Dr Gatti's Blog a Lawrence Dentist Reflections

At Dr. Gatti’s Advanced Dental Studio we now have available the option of a paste free polishing method. Many of our clients have already experienced this revolutionary new way of having their teeth polished. The polishing agent is impregnated into the polishing cup, thereby eliminating the need to dip the cup into a traditional gritty polishing paste. The result is a polishing procedure without the grit and splatter!

A study by the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Dentistry showed that the Butler Paste-Free Prophy is less abrasive on composite resin (tooth colored fillings) and enamel and provides a higher gloss finish than the paste products tested. The study shows it also maintains the original finish and gloss on porcelain, This is especially important for the many people with cosmetic restorations. In addition, tests conducted at the Indiana University School of Dentistry’s Oral Health Research Institute found that Butler Paste-Free Prophy cleans as well as traditional paste.

Of course, for those of you who prefer the traditional polishing method, we still have available the most up to date and leading polishing pastes available. Feel free to ask Dr. Gatti or one of our hygienists for more information.

Is an electric toothbrush really that much better than a regular brush?

The sooner you throw out that standard toothbrush the better! The benefits of replacing a standard toothbrush with a quality electric model are substantial for both adults and children. Electric toothbrushes generally make 20,000 to 40,000 brushstrokes per minute. The human hand just can’t compete with that!

The electric brushes do cost more, but they can be more effective in keeping teeth clean too, saving time and cost by preventing the need for future dental work. They are also especially helpful for those who aren’t able to clean their teeth thoroughly with a standard brush due to physical or mental disabilities.

Electric brushes come with many different features and it can be confusing trying to decide which brush to purchase. The next time you are in, be sure to ask us if you would like help in choosing which brush is best for you and how to use it correctly.

Many of you have invested a significant amount of time and energy for a fantastic smile. Maybe you have veneers, porcelain crowns or have whitened your teeth. The best way to maintain oral health is with daily care; yes, flossing as well as brushing. Bottom line, using an electric toothbrush will be more effective.

To sum it up, one of my clients told me that brushing now with a standard brush is like taking half a shower. It just isn’t the same! Happy Brushing! But don’t forget flossing!

The many facets of cosmetic dentistry  in Lawrence 

Over the past several weeks I have been addressing many facets of cosmetic dentistry. I have looked at what is involved in whitening teeth, how interdisciplinary dentistry is often times involved and how cosmetic dentists view situations differently than just disease prevention.  I thought over the next couple of weeks I could show you some cosmetic cases that we have been able to accomplish. Some will be relatively simple and others will be very complex.  I will try to show a couple of each type of case with each posting. Let’s see if I can’t keep it fun and interesting.  

Case I

When Alix was young she sustained trauma to her front teeth which led to discoloration that was very disconcerting to her. As we discussed available options with her it became clear that she was not only concerned about the coloration of the traumatized teeth, but also about the spacing, the positioning of the lateral incisor and the overall coloration of her teeth as well. 

These are issues that can be best addressed by a cosmetic dentist.

After discussing multiple options she decided that she would like to involve as few teeth as possible, but yet she wanted to have a great smile. 

The treatment involved whitening all of her teeth and the placement of porcelain veneers on her front four teeth.

See what you think? 
This is Alix’s un-retouched photo!

Case II

Sharon never really liked (this really is an understatement of how she explained it to me – but I think you get the idea) the spaces between her front teeth. She was alright with the overall coloration, however if she were going to address her smile she ideally wanted her teeth to be whiter and brighter.

After reviewing the options, waxing up an option on her models and then “mocking up” her smile temporarily in her mouth, it was decided to limit the treatment to the front four teeth.As with the previous case we were able to whiten her teeth, then place porcelain veneers on her front four teeth. She was elated with the outcome and still finds it hard to believe that she got such a dramatic result with only involving four teeth. Take a look!