they start asking why their dentist does not use a laser like it says in the ads, the market will be driven forward. I feel that lasik eye surgery have done alot to bring public awareness to lasers.There is a high consumer satisfaction with Lasik, why not the erbium when properly used? Also, the terms regarding lasers are starting to infiltrate the public market via advertising for hair removal, etc.
However, I am very disappointed in the way that some of the laser companies are marketing their equipment to the dental profession. Especially with regard to the erbium laser and use of local anasthetics. I hear marketing claims that put sales on the same level as used car dealers. Some of the companies are makeing claims that they know are less than valid in this point. So dentists who have not done their homework with regard to hard tissue proceedures performed with the erbium and no anastethic are getting hoodwinked into buying an erbium laser.
The the dentist doesn’t get what he thought he bought into, puts the laser in the cornor and his disappointing results will hurt laser dentistry. Ron, we have been pretty good at not stepping on the toes of companies who sell unrealistic claims to dentists, by not using their names. But they really need to be held responsible for declines in erbium sales. You know that the key to successful laser practices is education, mentorship, and places like this forum.
The erbium laser is a fantastic laser when you are realistic about how to use it. I use mine almost everyday for three years now and I’m still learning. Dentists are always looking for a panacea, that is why we are easy to sell to.
I think the future for the erbium is bright, it may make some corrections along the way. I just feel that education is the key.
Nick Luizzi

Lasers in everyday practice will go as far as CONSUMER dorected marketing by companies will go. How often do you get asked for Lumineers these days? 2 years ago did anyone ask for Lumineers. Den Mat has done a great job of TV commercials lately and has created a buzz. If we really want to get Lasers jumping all we need to do from this forum is collectively build a site( Erbium laser company does not matter…and collectively start national marketing directing patients to a laser dentist near them>>>believe me an ad a month in People, or Cosmo or Vogue and you will start to see a buzz…it takes bucks and time and for some reason laser companies havent seen that yet…

Ron:
You are so right on the mark. If someone would get it going, I would dive in. But the complexity and the organization of a national laser campaign is beyond my feeble mind. That is a thought I wish we could go with. What are you thinking, People Mag, with a website, then area directory? Look what it has done for 1-800-Dentist. It could include across the board companies, maybe even wavelenghts, but directed to those who use lasers. Grass roots is how things start.
Anyone who can add to the idea?
Nick Luizzi

I think there is bright features in Erbium Dentistry. wish you lot of luck