Success by Design: Elements of Planning for Restorative Excellence

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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

A Season for Reflection

Cosmetic Esthetic

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

Shining the Light on Power Bleaching: A Review

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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

How To Avoid Occlusal Adjustments When Placing Final Restorations

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To ensure long-term success, a greater understanding of occlusal concepts needs to be incorporated into the restorations we provide our patients. We must ensure that the beautiful smiles we create today will hold up to the rigors of mastication and occlusal forces well into the future. Fixed restorations have come a long way since the … Read more

Developing a Cosmetic/Esthetic Practice

Cosmetic Esthetic

With the increase in awareness and popularity of cosmetic dental procedures, most general practices are offering some level of cosmetic and esthetic treatment to patients. There are many possibilities; from teeth whitening to cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers; as well as minor orthodontic procedures, tissue re-contouring and more. Patient demand has fueled the attention to … Read more

Transitional Bonding for the Severely Eroded Dentition

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Dentists are often faced with conflicting demands between function and aesthetics. Patients demand from their dentists an improved smile at a reasonable fee. Dentists want to not only meet the patients wants but also want to do that in a durable and evidence-based way. Thanks to the well-known improvements of enamel and dentin bonding, it … Read more

Pre-Orthodontic Set-Up for a Patient with Teeth Too Small for his Dental Arches

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In order to establish a comprehensive treatment plan, it is essential for the entire dental team to be able to visualize the final result before commencing treatment. A compromised or wrong treatment choice can affect a patient’s dental and medical health as well as their appearance. Orthodontists often are first in a decision-making process that … Read more

Botulinum Toxin: Not Just a Pretty Face

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Mention “Botox” (the neuromodulator Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A or “BoNt-A”) sold in North America as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin (Fig. 1), and the average person thinks immediately of wrinkles. However, the January 16, 2017 issue of Time Magazine’s cover page article (Fig. 2) identified 800 medical uses of BoNt-A including depression, heart trouble, migraines, erectile … Read more

A New Smile for a Beauty Queen

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Introduction Wendy Jordan, a professional model, presented to my office for general care. After radiographic and clinical examination, it was determined that she needed only a prophylaxis. Her overall dental health was good with no periodontal disease or active caries. In a subsequent re-care appointment, we discussed the possibility of orthodontic realignment of her maxillary … Read more

Dentsply Sirona Announces Acquisition of Technology Solutions Provider OraMetrix

Dentsply Sirona, The Dental Solutions Company™, today announced that it signed an agreement to acquire OraMetrix, an industry provider of innovative 3-D technology solutions designed to improve the predictability and efficiency of orthodontic care. This will further enable Dentsply Sirona to provide a total orthodontic solution, to include full arch clear aligners for our customers. … Read more

AIRWAY-kening™ Orthodontic Treatment for All Ages

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Why Do We Have a Problem? The apparent epidemic of OSA which is occurring in all industrialized countries should not come as a surprise. Many in the sleep community routinely cite the increase in obesity rates over the last three to four decades as the cause of this epidemic. 1-7 There is no question that obesity … Read more

What is Beyond the Drill?

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Abstract The development of the dental drill was one of the most significant innovations in dentistry, occurring in the late 1800’s; 150 years later, it is still our “go-to” instrument for most procedures, whether for removal of decay, endodontic instrumentation or surgical extraction. We have witnessed these machines being powered in many different ways, as … Read more

Etiology of Malocclusion: Contributory Factors

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Throughout history, successful treatment of a health condition has often preceded an understanding of what caused the problem. This is surely true of malocclusion. A malocclusion of any significance is not a disease but it does represent a failure of development. Understandably, the great majority of effort by the dental profession is directed towards treating … Read more

Functional Dentistry

Functional Dentistry

What is functional dentistry and why is it worth talking about? I am curious if this is a movement or new direction in dentistry. Here are my thoughts. Functional medicine and dentistry are using your detective skills and sleuthing out underlying root causes and abnormalities that have lead to a patient’s complaints or symptoms and … Read more

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Functional Dentistry

They say a lady always knows when it’s time to leave and so it is with mixed emotions I tell you that I am retiring from the dental group and Newcom Media as of March 29th, 2018. I’ve only worked for the two largest publishing companies in Canada (many, many owners) since 1986, a feat … Read more