Occlusal clearance issues with e.max while working on a restoration.

Why You Should Tell the Lab How You Want to Seat a Restoration

Working effectively with the lab during a restoration depends on our ability to see things from the lab’s perspective (same goes for the lab with the dentist). This is especially true when cementing and bonding with e.max. In Dr. Brady’s previous blog on Ivoclar Vivadent’s IPS e.max as a versatile ceramic, she explained many advantages to the […]

Case of the Month photos

Case of the Month: Creating an Occlusion That Resists Parafunction

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 […]

The rewarding aspects of restoring a smile.

Blast From the Past Case of the Month: Restoring More Than a Smile for Dramatic Results

Following through with a tricky technique and creating fabulous esthetic results are professionally affirming, but we find the most rewarding moments come from the self-confidence we’re able to give patients through a new smile. Case #11: A Smile Restoration of Discoloration, Deterioration, and Self-Confidence Clinician: Dr. Wes Booker, Owensboro, KY First Steps & Comprehensive Exam When we […]

A team effort made this a successful case.

Case of the Month: The Team Approach to Stunning Smiles and Ideal Function

When a case combines aesthetic and functional needs, the team approach to treatment is essential to success. Case #4: A Solid Team, Comprehensive Treatment, and Ideal Lab Techniques Clinician: Dr. Paul Biederman, Anchorage, AK With old failing restorations a significant reverse smile line, and lack of anterior guidance, patient Linda pursued treatment for aesthetic and functional reasons. […]

business

The Balance of Business and Healthcare

Running the business side of a dental practice is a difficult balance of profits and patient-centered care. by Dr. Lee Ann Brady Consider this scenario: A patient comes in for a basic hygiene appointment and, lo and behold, you notice that a restoration you seated has an open margin. The cost of this issue falls […]

occlusal reduction

The Right Amount of Occlusal Reduction in a Restoration

by Dr. Lee Ann Brady Occlusal reduction issues can strike when you least expect it. One of the worst calls you can get from the lab when creating a restoration is that the provisional has been under-reduced and the result will be too thin. There are two main challenges to a successful occlusal reduction and a satisfactory […]

impression gold dust and dr olitsky

Impression Troubleshooting Challenge #3: Cowboy Hats

There are many challenges dentists face in taking an impression that can be utilized effectively by the lab. Oftentimes, the list of “what not to do” when it comes to impressions and preps is far more important than the list of what to do, because an improper result can lead to frustrating remakes and a […]