Features

Communication between the dentist and dental laboratory is paramount to successful treatment. The practice of writing a prescription and drawing sketches to describe what is desired has been supplanted by high technology. Modern laboratory technicians expect and should receive better tools to help illustrate the desired end result. Through excellent communication, the dentist and lab … Read more

The increased popularity of cosmetic dentistry and “smile makeovers” has lead to significant increase in the number of porcelain veneers fabricated in recent years. There has also been an increased interest in minimally invasive preparations and porcelain veneers.1-5 The use of stacked porcelain veneers allows for dentists to fabricate porcelain veneers that can be .5mm … Read more

Lab communication is essential to the success of any restorative case. It does not matter if it is a simple single unit posterior crown, a cosmetic veneer case, or a very complex full mouth reconstruction. If the ceramist does not fully understand the expectations of both the patient and dentist the case can turn towards … Read more

The dental profession is an exact science where often all possible techniques and materials must be explored in order to find solutions to different cases. This exploration often pays off and ensures patient satisfaction. Muco-dynamic denture construction material is such a material that it provides the operator with the flexibility of procedure by allowing him … Read more

It has been almost 20 years since I invented the etched porcelain laminate. Since then, I have observed, followed and participated in the evolution of “the prep” for this procedure. The purpose of this paper is to explain what does and doesn’t work when performing the etched porcelain laminate. Composite bonding, a very noble and … Read more

Computers have had a major impact in all industries. They have continued to get smaller, faster and less expensive. This allows improved efficiencies and better and more cost effective production of products. Computers are playing an increasing role in dentistry. In the beginning, they helped us manage our practice, keeping track of our appointment book, … Read more

There is no doubt that the advent of the internet and the miracle of email along with the technological advances of digital photography have enabled the practitioner to vault over the previous hurdles of communication so that their lab technician team member can be in the “virtual operatory” with the dentist during patient treatment (Fig. … Read more

Never before has the dental laboratory industry had such a boost as it has had recently with Computer Aided Design/ Computer Aided Manufacturing (or CAD/CAM). A dental professional can use the System both for designing a product, and for controlling manufacturing process. For example, once a design has been produced with the CAD component the … Read more

Heraeus Kulzer, manufacturer of porcelains for porcelain fused to metal, zirconia or titanium crowns, specify that proper substructure support must be achieved to create a crack-free restoration. The frameworks must be designed to allow for no more than a 2.0mm thickness for porcelain and be designed with rounded corners (Fig. 8). All porcelain manufacturers specify … Read more

Does your patient come last? The public today regards dentistry as being amongst the most exciting, highly visible, and most respected professions. However, many of us do not perceive our own profession this way. We enter our offices as if we were entering a world of misery, a mundane routine of drilling, filling and billing. … Read more

by Catherine Wilson, Editor

Toronto–The South Asian Dental Association (SADA) held its’ first ever dental screening for the general public. This event was held at Shoppers World in Brampton, ON, where more than 700 people were screened by 50+ dental professionals. SADA realizes the great need for access to care for dentistry within the community. The Oral Health Awareness … Read more