The Dental Face Lift - California Reconstructive Dentistry

Bite Rehabilitation Standards - The Status Quo

Dental Face Lifts, in it's most common form, involve the use of advanced dentistry methods to reconstruct a patient's bite, achieving an alteration of the Vertical Dimension that typically alters the jaw bone relationships into a normalized state.

This normalized state is either usually what a patient had prior to having excessive wear on their teeth (a normal process) or it can be a relationship that a patient never had.... due to developmental issues or other events (trauma, poor dentistry, poor oral health, etc) and is therefore created for the first time.

The most popular occlusal adjustment products and dental procedures used by most dentists may include dentures, fixed bridges, posterior crowns, posterior inlays and overlays, certain types of jawbone surgery and dental orthotics.

Advancements in Occlusal Rehabilitation

A small, but growing number of skilled dentists have achieved the ability to create significant changes in bite occlusion through the use of customized feldspathic veneer products.

The high grade porcelain available today now enables a select group of creative ceramists and dentists to alter the 3rd dimension of veneer dentistry (veneer height and biting surface) with occlusal and endurance properties that were once thought only achieveable through the use of the products mentioned above.

The patient pictured here had recently undergone a significant veneer makeover. A total of 10 porcelain veneers. Within several days of treatment the patient became quite underwhelmed over the final outcome and obtained treatment from 3 additional dentists to obtain the shaping and sizing features she wanted that would match her smile characteristics.

Despite having an attractive smile, the patient nonetheless felt her smile or bite was collapsing, which created a square appearance to her facial features. The dentists who had treated her assured her cosmetic treatments were the best that could be achieved with veneer dentistry.

Dental Veneer Bite and Occlusion Correction

Conducting her own research via the Internet, the patient discovered that occlusal adjustment is indeed possible with a porcelain veneer hybrid, designed to provide bite alterting characteristics in the same manner as other, more standard products.

Dr. Muslin and the patient reviewed several successful treatment plans that incorporated the sole use of veneer products to recreate (and in some cases create for the first time) occlusal relationships that "fit" the facial and jawbone characteristics that are unique for every individual.

Bite Opening Veneers California

The patient clearly understood the near absence of normal occlusion that was evidenced in the closeup photography presented here.

The upper jaw and anterior teeth were closing down, over her lower teeth, mimicking somewhat of an overbite. Several of the upper and lower teeth lacked definition in height and quite obviously had poor or no occlusion (topmost photo of the picture pair).

The patient understood almost immediately the need for increasing her bite height. She was excited to learn how veneers could be custom crafted to produce the changes she was seeking that could recreate the youthful (normal bite) appearance she had before her dentition started aging.

At the patient's request, treatment was begun immediately after the consult was completed. Impressions generated the stone models and diagnostic waxup models that Dr. Muslin, the ceramist and the patient used for creating veneer products on a tooth by tooth basis.

Face Lift Dental Laminates Santa Monica

The patient was provided with veneer temporaries to help her make her final choices of coloration and shading while the technical data derived from articulation studies formed the basis of developing the necessary physical characteristics (height, width, thickness, occlusal surface) that would create the normal bite alignment and dental function she hadn't had for years.

The deep bite problem (jaws closing down too far) was eliminated. Critical upper and lower tooth structures gained the height necessary for opening the bite (approximately 7mm) that restored normal jaw function and resting position.

As can be seen in our last photo, the patient's face no longer has a square appearance. Upper and lower lip support has been improved dramatically. Understandably the patient was thrilled with the outcome, looking and feeling years younger.

Have questions about how porcelain veneer hybrids can achieve changes in occlusal problems that may be affecting your facial appearance? Call us at (310) 829-6796 to arrange a consult or use our online Consultation form.

California Reconstructive Dental Face Lifts
Sam Muslin, D.D.S., M.A.G.D.
1908 Santa Monica Blvd
California CA 90404
(310) 829-6796