INTRODUCTIONWith advancing technologies in ceramics, computerized shade matching, and digital photography, matching a single maxillary central incisor with any restorative material is still one of the most difficult clinical challenges that most dentists face. Coupled with increased expectations in this “age of dental aesthetics” and also, with aid from external marketing through media and the … Read more
Patient demand for aesthetic dentistry with minimally invasive procedures has resulted in the extensive utilization of freehand bonding of composite resin to anterior teeth.1 The development of composite resins with natural fluorescence and polishability allows the clinician to mimic the natural dentition. Composite resins allow for conservative treatment and long lasting restorations. In order to … Read more
INTRODUCTION Restoring a single anterior tooth has always been the most difficult esthetic restorative procedure in dentistry. One needs to mimic the surrounding natural dentition in size, contour, value, chroma and finally mimicking the reflective and deflective areas by duplicating the primary and secondary anatomy.1 If this isn’t challenging enough, take away the tooth and … Read more
I consider myself somewhat of a techno-junkie when it comes to the way I practice dentistry. The more technology, the better! Whether its digital x-rays, hard and soft tissue lasers, or CAD/CAM digital impressions and milling, technology has truly made dentistry more exciting, more precise and more immediate. This article outlines the use of the … Read more
Replacing enamel, the hardest substance in the body, is no easy task. If enamel is missing–there is a reason. This tooth layer was intended to provide esthetics, mastication, insulation, and phonetics. Daily, enamel is put through rigors – be it an environment that fluctuates in response to changing pH introductions or perhaps a malocclusion that … Read more
INTRODUCTION: LASERS AND DENTISTRYLasers have been used in several areas of medicine for a long time, even becoming a standard of care for many medical specialties, ophthalmology, dermatology, urology. In dentistry, the clinical use of lasers began in the 1980s. In search of the ideal wavelength for all dental needs, several manufacturers developed different systems … Read more
It has been said that people have to see it to believe it. Cable television shows now feature young couples searching for run-down homes they can purchase for a bargain and then transform into the house of their dreams. The properties may appear hopeless, but the realtors can often envision the potential in their own … Read more
Malocclusions in children is an increasing problem, which in many cases is misdiagnosed. A recent study reported that around 90 percent of the children in primary and early mixed dentition present signs of a developing malocclusion.1 The current knowledge in oral biology permits to identify several factors associated with a developing malocclusions. Oral dysfunctions present … Read more
Dear Dr. Nouri, Thank you for your editorial. It was very enlightening. I couldn’t agree with you more that we are fortunate to be a member of this great profession of dentistry and even luckier that as a profession we have the privilege of being self-regulated. In the 90’s, I am one of those dentists … Read more
INTRODUCTIONFractures of the anterior dentition are a common condition mostly among young patients. Dental materials, such as composite and ceramics offer the possibility to create highly esthetic restorations. However, when there is a considerable amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, the material of choice for most anterior restorations is composite in order to preserve sound … Read more
ABSTRACTThis paper briefly describes the history of overdentures and the philosophy of their use over the last 150 years. This literature review compares the results of a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study with other published literature. If a patient with a terminal dentition will change behaviors, improve their daily oral hygiene, and follow preventive protocols, then … Read more
INTRODUCTIONWear damaged dentition present in patients with a variety of problems, including malocclusion, loss of function, and poor esthetics. A universal occurrence, most clinicians generally identify wear as the combination of erosion, attrition, and abrasion.1 Although wear naturally occurs during aging, it can lead to decreasing the protective network of enamel and dentin, leaving teeth … Read more
Orthodontics is a multi-factorial dental procedure that involves the patient, general dentist, orthodontist, assistant(s), hygienist, treatment coordinator, front desk personnel, and sometimes, an oral surgeon or periodontist. Collaboration and communication between the teams is essential. In most cases, each performs his or her role in isolation from the others, sending an email on occasion. So … Read more
oft tissue diode lasers have been used for decades, but now their affordability and portability make them truly a piece of equipment every practitioner should consider. In this article we will discuss how they work and how to work with them with the intent that if you have a laser already you’ll pick up tips … Read more
Bright lights, ubiquitous in the dental operatory, are necessary tools of the craft. With the expansion of technology in light-cured resin composites, whitening procedures, and the mindfulness to save energy by ‘going green’, we’re seeing a consequent proliferation of sources emitting intense beams of high-energy visible light (HEV). HEV consists of a narrow band of … Read more
I am so excited to be a dentist in the year 2014. I started out way back in 1977 as a freshman at the University of Southern California dental school wanting to help people by relieving their pain and preventing them from having it. As my practice evolved from giving relief from dental, bony and … Read more
ABSTRACT:When people experience orofacial pain, their first call is often to their dentist. Many different conditions will present with similar symptoms, making it difficult for a dentist to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Without a correct diagnosis, it is virtually impossible to provide the care necessary to alleviate a person’s pain. The goal of this … Read more
INTRODUCTION:A long-standing goal of Restorative and Prosthodontic Dentistry is to quantify the relative occlusal forces on each tooth through the sequence of movements during which the teeth are engaged. Articulating paper alone, along with other methods (wax bites, articulated casts etc.), depend ultimately on a subjective interpretation by the dentist. Despite best intentions, many oversights … Read more
Every once in a while, certain individuals or groups are able to make restrictions and protocols for the entire profession that are simply missing the element of common sense. Once the restrictions are in place, it takes a monumental effort to change them so that they are more practical and fair. Very often it involves … Read more
Dental implants have gained popularity for the treatment of edentulous sites.1,2 Global demand for dental implants is increasing and is expected to increase substantially in the future. In this respect, long-term edentulism of the posterior maxillary dentition poses complications such as insufficient alveolar width, depth or both. Increased pneumatization of the maxillary sinus, alveolar resorption … Read more