San Francisco Cosmetic Dentist Blog | Dr. James Klim D.D.S.

Harmony with Metal-Free Dentistry

2012-02-08T16:55:00.009-07:00

Many of you already know that I utilize a technology in our dental practice, called CEREC, that gives me the opportunity to give you a new crown or restoration in only ONE appointment. Besides the efficiency and precision of the restoration, the material we use for our clients is chosen because of it's bio-compatibility. We use materials that restore harmony in your mouth. We know that the ugly metal isn't natural, nor is the mouth an appropriate dwelling place for those old restorations. Research shows that the old amalgam fillings, over time, actually start to break down what natural tooth structure is left. The ceramics and restorative elements we have chosen don't stop with the tooth material.

We use what I call biological super-glues that keep these restorations at their peak performance for years. When working with the components involved with bonding restorations, we as dentists, have to be aware of how to best implement a bonding system so that your restorations will continually function as natural teeth. Picking a specific bonding system is not something I take lightly. It needs conclusive, sound research by the dental universities, objective dental researchers, and dental professionals. I choose the best of what the world has to offer for my clients.

I truly believe that my team and I can provide a better quality of life to our clients with the materials we select for our practice. We keep our ears to the ground with the most innovative products that have the backing of good, clinical research. Because of this our clients are comfortable and happy, but more importantly safe and healthy.

Another Year of Possibilites

2012-01-04T15:54:00.005-07:00

Wow, 2012 is here!

When I reflect on 2011 I can see the progress I've made in my dental practice. We've had many great new clients, all of whom gave me the opportunity to change their lives through dentistry. They continue to help me learn and work to achieve a higher level of excellence.

I was privileged to teach dental professionals all over the world in the last year; Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Aruba, and all over the U.S. Among those trips I visit some of the manufacturers of the products for dentistry and test materials before they reach the field. I have the ability to use the worlds top biological super-glues or bio-compatible tooth material that keep you, our clients, safe and happy. This year I am anxious for the advantages we will have in some new materials and products so that we can serve you better.

Our team is looking forward to the new year to develop themselves more. One of my team members told me that their resolution for the new year is not one huge accomplishment, but rather a series of baby steps. They told me, one month or even one week at a time they will address their resolution and try not to bite off more than they can chew. I think that is a great way to soak up the enjoyment of progress and to keep an optimistic view for this new year.

I look forward to spending this new year with our clients, our team, and most of all our families. I wish you a good start on this new year!

2011-11-14T17:34:00.004-07:00

We recently got a new in-office whitening system that only takes 20 minutes!! It is called "Sinsational Smile" and it is as easy as taking 20 extra minutes for the appointment.

We use the pre-loaded mouthpiece with whitening gel and shine the light on it for 20 - 25 minutes. Our clients and team members are seeing amazing differences in just the quick little whitening session. You can call Debbie, our Front Office Administrator, and schedule an appointment, just ask her about "Sinsational Smile". You can also add it to an existing appointment and receive a discount. We like this product because it is quick for you, our clients, and it adds that little zest you are looking for after your hygiene visit or any other appointment you have with us.

Just call us and ask! 707.544.SMILE (7645)

Half-Way!

2011-06-30T10:26:00.009-06:00

Wow! Now that it is already half-way through 2011, I can't help but look back to the beginning of the year and think about those goals and resolutions I had set for myself. Are you doing the same thing?

What makes me the happiest about this year is getting this website developed for you, our clients. I love making this website easier to convey the information to help you make better, more informed decisions about your dental health care. Take a look at some of our videos, we are still getting some more ready to put up here, stay tuned!

I have also had a chance to do some more teaching on the weekends. For those of you who don't know, I have the opportunity to educate dentists all over the country and share with them the technology we have, as dentists, at our fingertips. With my teaching institute, "CADStar", I am sharing with them the newest techniques and systems to optimize their experience, which in turn allows them to offer their clients the best dentistry has to offer.

One of the greatest changes in dentistry is the chance to have a CAD/CAM system in our office. This is of course our CEREC computer and milling unit. CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) gives me full control over your restorative options! If you watch the videos on our website, you can see some of the remarkable results that can be achieved using this technology.

I hope your 2011 is unfolding as you had anticipated and that those new year's resolutions haven't fallen by the wayside, because we still have the rest of the year to reach our goals!!

2011-03-21T13:38:00.001-06:00

Dental crowns don't have to appear dull, chalky, and have a dark line at the gumline. Metal-free ceramics, in combination with modern bonding adhesives, provide strong, durable, and beautiful teeth that rival nature.

Metal-free dentistry can rehabilitate the full dentition back to a natural form, dramatically decreasing the risks of tooth fracture, root canal treatments, gum infections, and tooth loss.

Notice the final translucency, gradation of color, and invisible borders. Believe it or not, the margins (borders) are not under the gum line. This allows for superb gum health. I'm sure you have seen those unsightly crowns with the "black-line" effect as seen in the illustration above to the left. This does not happen with modern dentistry!

CEREC Dentistry

2010-02-03T11:02:00.008-07:00

More attention is being given to CEREC in dental journals, of course. But even more exciting is that the public is becoming more aware of the advantage CEREC users have in caring for their patients. I have used this system for many years and am privileged to be an educator in the field. The CEREC system allows me to have complete control over procedures that I used to send to a dental lab for fabrication. To my clients this means that many times we are able to take care of them in one visit. That is only a fraction of the benefit. My experience and education in CEREC enables me to manufacture crowns, veneers, and fillings that are more natural looking and longer lasting than ever before. And, of course, all of these restorations are completely metal-free/bio-compatible; a field which is also receiving a lot of consumer interest. As this technology progresses, I will keep posting updates on this blog, letting you know what new and exciting developments are happening in the field. If you are in need of any type of dental restoration, I’d be glad to show you what amazing results CEREC can give you.

TMJ Pain Relief - And A Great Smile!

2010-01-28T14:33:00.014-07:00

One of the most truly rewarding aspects of my profession is the opportunity to impact lives in a very positive way. When a patient is seeking a more confident, aesthetically pleasing smile, relief from TMJ pain,or just a healthier mouth; I am pleased to be able to design a plan to reach their dental goals. Doing so requires incorporating the most modern technology available with the artistic approach I have developed over my many years of practice.
Here’s an example: Neal came to me in a great deal of pain. The results of the treatment plan we implemented were as thrilling to me and my staff as to Neal himself.

Neal had premature wear on his teeth for his age. From the TMJ interview, we discovered a connection between the dental grinding, premature wear, and his TMJ pain.

Following dental records and the muscle/skeletal assessment, it was determined that Neal’s bite was over-closed and the lower jaw was drifting back due to bite collapse, creating a TM joint compression.

Chronic muscle fatigue eventually translates into sore cramping muscles leading to the TMJ pain.

Not all people with accelerated wear and overactive muscle activity will experience TMJ. It is all about neurological and muscle adaptation. When the physiological and psychological stress grows beyond the threshold of the brain and body to adapt, the signs and symptoms of TMD follow. This was Neal’s problem.

With the records and test results in hand, Neal and I discussed a workable solution to his primary dental objectives (rehabilitating the worn teeth, balancing the bite, and enhancing the smile). In my practice, my primary focus before initiating comprehensive restorative care is to establish a comfortable bite and jaw relationship. Following Neal’s successful fixed orthotic phase, the upper arch was restored to optimize aesthetics and function.
Technological advances in 3D imaging and virtual design now allow me to design the final restorations on a computer. I am my own ceramist and I design every wax-up. This means that I can “fingerprint” the final restorations (front veneers and posterior crowns) for ideal functional and aesthetic results.

The final restorations were then machined from a special grade of ceramic material that functions and appears like natural enamel.
The natural tooth gradation/color transition is already designed in the ceramic, so the aesthetic result is very natural. In addition, when these ceramics are bonded with precise clinical technique, they will surpass tooth strength and yet have wear properties that are as biologically compatible as enamel.
Artistic finishing techniques were used for the final texturing and superficial gloss. The artistic eye that I inherited from my mother shines through at this point.

You can see by Neal’s final photos, that he is ecstatic with the results! This type of tr eatment may not be the most simple or inexpensive treatment, but when accomplished it will change one’s life.

Metal Free - Why?

2009-08-20T16:28:00.006-06:00

Many people are expressing concern over the mercury found in amalgam fillings and possible health risks. Since mercury scraps are considered a form of toxic waste, this does seem to be a viable concern; though amalgam fillings are still considered safe by government standards.

However, the effect of mercury on our over-all health is only one reason people are considering replacing existing amalgam fillings. Metal fillings containing mercury can actually weaken the tooth and eventually lead to problems such as fractures and bacterial invasion causing decay and toothaches; which may result in the need for a root canal or even in losing the tooth.

Modern dental technology has produced ceramic restorations which are more attractive than metal fillings. We take great pride in providing our patients with the most natural looking restorations. Our practice is unique in that I have had the opportunity to become an educator in the field of CAD-CAM dentistry. It has been my privilege to teach other dental professionals worldwide. The materials used are the most bio--compatible and functional ceramics in the world. Studies have shown that they wear like natural teeth, since our bodies recognize them as a material comparable to enamel - a familiar component.

A healthier mouth and more attractive smile can be a wonderful advantage of going metal free. And many patients are able to be metal-free in one to two visits.

If you're ready to replace your existing amalgam fillings with beautiful ceramic restorations, we will be glad to go over all options and show you the amazing results that some of our other patients have experienced by going metal-free. Our office staff eagerly awaits the opportunity to assist you.

Whitening- Is it safe?

2009-05-21T14:03:00.006-06:00

Many patients come into the office and ask if tooth whiteing is a safe way to enhance their smile. We answer those patients with an emphatic "yes!"

Tooth whitening has come a long way in past years. The newest technology provides a safe and comfortable way to improve the look of the teeth without veneers. There are many choices on the market. These include over-the-counter gels and strips, custom bleaching trays and in-office power whitening procedures.

Over-the-counter products can be effective, yet they take 4-6 weeks to deliver the best results.

Custom bleaching trays are a faster alternative to over-the-counter products. The process is pain free! A mold of your teeth is taken. Then the custom trays are fabrticated in our office very quickly.You are then provied with potent bleaching gel (only availible through dentist offices) to place inside the trays. You will use the trays as directed by our office. In approximately 1-2 weeks, the teeth are whitened and more importantly brightened!

In-office power whitening is the fastest way to get your teeth their whitest. This process is also very safe and can be accomplished in about 2 hours. To keep your teeth their whitest, you will be given custom whitening trays and bleaching gel to take home.

Call our office today to see what option would be right for your smile!

Cosmetic Dentistry

2009-04-27T11:44:00.000-06:00

The Gallery of Fine Smile Design is a unique center of excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Using the latest in advanced dental technology, Dr. James Klim creates dazzling smiles that brighten your life.