The Dawson Academy, provider of dental seminars, is proud to participate in the 2012 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s Annual Scientific Session in Washington, D.C this May.

Joan Forrest, President and CEO of The Dawson Academy, shares, “The AACD meeting is our favorite meeting to attend because all the attendees are focused on becoming better dentists.”

Drs. Peter Dawson, John Cranham, and Scott Finlay, three Dawson Academy Faculty members will be presenting on the “Timeless Principles in Cosmetic Dentistry”.

Each of the three presenters has received many accolades to their name. Dawson is recognized internationally as one of the contemporary iconic leaders in modern dentistry. Cranham, clinical director of The Dawson Academy, is an internationally recognized speaker on the esthetic principles of Dentistry. Finlay is not only a senior faculty member at The Dawson Academy, but is also a fellow of the AACD and an examiner and board member of the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry.

“This will be the third time Dr. Dawson has presented at the AACD. He rarely presents at outside meetings and this level of participation reflects on how positively he views the work of The Academy and its members,” explains Forrest.

The three presenters will teach attendees the essential relationship between function and esthetics.

“The true foundations of quality, predictable and beautiful dentistry lies within the understanding of this sophisticated system. It is the application of the functional matrix that modulates smile design. Great smiles can only be a mirror for great design,” said Finlay.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s (AACD) Annual Conference is undisputedly one of the premier dental conferences in the country. It presents a blend of the top national and international experts in dentistry with a culture of elegant camaraderie.

Finlay shares, “This year, in Washington DC, there are already over 1600 registrants and the staff at AACD has one of the best program line ups ever. You will not want to miss this remarkable meeting.”

To attend their lecture, make sure to register with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry at http://www.AACD.com.

About The Dawson Academy
The Dawson Academy is an international provider of science-based dental continuing education, teaching dentists to comprehensively diagnose and treat dental problems with excellence and integrity. The Academy has taught dental courses to the dental industry for over 30 years and is dedicated to teaching the principles and skills necessary for the successful practice of complete, quality, and predictable dentistry. The Dawson Academy’s goal is to make good dentists even better.

• Regular dental checkups – By visiting the dentist at least on a bi-annual basis, many issues that cause the deterioration of your smile can be intercepted by a trained, tenured and experienced comprehensive care dental team.

• Orthodontics is just not for children – Alignment and position of your teeth have a lot to do with their appearance and reflection of light.  A broad smile, absent of rotations or overlapping teeth, is not only esthetic, but also easier to clean and the teeth receive forces in a way that they were designed to be the most durable.

• Professional Dental Whitening – Yes, over the counter whitening can be very effective, but if you truly want a white smile, seek the advice of your dentist.  Whether it is accomplished with an in office technique or with custom fabricated trays in a take home technique, your smile can appear whiter and cleaner with professional whitening.  At home maintenance with whitening toothpastes can help to maintenance that white smile between dental visits.

• Avoid staining agents – We can’t always avoid those dietary and beverage agents that stain the teeth, but it will help to insure a whiter smile.

• Proper home care – The importance of routine dental home care is essential not only to the appearance and health of your smile, but also your body as well.

• Smile Makeovers – If significant defects do exist in your smile, don’t worry, modern dentistry has potential solutions.  Many shortcomings can be restored with implants, veneers, crowns and bonding to rehabilitate a beautiful appearance.  Proper care can often require a significant investment, but is always worth the effort in hindsight.  The key element is to achieve these results in the most conservative way possible, while respecting the essential criteria related to healthy functional and biological design.  Treatment solely for esthetic reasons without consideration of these critical criteria can only result in unpredictable durability and require additional treatment due to the eventual failure of a short sited goal.  It is always best to have proper treatment completed the first time then it is to rescue treatment that was inappropriate.
Choosing a Cosmetic/Restorative Dentist –

-Search for a cosmetic dentist in your area that has the talent and training who can accomplish your smile enhancement predictably.

-Visit their facility; does their décor and technology reflect the level of commitment to cosmetic dentistry that is appropriate for the treatment you want?

-Talk to the staff.  Are they courteous and polite?  Will they make you comfortable for the procedures you will have completed?

-Talk to the doctor.  Does he have the level of passion and enthusiasm to stay committed to your treatment goals?  Will he listen and understand what you want to accomplish?  What has he done to dedicate himself to continuing education in this field?

-Finally look at his work.  Does he have before and after photos of treatment he has actually completed that is similar to the treatment you are seeking?

There are a handful of organizations dedicated to advancing cosmetic dentistry and recognizing dentists who meet their lofty standards. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), was founded in 1984 by Dr. Jack Kammer and Dr. Jeff Morley. What started out as a small group of dedicated individuals, has blossomed into the world’s largest and foremost organization for cosmetic dentists and cosmetic dental professionals.

Today, there are more than 6,000 members including cosmetic dentists, laboratory technicians, educators, and researchers from around the world.

The AACD Cosmetic Dentist
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry offers education and training on the latest techniques, procedures, and advancements in cosmetic dentistry. In addition, the AACD has an accreditation program for cosmetic dentists who are dedicated to going the extra mile.

There are many steps in the accreditation process. Candidates begin by passing a written examination. Next, they must submit a series of clinical cases that demonstrate their ability to treat a wide range of situations and complexities. Finally, accreditation is achieved by passing an oral examination. This process takes years to complete – but an AACD Accredited Cosmetic Dentist is special, there are fewer than 325 Accredited members worldwide.

Dr. Scott Finlay Annapolis Cosmetic Dentist
Annapolis cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scott Finlay has achieved the highest achievement in the AACD by becoming an Accredited Fellow. In addition to his rigorous accreditation process, Dr. Finlay has met the AACD’s high standards for an extended body of work representing excellence as judged by a jury of his peers.

This incredible number of cases demonstrates the level of expertise Dr. Finlay has treating complex cosmetic dentistry cases.  There are fewer than 50 dentists nationwide that have achieved this level of excellence and recognition by the dental profession.

More than that, Dr. Finlay is an active member of the AACD and holds a position on the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry, where he is responsible for testing, analyzing, and evaluating the services of dentist and laboratory technicians for the purpose of AACD Accreditation in cosmetic dentistry.

He contributes regularly to AACD publications as well as other cosmetic dentistry journals. He has recently finished revisions to the AACD’s Criteria Guide: Contemporary Concepts in Smile Design, which will be released in mid to late 2012. This guide, which saw its last update in 2001 will set the new, universally accepted parameters for smile design.

Dr. Finlay is committed to continuing education and is a senior faculty for the Dawson Academy which is a leading post graduate center for advanced dental training.  He presents programs to dentists from California to Florida, to Virginia and Chicago – even in the United Kingdom – on topics related to cosmetic dentistry, often in a hands on format.

Expert Care
Cosmetic dentistry is more than just creating pretty smiles. A cosmetic dentist should be a highly trained and skilled professional who strives to treat not just the cosmetic concerns, but the underlying functional problems that cause wear and damage in the first place.

According to Dr. Finlay, “Dental Aesthetics are only a mirror of the relative health of the smile. If something doesn’t look quite right, there is usually a biological or functional reason why the deterioration exists.”

A cosmetic dentist should also take into consideration the patient as a whole to create a smile that will look natural, fit comfortably in their mouth, and be best suited for their lifestyle.

Don’t trust your smile to any cosmetic dentist. Contact Annapolis cosmetic dentist, Dr. Scott Finlay for a consultation and learn more about improving your life and smile with cosmetic dentistry.

CPS produced the following comments and reviews following its skylight evaluation of our editorial Board. Full Evaluation from the rest of the team in our next issue of CPS Magazine.

First thoughts and Comments

•“Very easy to place the Barrier”
•“Makes Cross Contamination an non issue”
•“A Great addition to our standard of care in our practice”
•“ Patient’s appreciate the consideration of a disposable barrier in the aid of cross contamination”

Description

i-Barrier is a Single use, touch sensitive disposable tablet sleeve by Crosstex.

Packaging

The i-Barrier comes with 100 disposable sleeves in a cardboard box with instructions for use.

Clinical Indication

For the use in covering any tablet such as AN IPAD to prevent contamination after contact with any infectious materials.
Why do we need it?

We all know that OSHA states “all equipment and environmental and working surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. The use of disinfectants on some dental surfaces and equipment in the dental PRACTICE, WHICH can damage surfaces. The i-barrier is recommended instead of using a surface disinfectant that could cause potential Damage to the IPAD or Tablet.

The i-Barrier for Operatory Use

1.Insert the IPAD or Tablet into the sleeve, with adhesive strip facing back of tablet.
2.Remove the Adhesive
3.Fold over and close the i-barrier for a seal-tight fit
4.Remember the i-barrier has given the IPAD room for the operator to swipe the tablet to maneuver the applications.

Keypoint

The cover of the i-Barrier is smooth to not take away the detail of the IPAD presentation. Make sure the patient has a good hold of the IPAD not to drop it on the floor. 3 sizes will be available to allow the IPAD cover to be completely cover if nee
ded. Eash cover can be removed and discarded after every patient. If taking a photo of the patient, your digital camera or intraoral camera is recommended while using the i-barrier.

Quotes from the Dental Editors

Dr. Scott Finlay
The i-Barrier provides a commonsense infectious disease barrier for the iPad to make Its application in the operatory more practical. Patient’s appreciate the consideration of disposable barriers and the easy to apply sleeve does not impact the function of the iPad.  Patients love the integration of handheld technology chairside that they can hold and control.

Dr. Phillip Kemp
The i-Barrier makes using the iPad in the operatory a worry free experience. Cross contamination becomes a NON-ISSUE.

Shannon Pace Brinker CDA, CDD
The i-Barrier gives the patient a sense of relief that we are in compliant with the standard of care in our practice and that makes me fee at ease knowing we are doing all we can to make sure there isn’t any cross contamination to us or the patient.

The edentulous space must be documented pre-operatively with a radiograph. The examiner’s focus is limited by definition to the replacement tooth and any areas that that candidate has treated. It is not necessarily a case type in which comprehensive smile design criteria are heavily weighed, unless the treatment rendered encompasses a broader field in the smile zone.  The candidate must keep in mind that if a limited scope of treatment is elected, the balance of the smile zone should not be visually distracting to a reasonable extent that may otherwise indicate the need for additional management. A common modifier in this case type is underestimating the time required in establishing ideal tissue architecture.

The candidate’s case selection and abilities to treatment plan are particularly magnified in this case type. It is in the candidate’s best interest to find a patient with reasonable periodontal architecture that presents the optimal environment to create excellence. Our goal is to achieve a result that challenges the observer’s eye in discerning that a natural tooth does not otherwise occupy the edentulous space.  Working with a mentor, who has been calibrated as an examiner, is strongly recommended with every Accreditation case.

Successful management and treatment planning demands a mastery of not only prosthetic concepts, but also the parameters of health imposed by the periodontal architecture. Although some restorative dentists may provide advanced surgical procedures to their patients, in many cases effective treatment involves an interdisciplinary team.  This team would typically consist of the restorative dentist and the surgeon who may be involved in site development or the placement of the implant. Regardless of who performs the surgery if it is indicated, the key responsibility remains the orchestration of the treatment planning by the restorative dentist with a protocol that will hopefully provide predictable, durable and esthetic results.

A predictable protocol begins with a complete understanding of the options to restore the health and function for the patient. This protocol starts with a visualization of the desired solution that is then studied and modulated in 3 dimensions through the use of diagnostic models and a wax up of the intended result.  From this dental blue print, stents can be fabricated and utilized in both the surgical and restorative phases to effectively reproduce the designed anticipated results.  The restorative dentist will find great value in methodically and patiently manipulating the prototype restorations to help establish the best possible periodontal architecture.

Dr. Chan should be commended in his fine demonstration of each of these elements of case management and the final result. His conservative approach in limiting his treatment to the edentulous areas #6/11 was well within the parameters of this case type. His model analysis and diagnostic wax up allowed him to make key decisions in managing the spaces and develop the appropriate stents to be used during treatment.  His understanding of the biology of the system facilitated his planning in the ideal placement of the implant in 3 dimensions.  His attention to detail in managing the prototype insured the predictability of the tissue architecture and what appears to be a healthy and sustaining result.  His keen eye identified those elements of macro and micro esthetics that allows the restorations to invisibly disappear into the surrounding dentition.

The examiners as a group identified very limited criteria that were at fault. Most examiners awarded the case a plus one because of the excellence that it demonstrated.  The case passed unanimously.  Those criteria that accounted for minor deductions included:

Criteria 53- The opacity is slightly high in the cervical 1/3 of the cuspids
Criteria 87- Minor dissymmetry’s are noticed in the contra lateral teeth #6 & 11

The Accreditation Process represents the ultimate challenge in your growth in the mastery of dental esthetics.  Achievement of this gold standard of excellence will provide immeasurable rewards for you and your patients.

Accreditation Examination Criteria, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Madison, Wisconsin, March 2009.

Garg AK, Finley J, Dorado LS., Single-tooth implant-supported restorations in the anterior maxilla.   Pract Periodontics Aesthet Dent. 1997 Oct;9(8):903-10.

Hu XL, Li H, Luo J, Qiu LX, Lin y;  Multidisciplinary management of congenitally missing teeth with osseointegrated dental implants: a long-term report. Chin J Dent Res. 2011;14(1):29-36.

Simeone P, De Paoli C, De Paoli S, Leofreddi G, Sgrò S.; Interdisciplinary treatment planning for single-tooth restorations in the esthetic zone.  J Esthet Restor Dent., 2007;19(2):79-88.
Dawson PE. Functional Occlusion: From TMJ to Smile Design.  2007, St. Louis, Mosby, Chapter 31, pp366-377.

Jansen CE., Guided soft tissue healing in implant dentistry. J Calif Dent Assoc., 1995 Mar;23(3):57-8, 60, 62 passim.
Lewis S, Parel S, Faulkner R., Provisional implant-supported fixed restorations.,  Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 1995 May-Jun;10(3):319-25.

The examiners evaluate cases based on a point system that identifies minor, major, and catastrophic faults. A passing score is -7 or better. The examiners are also given the latitude to reward the candidate with a +1 point, in situations where the result deserves additional merit. Dr. Shimizu’s case passed unanimously with scores that ranged from -5 to -7. Almost all of the criteria faults were identified as minor and two examiners rewarded Dr. Shimizu with a +1. No case is perfect; the goals of Accreditation are to create a vision and demonstration of excellence, not perfection.

Dr. Shimizu achieved a wonderful result for his patient. The preoperative indications for treatment supported the final treatment plan. Dr. Shimizu extended treatment to include eight teeth because of the clinical indications. The indications for treatment are driven by the functional and health needs of the patient. Dr. Shimizu followed an established treatment protocol that helped to ensure a predictable result.

The examiners identified several common deficiencies in this case; often, these criteria are inter-related:

• One of the initial observations was the excessive length of connectors and the effect this had on the periodontal health and architectural harmony (Criteria #64, #71, and #72). An accepted guideline that is observed in nature relates to the proportion and size of the apparent contact zone or connectors between adjacent teeth. Typically, the ideal connector zone between the central incisors is 50% of the length of the centrals.1 The size of these connectors decreases in a symmetrical fashion as you move posterior. The effect of excessive connector length in this case appears to contribute to the impingement upon the cervical embrasures and the blunting of the papilla.

The comprehensive understanding of materials, preparation designs, and adhesive techniques should facilitate conservation of tooth structure while still meeting the parameters of function and health.

The apparent contact zone between the centrals is ideally 50% of the visual length of the centrals. Connectors between the centrals and laterals are 40% of this length, and the connectors between the laterals and cupids are 30% of this length (50/40/30 rule). The management of the facial line angles can have a significant impact on the visual reveal of the tooth. examiners noted the asymmetry of gingival zeniths, papilla heights, and inflammation of the tissue.

• Criteria #87 focuses on the visual harmony of contralateral teeth. The examiners identified a lack of symmetry of the visual width of the lateral incisors. This requires the careful management of the facial line angles and can be readily identified from the occlusal vie).2 Although the occlusal view is not how teeth are typically viewed in a social setting, it is a valuable perspective in helping to appreciate the impact that these line angles have on the reflective surfaces of the teeth. In this case, the occlusal view is helpful in visualizing why the facial plane of #10 appears narrower compared to #7. The cuspids also lack similar balance in contour and shape.

• Criteria #56 identifies the effectiveness in utilizing translucency to mimic nature and to harmonize with the balance of the smile.3 Several of the examiners found the intensity, volume, and pattern of the translucency to be slightly excessive and not reflective of what would otherwise be observed in nature.
Accreditation presents a consistent measurement of excellence in providing esthetic functional restorations of our patients’ smiles.

Dr. Shimizu has demonstrated his ability to meet this standard. He should be very proud of the result he achieved for his patient.

Although esthetics, in the past sense, is a subjective experience open to artistic interpretation, it is first important to establish a universal set of objective, systematic criteria allowing us to measure and guide our evaluation process.

The revised Guide to Accreditation Criteria seeks to provide information about those criteria. This revised Criteria Guide: Contemporary Concepts in Smile Design, to be released in mid-to late 2012, will be equipped with new diagrams, updated photos and a simplified re-organziation of the criteria.

The original Criteria Guide was published by the AACD in April 2001. The guide is a potpourri of universally accepted parameters of smile design recognized and vetted over the past several decades. In an effort to remain on the cutting edge of our understanding and mastery of smile design, it is the current charge of the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry (ABCD) to edit and republish a revised update to what has become accepted as the gold standard in dental esthetics. The revised guide will be equipped with the new diagrams, updated photos and a simplified re-organization of the criteria.

The guide begins with the broadest strokes of smile design and the focus progressively narrows to critique the individual characteristics in our attempt to emulate nature. We first introduce the concepts of global esthetics, which focuses on those criteria observed in un-retacted smiles and how the smile orients to the face. As our study continues to narrow, attention is aimed toward the elements of macro esthetics. Macro esthetics identifies the shapes and contours of teeth and their relationship to each other. Our final frame of reference converges on micro esthetics, those criteria related to the sublte intricacies fo shade, textures, translucesies and surface effects to make teeth look like teeth. These criteria aid us in fooling the eye and allowing restorations to blend invisibly into the smile.

The revised guide will continure to serve as an educational tool and provide common language in the assesment of smile design. It will provide measurable criteria to aid in our analysis and reasons for failure or success of a smile. The fianl application of these accepted gold standards will be invaluable, not only for those pursuing Accreditation, but for clinicians and laboratory technicians in creating common ground for interpretation and implementation of excellene in dental esthetics.

Watch the AACD Print Shop for the revised Criteria Guide: Contemporary Concepts in Smile Design!

-The ABCD takes this opportunity to offer special thanks to Dr. Scott Finlay for the countless hours he spent working our new Criteria Guide. His articulate and organized revison will not only be meaningul to our Members in the Accreditation Process (MIPs), but to everyone interested in cosmetic dentistry, for years to come.

Thank you Scott, for this priceless, updated revision!

Going to the dentist should be a part of everyone’s routine health plan. Routine dental care is not only important for oral health, but research has shown it is also important for maintaining the overall health of the entire body. However, despite its importance, some people avoid regular dental checkups because of dental phobias. Dental phobias are intense, sometimes irrational fears that lead to the avoidance of dental checkups and procedures. In some cases, the fear is so intense that it can cause a full panic attack. Sometimes, the fear is unexplained and irrational while at other times it is caused by past negative dental experiences.

Despite the trouble caused by dental phobias, having the right kind of dental care can help in overcoming the fears. Many have overcome their fears by using a dentist who is kind, patient, knowledgable, and who practices sedation dentistry. In sedation dentistry, the patient remains conscious while being relaxed and numbed through the use of oral sedatives, inhaled nitrous oxide gas, or intravenous sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. Sedation dentistry, while being safe and effective, helps create a peaceful dental experience with no pain and no anxiety. This in turn leads to better health, a more attractive appearance, and greater self esteem.

Fortunately, these problems can be fixed and a beautiful smile can be just around the corner. Braces are no longer just for pre-teens and teenagers. More people are taking care of their teeth and beautifying their smile later in life with various methods of cosmetic dentistry. It is not unusual to see adults in their fifties and later, with braces.

Today the finest orthodontic alternative to metal braces is Invisalign. The method is simple, gradual and comfortable. Invisalign custom makes clear plastic aligner trays to fit the client which pop on over the teeth. Every two weeks, the client pops on a new set. Office visits are required only every four to six weeks saving more time. The beautiful smile starts immediately because the aligners are invisible. Most people will not know the client is in orthodontic treatment. Although the end result, that beautiful and confident smile, is the same and the cost is about the same as metal braces, the advantages are hard to ignore. Because the Invisalign trays can be removed, the client may eat any type of food desired and then brush and floss normally. For Invisalign Teen, six replacement aligners are provided free if lost or broken.