Solving the Single Tooth Dilemma

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To quote a mentor, “the best dentistry is no dentistry”. However, when dentistry needs to be done, it’s best to be done as conservatively as possible. As materials and technologies develop, clinicians can offer more minimally invasive restorative options to patients. However, ensuring long lasting and predictable results requires two things: patience and commitment. In … Read more

Successful and Efficient Complete Restoration of an Abrasion Dentition

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New technologies and modern concepts require close cooperation of the individual partners in dentistry, dental technology and also dental industry. Dr. Cary Brown and dental technician Frankie Acosta, both from California, USA, have worked together for seven years now and are a well-rehearsed team, who are enthusiastic practitioners of digital dentistry. They have integrated a … Read more

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing the Optimal All-ceramic Crowns

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Cast Gold and Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns have a proven track record and are predictable.1,2 They are forgiving materials that can be used in less-than-ideal conditions such as uneven tooth reduction, sharp line angles and varying finish lines. Masking the underlying metal can result in high value opaque crowns. Gum recession may show an unaesthetic crown-tooth … Read more

Post-pandemic Strategies for the Dental Practice

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To say that 2020 threw the world a giant curve ball would be one of the understatements of the decade. For some, it felt as though the earth had stopped revolving on its axis and it has never quite begun turning the same way. Government mandates closing offices, PPE requirement that increased costs and created … Read more

Treatment Decisions for Missing Maxillary Laterals Based on Case Types and Stages of Development

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Introduction Congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors present a challenge for both the orthodontic and restorative treating dentists. Often, only two scenarios are discussed: canine substitution or replacing the missing lateral.1 The former is often considered an orthodontic solution while the latter is more restoratively driven. However, there are complexities in these cases that are dependent … Read more

Planning for the Unpredictable: A Case of Dental Trauma

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Introduction Predictability is a worthy goal for any practicing dentist. The study of evidence based models in dentistry has developed increasing predictability of the success of specific dental treatments and procedures in achieving optimum oral health.1 While dental treatments have continued to become more predictable, life, however, consistently presents unforseen situations. A traumatic dental injury … Read more

Aesthetic Dentistry and the Dunning-Kruger Effect

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Imagine you are 18 years old and all your life you have dreamed of a career in acting or modelling. Everyone that you talk to in your chosen field tells you the same thing. You have what it takes to make it, except for one thing. Your teeth are simply too unattractive. So you do … Read more

Integrating Digital Smile Design Into the Aesthetic Workflow

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Introduction Achieving a successful outcome in aesthetic dentistry can be a formidable challenge for all dental practitioners, regardless of their experience level. The patient describes their expectations for the case to the dentist, who then diligently works with provisional restorations to satisfy those aesthetic desires, only to have to rely on the dental technician (ceramist) … Read more

Why is Dental Cosmetic Surgery Now Considered the ‘New Boob Job’

For some people, with masks coming off, they’re taking a look at refreshing their teeth’s appearance. The company Smile Direct Club reported that 60% of the people they surveyed are looking forward to seeing people’s smiles again. They’ve also seen a 47% increase in teeth whitening procedures and a similar climb for teeth straightening. Cosmetic … Read more

Dentists See Rise in Cosmetic Dentistry Requests as Pandemic Restrictions Ease

Cosmetic dentist Kourosh Maddahi noticed a trend among his patients in Beverly Hills, California, beginning around March: Demand for treatments, everything from teeth whitening to full smile-makeovers, was higher than pre-pandemic levels. Even international virtual consultations restarted as people again consider traveling to the United States for cosmetic dentistry work. Why now? Maddahi said the … Read more

2020: A Reflection of a Year in Dentistry

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Upon reviewing my Editorial from the April 2020 issue, I had discussed what motivated any of us to continue to practice dentistry on a day-in, day-out basis. Little did I know what was in store for us all by the time the editorial came out in print. As I sit here at my computer pondering … Read more

A Digital Workflow to Improve the Single-Unit Anterior Implant Success

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Abstract The anterior single unit implant can present a challenging dilemma to both the restorative dentist and the surgeon. Several factors may present that can adversely affect the final restorative outcome of cases such as these. Appropriate planning and execution are crucial for a pleasing result to both the patient and clinical team. Digital tools … Read more

3D Printing in Your Office: Better Outcomes in Minimal Time

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Increasingly, more dental professionals are embracing digital dentistry and the technologies that accompany it. Pivoting to digital dentistry streamlines many processes while increasing convenience, comfort, and creating better clinical outcomes for patients and practitioners alike. With the inevitable march of dental technologies, restorations and dental procedures are being completed rapidly and efficiently, without middlemen nor … Read more

Case Study: Begin With the End in Mind – From Wax to Composite

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Introduction For many dental students the first-year class focused on Dental Anatomy and Morphology is their initial “real” introduction to a life-long, in-depth professional relationship with teeth. While the lecture portion of the course may closely resemble the format of many biology classes encountered in college, the laboratory component traditionally introduces one of the most … Read more

Simplifying Anterior Restorations in Aesthetic Implant Dentistry

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The dental implant is a prosthetic device delivered through a surgical process. It allows clinicians to replace one or multiple missing teeth without damaging the remaining dentition. Many attempts have been made in the literature to define the success, failure, and the factors that will influence the outcome. As clinicians, our focus should be on … Read more

Management of Multiple Diastemas with Indirect Restorations

Digital models were calibrated with the patient’s facial photographs ensuring the digital wax-up appropriately addressed all areas of visual tension. Facial flow analysis was completed ensuring the teeth sat in harmony within the patients face.

With rapid progression in the science of restorative dentistry, particularly since the advent of ‘adhesive’ techniques, it is irrefutable that the demand and interest in cosmetic restorations has increased both from dentists and patients alike. Numerous materials and techniques are at our disposal in this modern age of dentistry, giving us the ability to work … Read more