Publications in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dental Procedures

• Getting it Right the First Time: What Patients Want - As taught in several post graduate training programs, including the renowned Las Vegas Institute (LVI), the degree to which a restorative dentist incorporates occlusal analysis, stone models and diagnostic waxups for virtually all forms of retorative dentistry (crowns, bridges, veneers) can determine the frequency of "getting it right." All too often we hear the horror stories associated with full mouth veneer makeovers, bridgework that fails due to mysterious lateral forces, or patients getting restorative products that are misshaped, too long, too short or some wierd color variation they didn't expect. Learn how dentists who do routinely apply many of the "secrets" taught by advanced cosmetic dentistry programs have a seemingly effortless time in delivering exactly what the patient wants.... with exceptions so rare they are difficult to count.
  
  
• Fixed Bridges: Cemented and Screw Retained - The most common form of installing a fixed bridge is by preparing anchor teeth so they become an integral part of the bridge or by using dental implants. Some types of dental bridges can cause bone loss where there is missing teeth. Implants overcome this issue and are a popular treatment for creating the healthiest bridge possible that preserves bone. Cementation of fixed bridges can make it difficult if not impossible to remove bridgework however. Learn the pros and cons of cemented bridgework versus screw retained. Recommended reading for patients considering fixed bridge treatments.
  
  
• Fixing Cosmetics - Super Glue Magic? - Cosmetic components in dentistry can fail at the most inconvenient times. Although many dental treatments can be primarily reconstructive... they become "importantly cosmetic" when they break, crack, fall off or go bad for any number of reasons. One of the most common repair issues in dental cosmetics is a quickie, band-aid emergency repair of a bridge or denture - partial product. Recommended reading for someone faced with a immediate repair problem.
  
  
• Shifting Teeth after Ortho - Best Fix - Shifting teeth most commonly is used by consumers to describe diastema gaps, loose teeth, tooth rotations, tilting teeth and the re-migration of teeth after ortho treatments. The lack of retainer use is a frequent precursor. For orthodontic movement of teeth, patients may not need to start ortho treatment all over again. Learn about a hybrid clear aligner technology that is specifically designed to create minor ortho needs.
  
  
• Porcelain Veneer Failures: Dynamics of Why and How Veneers Go Bad - In the hands of a skilled and accomplished veneer dentist, today's latest advancements in veneer fabrication and bonding compounds can provide truly dazzling dramatic effects for worn out smiles or the smile that never had the chance to exist. Treatment shortcuts and failed attention to detail that is required for these expensive treatments, nonetheless, can create degrees of failure in a matter of days, weeks or months. Learn about veneer basics for creating picture perfect cosmetic outcomes. Recommended reading for patients investigating lamination procedures or possibly needing a veneer retreatment.
  
  
• Amalgam Filling Replacements Cause Pain - Getting rid of old amalgam fillings is becoming more and more popular. Unfortunately, more incidents of treatment failures that cause pain and new sensitivity that didn't exist before are also increasing. Learn the technical details of why or how an amalgam replacement can go bad.
  
  
• Fix Missing Teeth - Which Procedure is Best? - The primary reason or cause of missing teeth influences the range of choices for replacement. The choices can be basic time-honored treatments or can incorporate the use of today's more advanced technologies that can match what Mother Nature provides or was supposed to provide.
  
  
• All Zirconia Implants - While abutments made of zirconia have been the best solution for preventing metallic bleed though of titanium colors into an all porcelain crown, the metallic tint sometimes shows through. New 100 Percent Zironia implants now being developed and used in Europe have all but eliminated this nagging problem for some patients.
  
  
• Dental Facelift versus Modern Cosmetic Facelift - A comparison is made between the growing popularity of facelifts achieved through advanced reconstructive dentistry and traditional Cosmetic Facial Surgery. Dr. Michael Lyons, MD, FACS, of Mobile Alabama outlines and discusses patient choices of procedures and technologies that can produce significant structural and aesthetic changes in facial structures and facial tissues.
  
  
• Eroding Tooth Enamel - Acid Erosion - Consumption of popular soft drinks, energy beverages can erode enamel quickly for some patients. Bulimia purging and GERD can have similar disastrous effects. Other conditions that disturb saliva ph or cause symptoms of Xerostomia (dry mouth) cause a breakdown of the natural mineralization process that can also cause severe enamel damage. Drug abuse that involves methamphetamine products cause similar issues but is commonly referred to as Meth Mouth. Learn about treatment options to conserve or replace damaged enamel.
  
  
• Bone Loss - Causes and Treatment - Mandibular or Maxillary jawbone density problems can develop through disease conditions, trauma and even the way we take care of our teeth.... or don't take care of our teeth. Learn what can be done to thwart certain bone loss issues and some of the popular procedures for treating it. - Written by Dr. Richard Winter of Milwaukee WI
  
  
• Ridge Splitting - Bone Grafts: The FIX for No Bone - More and more denture wearers who have been using denture products since an early age are discovering that jawbone material has eroded so much that dentures can no longer be used. Jawbone can also be lost due to the failure of treating extracted teeth. Learn how some dentists are using special instruments and pulverized bone graft material to create new bone.
  
  
• Reducing Gum Exposure - It is not uncommon to have a gummy smile caused by an upper lip that rides up too high when smiling broadly. Learn how periodontal procedures can alter connective tissues that controls excess movement of the upper lip resulting in an attractive smile that isn't too gummy.
  
  
• Orthognathics - Function and Cosmetic Change: Micrognathia - Learn how orthognathic surgery can create functional and cosmetic changes in even some of the most challenging developmental and congenital disorders such as Micrognathia, a feature of many common syndromes. - Written by Dr. Mitchell Pohl of Boca Raton FL
  
  
• Adult Orthodontics - Invisalign Teeth Straightening Choice - Many adults, young and old, but especially the older group, have orthodontic issues that weren't treated during developmental years, becoming worse for some. Others have orthodontic issues arise from causes that occur later in life (odd occlusion, trauma, bad dentistry). Wearing ugly metal braces are inconvenient and unappealing which has made Invisalign one of the most popular choices for getting straight teeth without the metal stuff.
  
  
• Adult Overbite - Alternative to Braces and Invisalign - Overbite conditions are not uncommon within the older adult population, regardless of an existing history of traditional ortho treatments. Years of wear and tear and cumulative bite abnormalities can create orthodontic distortions that are visible and/or become manifest in unusual occlusion that can damage healthy tooth structures. Many patients with high visibility careers or active social lifetyles seek cosmetic and occlusal correction, yet want it without the inconvenience of any type of braces... traditional or Invisalign. Learn how hybrid veneer and porcelain crown design can be used as an alternative treatment for some patients.
  
  
• Amalgam Removal Pain - Sensitivity - The removal and replacement of old fashioned mercury silver based (amalgam) fillings is becoming more and more popular for reasons of health, primarily, and also certain cosmetic benefits. Some patients discover, almost ironically, that they have pain and sensitivity issues they did not have prior to treatment. Learn the dynamics of this problem and the treatments used to resolve it. Authored by Mitchell Pohl of Boca Raton Florida
  
  
• The Art and Science of Smile Makeovers - 10 Factors - Truly creative dentists who focus much of their practice on cosmetic dentistry tend to follow a set of rules or guidelines for maximizing the probability of achieving the precise aesthetic result their patients want. Learn more about what some of these factors are - Authored by Dr. Richard Winter of Milwaukee WI
  
  
• Repair and Replacements: Reconstructive Enamel Treatment - Tooth enamel can become damaged or compromised in various ways. Genetics, eating habits, GERD and purging, just to name a few. See and learn about the different causes and possible treatment choices. - Authored by Dr. Richard Winter of Milwaukee
  
  
• Crown Failures - An Anatomy of Why and How Crowns Fail Two articles written on the subject by 2 renowned California and Wisconsin Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentists. Learn about the diagnostic methods and insights that have an easily comprehended logical approach
  
  
• Treating Diastema - Gaps Between Teeth - A fairly common cosmetic dentistry procedure that can be managed through more than one technique. Learn more about which procedure... bonding, porcelain veneers, dental crowns or the use of a bridge represents the best informed choice possible
  
  
• Porcelain Veneers - Things to Know - Veneer technology has enabled many patients to obtain a true makeover experience through the use of dental bonding procedures. Read about the things that should be known when evaluating this cosmetic procedure as your treatment of choice. - Written by Dr. Mitchell Pohl of Boca Raton Florida
  
  
• Computer Imaging in Cosmetic Dentistry - Computerized Imaging is the perfect technology that enables patients to visualize what their final cosmetic outcome will be... prior to treatment. Read about an example of a young man considering the use of porcelain veneers to create a makeover effect he has been longing for - by Dr. Jeffrey Hoos of Stratford Connecticut
  
  
• Flossing Your Way to Health - Flossing can be vital to your overall well being and not just for the health of the teeth and gums. Learn more about how flossing helps to prevent the occurence of what afflicts 80% of all adult Americans.... Gingivitis (early periodontal disease) - by Dr James H Doundoulakis
  
  
• Bone and Tissue Grafting - Different types of grafts for a variety of dental needs. Discusses why grafting is needed (gum recession - inadequate jaw bone) and causal relationships.
  
  
• Gum Tissue Harvesting Methods used for autogenous (self donated) gingival tissue have changed from the old method of shaving tissue off of the palate (roof of mouth) which can be invasive to some degree and require substantial healing time for some patients. Learn about a newer trap-door method that is becoming the prefered treatment of choice for patients needing gum recession treatments.
  
  
• Computer Guided Implant Surgery - Comparison of SimPlant technology (developed by Materialize) and NobelGuide (developed by Nobel Biocare) for use in achieving optimal placement of implant devices for individual or total tooth replacement. - by Dr. Daniel Marinic of Chicago (Evanston) Illinois
  
  
• Making Black, Dark or Brown Gums Pink - Unique applications of dental laser technology can effectively treat the problems of spotty, purple, black or entirely brown gums due to excess melanin deposits. Make gums pink again - by Dr Gary Bram of Bayside (Queens) New York
  
  
• Teeth Whitening: Fact and Fiction - Learn what works and what doesn't work with teeth whitening procedures. Cites an unusual study comparing different types of teeth whitening procedures - by Dr Daniel Marinic of Evanston (Chicago) Illinois
  
  
• Osseointegration - Process for Successful Implants - From tooth extraction to successful integration necessary for implant success. Learn the details and implications for different types of implant procedures. - Written by Dr. Daniel Marinic of Chicago (Evanston) Illinois
  
  
• Sedation Procedures for Cosmetic Dentistry Patients - Certain makeover and reconstructive procedures can involve extended diagnostics and treatments that can become uncomfortable at times. Learn how principles of sedation dentistry can be used for assuring patient comfort throughout an entire treatment plan. - by Dr. Ron Briglia of West Chester Pennsylvania
  
  
• Avoiding Treatment Failures: Learn about the importance of Articulators and how they are used by skilled dentists for monitoring bite and occlusal issues in diagnosis and successful treatment. - Written by Dr. Richard Winter of Milwaukee
  
  
• Dental Sealants: Do They Work? Learn the basic principles of how tooth decay gets started and how it can affect individual tooth structures differently, depending upon the location. Sealants can play an important role in providing a barrier in areas where the risk of caries is the greatest.