Reconstructive Dentistry
Santa Monica
Reconstructive dentistry can involve any number of multiple dental procedures. The success of reconstructive treatment is entirely dependent upon training, access to advanced technologies and, most importantly, the experience of the dentist.
Dr. Muslin has treated a number of cases where his experience, confidence, and artistic talents were able to help a patient obtain a "dental goal" that was once though impossible to achieve.
The gentleman in the photo here had a long history of speech defects, an "open bite" (couldn't make certain sounds because his teeth didn't come together properly) and had worn down certain teeth, thereby aggravating the overall problem. As a young man, he attempted speech therapy in an attempt to address the speech problems.
Dental Hopelessness
This gentleman was advised by medical and dentistry professionals that he would need extensive jaw surgery and years of orthodontic treatment. Understandably, he avoided treatment since it seemed there would be no guarantees of success. He essentially had given up hope.
Reconstructive Makeover Consultation
The patient met with Dr. Muslin, with the urging and support of his wife, who had been treated by Dr. Muslin in the past. Dr. Muslin determined that even with jaw surgery (requiring loss of work and hospitalization) and extensive orthodontics (requiring years of treatment), the issue of having ground down teeth would still not resolved.
Alternatively, Dr. Muslin recommended a full mouth porcelain reconsruction. A procedure that would involve the removal of old fillings and crowns. With this approach, using the latest advancements in dental ceramics, Dr. Muslin could create an orthodontically correct set of teeth.
Diagnostic makeups (wax models) were created to demonstrate to the patient what work would be involved and how his new teeth and occlusion would appear. New porcelain crowns and carefully crafted porcelain veneer materials would be incorporated into the dental work.
Precise Dental Ceramics
The diagnostic models created by Dr. Muslin were used by the ceramist to develop the porcelain materials for literally each tooth.
The end result, as seen in the adjacent picture, is an orthodontically correct occlusion and bite. The treatment was performed in just a few months. The speech problems eventually became non-existent.
This major porcelain reconstructive makeover had a dramatic impact on the patient. He acquired a great smile, better lip support, correct bite and overwhelmingly increased self confidence.
He also enjoyed the added bonus of appearing younger in age.
Review the photos below for more detail:
