Implants have been around, in some way or another, for centuries. Only recently did they become a seriously viable option for restoring a smile. A lot of patients aren’t aware of the benefits of implant dentistry, or come into the practice with misconceptions. I’ve drawn up an FAQ, which could be helpful to patients and…
The IPS e.max system lithium disilicate ceramic (LS2) clearly demonstrates you can achieve aesthetics and strength in a successful combination. Particularly true in single-tooth restorations, this innovative ceramic, while two and a half to three times stronger than other glass-ceramics, consistently produces aesthetically pleasing results. Lithium disilicate indication spectrum ranges from thin veneers (0.3 mm)…
We’re talking about oral health this week, and a vital part of that is how oral health fits into general health. A patient isn’t healthy if they haven’t got oral health; general and oral health aren’t separate. Oral health is a critical part of health, and it must be included in health care and the…
Oral health is what we do. While I work personally in the lab, the restorations we at Biterite contribute to are an important piece of the oral health jigsaw puzzle. For this reason, I’m going to be discussing oral health, including how we define it, it’s place in our general health, and we maintain it…
If you want to get the most of out your lab work, it all starts with an accurate, reliable impression, but even the most experienced practitioner can encounter difficulties when taking one. I’ve got special permission from 3M ESPE to share with you a number of tips developed by that company. 1. Tearing/rough surfaces: Rough…
When you’ve been wading through root canals, extractions, restorations and even implants, your perceptions change; what’s totally commonplace to a dentist can be mysterious and even frightening to a patient. Take, for example, a dental veneer procedure — you’ve done this dozens, if not hundreds of times, but it’s likely the patient you’re performing each…
In the past I’ve used this blog to talk about the huge importance of dentist-patient communication. As important as the patient-practitioner relationship is, the dentist-dental lab relationship is often overlooked. Today I’m going to take a look at how modern technology can enhance communication between the dentist and the dental lab. Until very recent advances…
Quick-fix dentistry is becoming more popular, especially on the back of six month smiles, television coverage, and ‘one day’ implants. Unfortunately the patient’s desires and expectations can outrun the capacity of modern quick-fix dentistry. Absent an overall comprehensive care plan, there is the distinct chance of overlooking other things which may be affected; the quick-fix…
Yesterday I was talking about the ethical problems of being asked to replace a functioning, healthy tooth restoration. Today I’d like to talk about the ethical obligations involved in ensuring proper isolation. Specifically, using a rubber dam. I think this subject is important enough to merit its own discussion. Even today there are dentists who,…
Let’s just image, for an example, a patient requests that a functional and non-defective amalgam restoration be replaced. Let’s go even further, suggesting that even after the clinician, doing his full and ethical duty, has disclosed and explained all of the potential consequences to alternative restorations. The patient digs their heels in, and persists in…
