Function and esthetics are more inextricably linked than you might think. As the research and practical understanding of occlusion increases, we continue to see that achieving a beautiful smile goes hand in hand with influencing healthier function. The occlusal relationship cannot be ignored. Occlusal Relationship and Esthetics Dental occlusion has been considered a controversial topic […]
Often when we complete complex restorative cases, one of the components is to change the vertical dimension of occlusion. A super common question that gets asked is how much should we alter the vertical? by Dr. Lee Ann Brady In truth, the answer to that question is easy. It will be determined by placing the […]
Consistently achieving patient goals is one of the most important abilities we acquire as dentists. We have to balance solid communication, efficiency, and technical skills. In this blog, Dr. Catalano delves into two facets of successful care: listening and battling perfectionism. If we don’t hear what the person’s true values are, we can’t deliver exactly […]
Control bites are a crucial technique when working with vertical dimension changes. Read on for Part 2 of Dr. Catalano’s approach to this complex area of dentistry. by Dr. Chris Catalano In my previous post on this topic (which you can find over at the Clinical Mastery Series blog) I explained why vertical dimension is so tricky and the initial […]
Patients who parafunction present a significant challenge because they require precise occlusal techniques. On top of that, there is a higher likelihood they will break restorations. Read on to learn how one dentist approached a cosmetic case where parafunction posed initial complications. Case #14: Treatment Planning and Occlusion When Parafunction Exists Clinician: Dr. Eric Rouah, Toronto, Ontario-Canada […]
Switching labs can be a difficult decision and process. Dr. Eric Farmer talks about the reasons he decided to work with Gold Dust. Eight years ago after I took Ultimate Occluson Level 1, I started to have some frustrations with the results I was getting from my local lab. They did not understand the language […]
What responsibility do we have to patients to notice and treat signs of future problematic symptoms? Consider occlusion as a dental expertise that requires more than just technical skill. It also requires careful observations, individualized judgment, and preventative measures. You can’t eliminate the human factor in treating a patient – even if they do not […]
What do you say when a patient comes into your office complaining of headaches? Dr. Brady is back and better than ever in the next installment of her “Occlusion or Delusion” series. You can read her previous post on the importance of “BITE” over at Clinical Mastery Series’ blog. by Dr. Lee Ann Brady Headaches matter. […]
Some cases can be easily classified as train wrecks when they appear at our dental practices. Restoring function is even more satisfying in these situations. Case #6: Restoring Function in a Case of Massive Erosion and Wear Clinician: Dr. Mary Viechnicki, Allentown, PA A 38-year-old patient presented with dentition destroyed by massive erosion and wear. Extreme sensitivity […]
We may not “treat” joint noise, but we still need to listen to the joint with tools like a good stethoscope or doppler. by Dr. Lee Ann Brady In a recent post, I focused heavily on why we should spend less time obsessing about the “noise” of joints. I even went so far as to state […]
