New AACD Survey Measures Pulse of Cosmetic Dentistry Industry

A recent survey of dental professionals conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and Acuitim Marketing Research and Consultancy reveals that cosmetic procedures continue to bring life to dental practices. The AACD has conducted the biennial State of the Cosmetic Dentistry Industry Survey since 2004, and the data collected is used to determine … Read more

Pixels and Pictures: Photography 2018

Dental photography

As soon as I figure out how to use my iPhone, Apple releases the next generation. With the new one, I found out I couldn’t plug my old headphones into my new device without some wild adapter. Who decided to take the hole away without asking me? The world of technology has changed so fast … Read more

Communication: The Key to Esthetic Success

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Communication is defined as the imparting or exchanging of information or news; means of connection between people or places, in particular. There is no doubt that communication plays a vital role in human life. It not only helps to facilitate the process of sharing information and knowledge, but also helps people to develop relationships with … Read more

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

Case Report: The Margin Perfect Matrix – A Predictable Technique for the Fabrication of Direct Composite Veneers

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Abstract This case report involves a 24-year-old female patient that was not pleased with her existing anterior restorations that were discolored and did not restore the teeth to esthetically pleasing proportions. She was also interested in a “fuller” smile. The patient wanted to achieve these goals in the most conservative way, maximizing the preservation of … 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

AACD Hosting 5th Annual Virtual Race for Smiles

Between October 13 – 15, participants around the country will help survivors of domestic and sexual violence receive life-changing smile restorations by participating in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation’s (AACDCF) Virtual Race for Smiles. Race for Smiles participants choose to participate in a physical activity like running, biking or yoga while wearing … Read more

Final Wrap-Up of AACD Scientific Session Shows Shining Success

The 33rd Annual American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Scientific Session concluded its educational program on April 21 at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. More than 1,600 people attended the four days of educational programming which included 100 speakers, 60 lectures, 35 hands-on workshops, three entertaining and motivating general sessions, and … Read more

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Announces New President

Dwight G. Rickert, CDT, FAACD of Indianapolis, Indiana, was inaugurated as President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) on April 21st during the AACD’s annual scientific session in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rickert is an Accredited Fellow of the AACD, a 6,000-member organization comprised of dental professionals dedicated to advancing excellence in the art … Read more

Editorial: Who Owns the Face?

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Boy time flies! A year ago I was given the privilege of becoming the editor of the April Aesthetic issue of Oral Health. Taking over for Dr. Elliot Mechanic is not an easy task and one that I have not taken lightly. Every April, Dr. Mechanic had successfully assembled articles from some of the best … Read more

Porcelain Laminate Veneers: Full Digital Work Flow

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The demand for aesthetic dentistry is increasing as more and more patients come to desire the perfect or natural looking smiles. The professional approach of restorative dentistry has changed significantly with the development of new techniques augmented with advanced dental materials, enabling clinicians to achieve aesthetic improvements and aesthetically pleasing results. In aesthetic cases, a … Read more

Creating Natural-Looking Composite Restorations Using Different Layering Techniques, Materials and the Erbium YAG Laser

Composite Restorations

Introduction Improved materials and instruments help us to produce restorations that are natural looking. Composite systems have been developed that have optical qualities similar to the tooth structure they are replacing. 1 Composite materials with dark opacity and fluorescence are useful to recreate dentin. 2 Enamel replacing materials with added translucency and opalescence give the … Read more