After several years of doing small fixes to the teeth, it was finally time to fix them. We have been maintaining this wonderful patient for the past 14-years, and this year we decided it was time to take a step forward with the smile, and repair the damaged and aging enamel with a set of
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The patient presented with a discolored filling on the tip. The old filling was made partially translucent, which normally looks very nice and very natural. In this case, the patient’s natural teeth are mostly opaque, which makes the filling look slightly darker. Separately, composites are known to slightly yellow in shade over time. So, the
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When a patient fractures a premolar, it depends on the angulation of the fracture, whether it can be saved with a crown or not. If the angle of fracture is oblique, (and comes out at a 45° angle, or even vertically then turns 90°,) then, a block of tooth breaks off, and the tooth can
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I was working on fillings for my patient and I noticed some of her old composite work, which was completed by a different dentist at her old office, was starting to show it’s age. Composites, the white resin fillings, often look impeccable the day that they are placed. Little by little composites tend to lose
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When you have a bike accident, you have options. Sometimes the fractured teeth require veneers or crowns. In this case, we were able to restore the teeth with composite. I wanted to try a brand new composite that claims it can match any tooth. So, we placed this as the first layer, but, it was
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Here is a wonderful case that illustrates how effective Invisalign can be. One of the challenges we face when completing orthodontic treatment, (formerly braces,) is the resistant idea from some patients saying to themselves or out loud, ‘A clear plastic tray couldn’t move my case.’ (or) ‘My case is too tough for clear plastic trays.’
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This case epitomizes how many options we have as restorative dentists to repair, restore, and in this case remineralized root surfaces. The outcome may look similar to the naked eye, but, the long-term impact of our approach to treatment really matters. Let me explain it simply, the remineralized teeth did not require any cutting with
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When a tooth fractures, an inlay can be a conservative option if a full crown is not required due to structural requirements. In this case a tooth had a thin area of tooth along the MB of #14 (photo taken in patient mirror.) The thin remainder of tooth fractured vertically and horizontally immediately adjacent to
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This case shows one of the dental conditions that is very familiar to anyone who has had a history of grinding and clenching. One of the complicating background factors of this case is a history of dry mouth. Dry mouth tends to accelerate erosion because there is not adequate salivary flow to flush off acids
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Accidents happen: 10-yr-old fractured his front teeth in apparent fall accident. The patient presented for emergency evaluation of his front teeth. The coronal portion of the tooth fractured in half, but, did not break into the pulp chamber. The teeth were fully erupted and a typical central incisor is 11mm long. His teeth were broken
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