EUREKA, MO--(Marketwire - Jan 23, 2013) - The art of dental restoration has exponentially advanced with the progression of technology. Thanks to the accessibility of tools and techniques such as digital impressions and CAD/CAM systems, dentists now have the ability to effectively restore a patient's smile by easily designing customized restorations. "Digital impressions and CAD/CAM restorations have become an everyday reality for modern dentistry. Whether lab- or office-made, a large percentage of all porcelain restorations inserted today are designed and milled," says Dr. Jack Griffin, Jr., a cosmetic dentist in St. Louis. As an experienced medical professional, Dr. Griffin is an innovator in his field and a large proponent of staying up-to-date on the latest technological advancements in dentistry.
At his St. Louis cosmetic dentistry practice, Dr. Griffin utilizes CEREC® (a CAD/CAM system) to perform porcelain restorations for partial teeth. The St. Louis dentist says, "In-office CAD/CAM systems such as CEREC® and E4D® have gained great momentum because of advancements in computer software and ease in design." Although software has simplified the overall construction process, the quality of the restorations has not suffered according to an article Dr. Griffin wrote on CAD/CAM systems: "The mean survival rate for milled CAD/CAM all-porcelain restorations has been reported at a greater than 97% success rate for nearly 5 years [1]. Wear rates for these materials are very similar to natural enamel, which minimizes iatrogenic abrasion of the opposing teeth [2]."
Once considered a difficult challenge, Dr. Griffin also says the CAD/CAM system enables him to construct better restorations for teeth located farther back in his patients' mouths:
"A minimally-invasive approach is often difficult to deliver in the posterior region due to the need to remove sufficient tooth structure to provide subsequent support for the restoration. The advent of CAD/CAM restorations allows the clinician to maintain an optimal amount of existing tooth structure while providing adequate support. The computerized design process further enables the maintenance of underlying tooth structure by allowing the clinician to modify the preparation's design on screen prior to final milling. The practitioner can immediately visualize the amount of tooth structure that is required to maintain the restoration, and remove only the amount needed."
In addition to its posterior benefits, Dr. Griffin says the CAD/CAM system eases the tooth restoration process for anterior teeth as well:
"With experience, aesthetic anterior restorations can be created in one appointment, particularly if the team has the ability to stain and glaze the restorations. Further customization can be achieved by cutting back and adding translucency or custom shade variations of porcelain, or by using blocks with varying porcelain translucency."
Whether they use CEREC®, or any other CAD/CAM system to construct teeth restorations, Dr. Griffin advises patients to make sure their dentist has the proper qualifications and experience to provide safe treatments and effective results. He adds that qualified dentists will provide the proper care and open communication to help ensure patients achieve their cosmetic dental goals.
About Jack Griffin, Jr., D.M.D.
Dr. Jack Griffin, Jr. graduated from Dental School at Southern Illinois University and completed a residency in general dentistry at the University of Louisville located in Kentucky. He founded Eureka Smile Center in 1988 and has since been serving the Eureka and St. Louis communities with the highest level of dental care. In addition to being asked to speak to hundreds of dentists countrywide about reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry techniques, Dr. Griffin has received awards that only a small amount of dentists receive. These awards include Diplomat status with the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry, Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, and accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Griffin is a member of many prestigious dental organizations and continuously helps other dentists work to enhance their practices.
Eureka Smile Center can be contacted by phone at 636-938-6241 or online at eurekasmile.com. Dr. Griffin's office is located at 18 Hilltop Village Center Dr. Eureka, MO 63025.
[1] Dumfahrt H. Porcelain laminate veneers. A retrospective evaluation after 1 to 10 years of service: Part 1 -- Clinical procedure. Int J Prosthodont. 1999;12(6):505-513.
[2] Dental Adhesives. Reality. Houston, Tex: Reality Publishing. 2004:241-299.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com
