Techniques

There are a lot of factors that go into matching color for the posterior teeth. Harmony is sometimes difficult to achieve because patients often have amalgam fillings in these teeth, which will generate a blue tint to the enamel. We need to first understand natural teeth color and then see a proper preparation reduction margin design to create a matching restoration for the molars. We also have to look at the occlusal surface of the adjacent teeth. This article will detail a case for one of my own clients, a periodontist, who trusted me with his work.

Maintaining excellent hygiene can be a challenge during orthodontic treatment. However, this problem can be addressed with the use of 3M ESPE’s Vanish™ XT extended contact varnish, combined with ongoing daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. Vanish XT immediately creates a protective barrier on the tooth and provides a long-term release of fluoride, calcium and phosphate. The varnish can be applied either directly following bracket placement or later, depending on the patient’s level of risk, and its effectiveness continues for up to six months after placement.

Creating long-lasting, vital restorations while minimizing tooth preparation is the primary objective in modern cosmetic dentistry. Clinicians and patients continue to be concerned with the reduction required for some ceramic systems, and this has led to the evolution of “ultra-thin” ceramics options. These new systems impart both beauty and strength and often permit “no-prep” and “low-prep” veneering options.

There are enough children born with congenitally missing laterals to warrant discussion about how to solve the problem of social embarrassment for them even if it’s just a temporary solution. Later, when the patient is an adult, he or she can decide to move forward with a permanent answer, be it implants or bridgework, whatever resolution best suits him or her.

Dental crowding is just one of countless conditions for which a patient seeks orthodontic care. Solutions for creating more space in these cases range from extractions or comprehensive treatments like arch development using fixed or removable orthopedic appliances, to more conservative options like interproximal reduction (IPR).

Effecting more than 40 million patients in the United States alone, edentulism has become a significant problem worldwide and has caused an increase in patients presenting with a broad range of functional and emotional ailments that add to the stress of losing their teeth.1,2

During a Facebook Q&A session with Thomas Trinkner, DDS, readers submitted questions regarding the

Treating edentulism pursues differing objectives: from a functional standpoint, restoring reasonable mastication and phonetic ability; and from an esthetic standpoint, restoring a patient’s natural smile in unison with age and personality. The aim is to give the individual a better quality of life and greater self-esteem.

Formulated and manufactured for each component of the waxing process, the InStep casting wax system is designed to ensure that waxes are compatible from blockout to final waxup. This reduces the chance of defects in your castings.

With the constant increase in the cost of gold, silver and the difficulties of working with non-precious and titanium alloys, the dental laboratory industry has been looking for alternative dental materials for many years. With the advent of digital scanning and advanced milling techniques, we have witnessed the growth of the zirconia restoration.

The proper use of laminate veneers facilitates esthetic outcomes while honoring biology and preserving hard tissue. Factors that affect the success of these restorations include appropriate preparation design, adequate reduction, marginal adaptation, stress management and distribution of occlusal forces.

Patients presenting with limited vertical space, cross bite, parafunctional habits, or especially implant supported and retained prosthetics provide challenges to dental professionals. Patients will break or fracture prosthetics, leading to a loss of faith in the restorative team as well as non-revenue time. 

There’s potential for confusion among practitioners because of the abundance of currently available materials and techniques. Many excellent materials are available, however they all require meticulous attention to clinical technique to record the accuracy necessary for fabrication of well-fitting restorations.

The primary goal of root canal therapy is to create an environment in which the root or roots of a tooth are maintained in a healthy periodontium. This, in turn, allows the tooth to be restored to normal function. To achieve this objective it’s important to minimize or eliminate microorganisms and pathologic debris in root canal systems. This becomes more challenging when we are presented with teeth having calcified canals.

Offering affordable treatment plans to patients is especially challenging in t

The patient, a 50-year-old female, presented with a large diastema, irregular teeth size and dull color. Furthermore, the shape of the teeth on the right versus left sides was different-as is apparent in the pre-op photo (Fig. A). The teeth on her left side were longer than those on the right.

In today’s challenging economic climate, more people are experiencing or are at-risk of job loss. Confronted with the growing difficulty of providing basic necessities for themselves and their families, they want every shrinking dollar to count.

Through the accelerated advancement of CAD/CAM technology and material science, dentists have several new, high strength all-ceramic materials in the indirect portfolio to choose from. The recent dramatic increase in the cost of gold in combination with current economic conditions is accelerating demand for these new products. Dentists are prescribing these new metal-free all-ceramic restorations at a rapidly accelerating pace.

There's certainly no shortage of opportunities to take in new techniques, check out new products and meet new people from the industry during the second day of the Chicago midwinter meetings. With the Cal-Lab meeting continuing for a morning session, Jensen Education Day and Spectrum dialogue Techno-Clinical Day as well as Lab Day getting started.

If you're looking for an autographed piece of lab equipment for the mantel and a way to contribute to a good cause, Whip Mix might just have the perfect opportunity for you. The company recently announced that it will be auctioning off a Mark 320 Articulator autographed by Dr. Peter E. Dawson, with proceeds to benefit the Peter E. Dawson Foundation. The company even plans to match the winning bid, so if you make the winning bid, your contribution to the Foundation's work will be twice as large. 

After a busy year of traveling, Hu-Friedy's Nevi 4 will find itself on display in the National Museum of Dentistry. We've been following Nevi the Mascot throughout its travels throughout the U.S.

Among the many products introduced Sunday, Nov. 27, on the opening day of the 2011 Greater New York Dental Meeting was the AnyRidge implant system by MEGA'Gen. The system can place an implant wider than the ridge crest; provide increased bone preservation by removing less bone; establish immediate implant stability without pressure necrosis. There are 55 implant options using only one single kit.

Since announcing a partnership with the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology in May, Heraeus' Precious Metal Refining Division has donated more than $12,000 to the organization.

With guidance from The Pankey Institute and the National Association of Dental Laboratories, the Virginia Dental Association House of Delegates recently passed new requirements for dental labs in the state. The Virginia Dental Lab Safety Act aims to protect patient safety and improve communications between dentists and dental laboratories.