Dental Tribune U.S. Edition

COSMETIC TRIBUNE The World’s Cosmetic Dentistry Newspaper · U.S. Edition The American Academy of Cos- metic Dentistry is offering several scholarships to dental students so they can attend the AACD’s annu- al scientific session in May at no charge — a $1,645 value. The AACD will host the session May 18-21 in Boston. The event, themed “The Rise of Collaboration,” will offer lectures, workshops and networking opportunities for cos- metic dental professionals. The AACD APEX Student Schol- arship includes: • Registration fees to the annual scientific session ($125 under- graduate) • Round-trip coach-class airfare (up to a $500 value) • Four nights hotel accommoda- tions (May 17–21) for the annual scientific session ($1,000 value) • One year of AACD membership ($20 undergraduate) • Undergraduate dental students are eligible to apply for the scholarships and will be judged on academic achievement, and their understanding of and commitment to the future of cosmetic dentistry. The dead- line for applications is March 1. To apply, students must submit: • Completed scholarship applica- tion (available at www.aacd. com/students). • Official dental school transcript (must be sent by a student’s school) • Two letters of recommendation • Essay (500–1,000 words) on the social or scientific value of cos- metic dentistry Applications will be accepted and reviewed by an AACD assigned review committee for consider- ation. For more information, visit www. aacd.com/students. About the AACD The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to opti- mally improve dental health, esthet- ics and function. Composed of more than 6,300 cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide, the AACD ful- fills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promot- ing and supporting a respected accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowl- edge and ideas, and providing accu- rate and useful information to the public and the profession. CT g CT page 3C Clinical indications for a composite metal PFM restorative By Barry McArdle, DMD Fig. 2: Transformed into a naturally balanced smile using Captek crowns. Although “metal-free” has become a mantra in some dental circles, even when it comes to indi- rect restorations, all-ceramics have their limitations. When parafunctional habits, wear of the existing dentition, the need for subgingival margin place- ment, masking of discolored tooth structure or the necessity of con- ventional cementability contraindi- cate the use of these newer dental materials, the traditional porcelain- fused-to metal restoration is called for. It has, however, fallen out of favor with many practitioners pri- marily because of its cosmetic shortcomings in the esthetic zone. There is an alternative to con- ventional PFM, which has proven itself as a prime option under these circumstances both functionally and cosmetically. Captek (Precious Chemicals Company, Altamonte Springs, Fla.) is a composite metal, not an alloy, whose optical prop- erties accurately mimic those of enamel’s underlying hard and soft tissues.1 In the hands of master ceramists, such as the Elite porcelain team at Arrowhead Dental Laboratory (Sandy, Utah), ultimate vitality can be obtained by using this system (Figs. 1, 2) and the shade match- es attained with this material is remarkable (Fig. 3). In addition, Captek has demon- strated micromechanical interlock- ing as its the primary mechanism of porcelain adherence2 , which January/February 2011 www.dental-tribune.com Vol. 4, no. 1 Dental students attend AACD scientific session for free Fig. 1: The patient’s worn, misaligned and discolored smile. Boston: Home to higher learning. Home to great teams. Home to history. Home to the AACD. There is no better backdrop for the 27th Annual AACD Scien- tific Session than Boston as the AACD writes the next chapter of its history with “The Rise of Collaboration.” Collaboration is the key to success for the modern cosmetic dental team. In order for dentists, technicians and team mem- bers to provide the comprehensive oral-health care today’s patients demand, dental professionals must develop and refine their skills together. During the AACD meeting from May 18–21, dental teams will learn side-by-side from some of the greatest educators in the world of cosmetic dentistry. Visit aacd.com for more information.