Placing tooth colored direct composite restorations is a clinical challenge for even the most experienced clinician. Aside from the technique sensitivities involved in adhesive bonding, determining a shade (whether single or layered) that predictably and precisely matches the natural tooth each and every time can be extremely difficult. Shading for most composite materials relies on … Read more
Introduction In 1964 Bob Dylan shared his famous observation, “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” Those words seem to continue to ring true in every facet of life today. Evolving materials and technologies offer cosmetic dentists and ceramists new tools to meet patient demands for quality esthetic dentistry. Esthetically driven dental consumers are often exacting and … Read more
Abstract Cementation has a lengthy history in dentistry, with varied amounts of success along the way. As clinicians, we have seen numerous changes to formulations over the years. Each change is designed to improve our clinical results. However, misunderstanding the processes can compound the clinical applications. The intent of this article is to make the cementation protocol more … Read more
Anterior Tooth Anatomy and Matrix Options Freehand sculpting of anterior tooth anatomy using direct composite is challenging for even the most artistically talented clinician. The more surface area that is lost, along with anatomic landmarks, the more difficult it is to recreate the subtleties of anterior tooth form. Rebuilding the anterior interproximal surface presents its … Read more
Esthetics is still one of the key driving forces in dentistry today – whether it is one tooth or an entire mouth. The persona created by a beautiful smile is seen as a true asset to one’s personality. Meeting the needs and expectations of the patient continues to be the driving force for successful outcomes. The patient’s … Read more
Patients often present with the desire to maintain or improve their overall dental health and may state that their only goal is to have their teeth outlive them. They don’t desire a smile makeover or esthetic enhancement, but instead seek treatment that will allow them to eat, speak and enjoy life normally … Read more
Introduction The prospect of replacing an anterior tooth with an implant-supported restoration presents both esthetic and clinical challenges for dentists.1,2 These include – but are not limited to – ensuring an ideal shade match among adjacent natural teeth or all-ceramic restorations (e.g., veneers or crowns) and the implant restoration, which is greatly affected by the … Read more
Introduction A common form of dental trauma is the fracture of anterior teeth, especially maxillary incisors because of their position in the arch. These types of traumatic injuries are more common in children and young adults. Aesthetic rehabilitation of traumatic injuries of the teeth and related structures is often complex requiring a multidisciplinary approach for a … Read more
How did you come to put your focus on aesthetic dentistry? Well actually I’m coming from a family, which my father and mother used to be dentists. I opened my eyes in a dental practice and that was my first choice to be and I must admit I love the profession and this is why … Read more
Introduction In today’s high-paced society, people want everything accomplished now. They do not want to wait. Extreme makeovers, which have been featured in the media, primed the public to search for quick-fix treatment solutions. These programs helped to educate the public about what is available in appearance related treatment. “Same-day implants” and “get your crown … Read more
We’ve all heard the cliché, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, but the reality is, they may be worth even more than that. Images help us learn, communicate, explain tough concepts, and certainly inspire us. We are very visual creatures. A large part of the human brain dedicates itself to visual processing. In the … Read more
Welcome to the new look of Oral Health Journal! This gives us a new fresh look in keeping with the modern age of dentistry. It’s so important that we keep up with the times or we inevitably fade into the past. Dentistry is truly undergoing dramatic changes in the way we can treat our patients. … Read more
There was a time when so many people were requesting veneers it dominated the industry. The same can also be said of teeth whitening that makes teeth whiter than white. These days, however, dentists are pushing for aesthetic dentistry that focuses on achieving a more natural look for patients. Currently, the top 5 trends in … Read more
As soon as I figure out how to use my iPhone, Apple releases the next generation. With the new one, I found out I couldn’t plug my old headphones into my new device without some wild adapter. Who decided to take the hole away without asking me? The world of technology has changed so fast … Read more
Communication is defined as the imparting or exchanging of information or news; means of connection between people or places, in particular. There is no doubt that communication plays a vital role in human life. It not only helps to facilitate the process of sharing information and knowledge, but also helps people to develop relationships with … Read more
Introduction Since Dr. Charles Pincus invented the dental veneer in 1928, popular restorative materials used and techniques employed have changed numerous times. Trends initially dictated minimal to no tooth preparation, migrated to aggressive preparation, and have now returned to an emphasis on minimizing removal of healthy tooth structure. Esthetically driven dental consumers often present with … Read more
Abstract This case report involves a 24-year-old female patient that was not pleased with her existing anterior restorations that were discolored and did not restore the teeth to esthetically pleasing proportions. She was also interested in a “fuller” smile. The patient wanted to achieve these goals in the most conservative way, maximizing the preservation of … Read more
Spring is in the air! Especially after attending the Pacific Dental Conference in Vancouver with all the beautiful weather. The benefit of the esthetic issue coming out in April every year is that it allows me the ability to look outside as I write this editorial, as things start to bloom, and reflect. What a … Read more
Introduction There is no arguing the fact that we live in a society where appearances are important. When I was growing up, I was told frequently, “you only have one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one!” A smile is one of the most powerful tools for opening channels of … Read more