Orthodontics for Undersized Teeth
Bioclear Injection Over-Molding versus traditional dental “Bonding” ... “Bonding” sounds like a cheap way to fix a wrecked car fender. This has given dental composites a bad name. Online “Cosmetic Dentistry Experts” tell consumers that bonding is inferior to porcelain veneers. Flawed systems, lack of training, and a dearth of proper composite engineering principles eventually cause teeth to look like poor asphalt patchwork. The Bioclear approach is not bonding. It is injection overmolding. Instead of just patching the tooth, the Bioclear Matrix and method allows the entire tooth to be overmolded with variable thickness composite. Properly done, the Bioclear matrix and method is superior to porcelain veneers for young post-ortho patients to complete injection overmold cases with undersized incisors.
Cracked & Fracturing Teeth
“Teeth are fracturing in record numbers. Cracked and fractured teeth are now the 3rd leading cause of tooth loss in industrialized nations. Posterior teeth with conservative amalgams and com-posites are splitting and losing cusps. Crowned teeth, both posterior and anterior, are fracturing off at tissue level. Endodontically treated teeth are splitting, snapping off, and simply imploding. Additionally, endodontists are reporting that cracked teeth are now replacing carious teeth for causative etiology in numbers of patients referred for endodontic treatment.
We assume that the causes of this pervasive and growing problem are (a) we are living longer; (b) our stress levels are rising, and clenching and bruxism are also more prevalent; (c) the advent of the high-speed handpiece spawned billions of iatrogenic “G.V. Black” cavity preparations that have weakened posterior teeth deep axial crown preparations in the name of porcelain aesthetics; and (e) aggressive “crown-down” endodontic shapes in delicate, non-round roots.
Dentistry’s last great mystery, fracturing, is a poorly understood process. A dramatic change in the focus of continuing dental education toward cosmetic dentistry, bleaching, and implants has shifted our attention away from some of the most integral aspects of the healing art of dentistry, and cracks top that list. We now find our profession faced with a monumental problem that will require a significant commitment and reallocation of resources to address appropriately. There is no need to assess blame; we must simply roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
Kashana’s Worn Down Teeth
https://youtu.be/4oFwPSfLjZY
Kashana was willing to make the trip to Tacoma, Washington’s Bioclear Clinic, from out of state, because she was interested in how the Bioclear Method could be employed to conservatively treat her black triangle teeth, repair her broken lower teeth and restore her thinning, chipping, upper teeth. Her issues happen to us all. From attrition due to unstable tooth-to-tooth contact such as unconscious grinding and abrasion resulting from abrasive toothpastes and toothbrushes to erosion caused by eating acidic foods or drinking carbonated beverages—there are almost too many ways for the enamel coating your teeth to wear down. Untreated, worn-down teeth can lead to additional deterioration and problems including pain and even infection. Which is all in addition to the obvious cosmetic concerns.
Fortunately for Kashana, even though her smile had been negatively impacted by damage and tooth decay Dr. Clark was able to restore her smile using Bioclear. The Bioclear Method is a relatively inexpensive, alternative to the porcelain veneers other cosmetic dentists would have fitted by grinding away portions of Kashana’s already worn-down teeth. Using Bioclear Matrixes, Dr. Clark was able to injection mold, tooth-colored, dental composite around Kashana’s damaged teeth—preserving the remaining tooth structure while fully restoring her smile.
Don’t just take our word for it though, press play and see for yourself.
The Mother of All Black Triangles
"Sometimes a particular case comes along that appears, at first, to be overwhelming. The case described in this article fits that description. However, when this patient emailed my office and inquired about the possibility of flying across the country to have me treat him, I had fortunately done many cases involving hundreds of teeth using the matrix system that I developed to treat dentition afflicted with black triangles, albeit none of this magnitude. I felt absolutely confident that we could achieve a good outcome. The trick was to disassemble the case into bite-sized pieces. This case presents many excellent questions and the additional challenge of severe facial abrasions. I will first review the background of black triangles and of lower incisor complications, and then proceed with the presentation of the clinical procedures used to treat this particular patient."
Treating the Dreaded Black Triangle
This case presents many excellent questions and the additional challenge of severe facial abrasions. First Cosmetic Dentist Dr David Clark reviews the background of black triangle gaps between teeth and of lower incisor complications and then proceed with the presentation of the clinical procedures used to treat this particular patient.
Treating Severely Worn Lower Incisors
Older dental patients present unique challenges that require dentists to turn to innovative treatment solutions. Each patient treatment should be based on a multitude of factors. However, in the end, two simple questions should be posed to every patient who has reached the twilight of their life, defy the odds, and live on, and on, and on. First, do you think that you will live or could live another 5 or 10 years? Second, do want to outlast your teeth or would you like your teeth to outlast you?
The New Science of Strong Teeth
Most restorative dentists - here in Tacoma and elsewhere - have questioned themselves in regards to the way they prepare Class II restorations. I have certainly done so as my 57-carbide mowed through mostly healthy tooth structure, knowing that I was seriously weakening the tooth.
Microscopes for Esthetic Dentistry
One of America’s best-known architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, once said, “The physician can bury his mistakes, but the architect can only advise his clients to plant vines.” Recent dramatic changes in the practice of both restorative and cosmetic dentistry have placed us in a position that is now very similar to Wright’s architect. Dental patients now “grade” their dentists on the aesthetic quality of their results, and the bar goes ever higher.
Patient Centered Outcomes
Renowned cosmetic dentist Dr. David J. Clark, DDS, defines patient-centered outcomes vs process outcomes and promotes a more minimally invasive mindset in the profession that favors preservation and restoration of the natural tooth.
Michael’s Black Triangle Teeth
https://youtu.be/VVAfdaKHToY
Michael is a Doctor who contacted our dental office in Tacoma, concerned about his smile, because of the black triangle-shaped gaps between his teeth. His situation was not unique. You see, roughly 30% of adults have open gingival embrasures commonly known as black triangles. These dark gaps between teeth can make a smile look older than it is and even lead to dental health problems because they can result in excessive plaque or food particle build up. Fortunately for Michael, the Bioclear Method is a minimally invasive and cost effective composite bonding technique that’s an alternative to the porcelain veneers most cosmetic dentist would turn to in order to treat a case like his. It’s ideally suited to closing black triangle gaps, improving the integrity of his gums and the appearance of his smile.
Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it, you can press play and see for yourself.