Materials & Technology

Dentists assume that activating a light-curing device reliably and predictably light cures restorative materials. There are many factors that must be considered when light-curing resin adhesives, resin-based composites, resin cements, etc., to ensure the quality and durability of the restorations being placed. Clinicians have choices in the light-curing devices they use. Despite appearances that all … Read more

When digital dental radiography was first introduced in the late 1980s, conventional X-rays had been used for almost a century. Over the years, the radiograph expanded the dentist’s investigative capacity in many ways; it was possible to confirm health, or to detect disease, in many previously invisible areas of concern to the profession including coronally, … Read more

FOUNDATION OF ESTHETIC DENTISTRYCosmetic and esthetic dental outcomes are essential to meet patients’ high expectations and positively influence their self-esteem.1,2 Shape and color determine the aesthetics of both natural and restored teeth.3-6 Attractive restorative and prosthodontic outcomes begin with a consistent buccal shape and silhouette that reflect light.7 The perceived color of natural teeth depends … Read more

The simple answer is yes. But to truly understand why it can make a difference it is necessary to understand the problem. There has been a sharp rise in the past decade in the use and direct placement of composite resin restorations. Materials have become stronger, more aesthetic with a wide shade range, and able … Read more

This article follows a previous article titled “Design Principles for Composite Class II Prep­arations,” published in Oral Health December 2012. This article will further illustrate the clinical rendition of the five axioms guiding enamel preparation, and the five axioms guiding dentin preparation, to optimize Class II composite preparations (Figs. 1 & 2). CLASS II ISTHMUS … Read more

This past April, Doctors Timothy and Melissa Milligan had the privilege of joining forces with AYUDA to provide dental care to an underprivileged population of a town that’s an hour outside of Antigua, Guatemala. AYUDA is the Spanish translation for “help” and that is exactly what this organization strives to do. Founded 47 years ago … Read more

What makes a dentist a dentist? The technical dexterity to repair hard and soft oral structures in a hard to access, and hard to see, oral cavity? The acumen to run a small health-care business effectively and efficiently? The capability to generate sufficient community and online presence to keep existing patients motivated and new patients … Read more