I recently attended a conference on the use of CBCT in orthodontic diagnosis and therapy. I was blown away by the change that assessing airway is having on orthodontic recommendations and therapy in children. Inadequate airway is linked with narrow palates, tooth crowding and other ortho challenges. CBCT allows for airway diagnosis and for more Read More
The Power of The Tongue Part 4
To conclude our series on the tongue this video will look at the role it plays in TMD. When I first learned this I was a bit skeptical, but then the facts began to line up. For example when a patient tongue thrusts the joint pressure increases. If someone does this chronically it can contribute to breakdown in the joint space. The tongue also plays a role Read More
The Power of the Tongue Part 3
In this third segment I want to discuss being tongue tied. We are all familiar with the fact that being tongue tied means the patient has a soft tissue connection to the floor of the mouth with a strong fibrous connection. This limits the movement of the tongue, and prevents all the natural tongue placement we discussed in the first 2 segments. I recently Read More
The Power of the Tongue Part 2
Click here for The Power of the Tongue Part 1 In the last video we talked about normal healthy tongue activity. In this video let's look at tongue thrust, the first of the abnormal tongue movements. A tongue thrust, and there are many variations is an abnormal amount of anterior tongue movement. This can result in a narrowed dental arch and the classic Read More
The Power of the Tongue Part 1
Recently I have gotten very interested in learning about the tongue. I have been spending time with a myofunctional therapist, and amazed by the role a healthy tongue and tongue function plays in airway, TMD and maintaining tooth position and arch form. In this first part of a series of the tongue I want to look at normal tongue function. Click here for Read More
Diashine Polish Kit
Diashine has been my go to polishing kit for extra-oral uses so I was excited when they came out with their polishers for a latch handpiece and to be used intraorally. The Hornbrook kit is designed for all of the materials and uses that I have in my practice. Whether I am polishing e.max, empress or natural teeth I get perfect surface texture and luster Read More
Have Fun!
Having fun at work is not only possible but probable. I don't mean throwing a party or bringing in lunch. Are you having fun when you are practicing dentistry, performing procedures and being with patients? What "Fun" looks like is different for each of us based on our personalities and preferences. Whatever that look like for you, I think of it as Read More
New Patient Monitor
I wanted to share a system we use in my office I call "New Patient Monitor". It is a way once a month that I can review the new patients that came in and where they stand. For me it is a good reflective analysis so that I can get better at what I do. Who Referred them Treatment Recommended Who Accepted Treatment Who Is Scheduled Read More
Chlorhexidine Scrub
Have you ever seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"? If so you remember that the father of the bride used Windex to clean everything. In my world I use Chlorhexidine prep scrub, specifically Consepsis from Ultradent, to clean every prep. If you are looking for better impressions or better bonding, this is a key step in the process. Read More
Daring Greatly
A few years ago I heard Dr. Brene' Brown At the AACD meeting in Seattle. Her book Daring Greatly is about the paradoxes of courage, and how to be strong we have to embrace our vulnerability. This can be so difficult for dentists who seem to carry a similar personality trait of striving for perfect. Perfectionism can be a key to success, but it can also be Read More