Porcelain Veneers with Minimal or Zero Removal of Tooth Structure

April 19, 2014 alexnguyen

A clinical presentation of a porcelain veneers case where I was able to accomplish the smile enhancement with very little or zero tooth structure removal. Due to the extremely thin and transparent pieces of porcelain, this technique cannot be used in cases where the natural teeth are too dark. In the right clinical situation, these types of porcelain veneers are so realistic looking that it is very hard to notice that the teeth actually had any enhancement done. This patient has received many compliments for her rejuvenated smile.

Case selection and coordination between the right dentist/ceramist team is crucial in producing a favorable result.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85GcrjTE0ts

Dental Implants Require Proper Bone Width and Height

April 16, 2014 alexnguyen

When a tooth is missing in the jaw for an extended period of time, the bone at that location resorbs in both width and height. Proper treatment planning is crucial in determining if ideal bone volume is in place before an implant could be placed with predictable long lasting result. In the case below resorption of the bone in three dimensions is observed, and the ideal treatment protocol requires an additional bone grafting procedure to build up the ridge before the implant can be placed. When required, bone grafting extends the treatment time for dental implant treatments. Nonetheless the long term treatment predictability merits the extra time and effort in treating everything right from the beginning.

Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.

What does a cavity look like ?

March 20, 2014 alexnguyen

When there is a cavity, the tooth structure becomes less dense. More Xrays can pass through, and the area appears dark on the image. On the tooth, a new cavity will have a chalky white appearance due to the decalcification of the tooth structure. As time goes by, the decay area picks up stain and the area can turn brown or even black. The tooth structure where the cavity exists becomes soft and feels like leather if we poke it with a sharp instrument.

Here are some images of a cavity on an Xray as well as on the same tooth in the mouth.

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Children's dental health is not just about cavities

March 16, 2014 alexnguyen

Regular dental exams and cleanings for children should be a routine part of health care. Beside checking for cavities and gum health, it is also extremely important to monitor the eruption pattern of children's teeth. Severe malalignment of the jaw and teeth can be treated effectively when caught early on in life. Leaving the eruption pattern uncontrolled can negatively affect the development of the facial profile of the young patient, and will create problems with the bite and joint health.

Bite problem and joint issues do not manifest until later on in life when tooth wear/fracture, and joint pain are noticed. In many instances early orthodontic treatments could have saved the patient's teeth in order to ensure a life time of functional stability for the dentition.

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Sample Smiles Restored by Alex Nguyen, DDS

March 14, 2014 alexnguyen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFW5z8Y_Ag8

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