The Wisdom Tooth

There is a revolutionary procedure that is changing the way cosmetic and restorative dentistry is delivered, and I'm proud to say that it's happening on our island of Oahu in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It's called "Accelerated Cosmetic Treatment" (ACT), and the number one reason patients like it is because it condenses the time they have to spend in the dentist's chair. You definitely won't hear complaints about that! The same quality end result begins with a different approach to treatment planning from the start.

This innovative treatment, which I'll lecture about as a featured speaker at this year's American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) International Scientific Session at the Convention Center in Honolulu, starts with a creative, but conservative approach. After all, although quicker dental treatment is desired by patients, no one would want it at the risk of lesser quality. When a patient requires extensive dental treatment, certain procedures that are normally spread across several appointments, and several months, may be able to be performed in one longer appointment instead. Depending on a person's individual situation, what might take six to eight months may be able to be condensed into two to three appointments.

How is that possible? What types of procedures can be done? One common problem that can be solved with ACT is the "crowded smile." For an adult with crowded teeth, the conventional solution to attain straight teeth is to place orthodontic braces, either with or without tooth extractions. Braces for adults will remain on for about two to three years, and usually take longer to achieve their goal than for adolescents. If whiter teeth or a change in tooth shape is also desired (such as from irregular to a more elegant tooth shape) after the braces are removed, then porcelain veneers are needed to finish the smile. This would add more expense and time to the overall treatment. With ACT, teeth can be straightened in two to three visits, in most cases without extracting any teeth. This time frame would include any changes to tooth crookedness, whitening and shape. In addition, even minor gum surgery can be combined with cosmetic dental procedures.

A second example of the differences is when a tooth breaks off at the gum line. When a tooth breaks off, there's not much tooth left to restore. Therefore, extensive dental treatment is needed to save a tooth in this state. The conventional treatment may start with root canal therapy, periodontal surgery, crown preparation, and restoration delivery. Specialists such as the Endodontist and the Periodontist, in addition to the general or restorative dentist may have to be involved. After running around town over the next six to eight months, the total number of visits it could take fixing a single tooth could be nine to ten visits. With ACT there would be two to three visits taking place in a little over one month.

Because of our challenging economy, we have found that people are excited about this Accelerated Cosmetic Treatment, as it takes much less time away from their work schedule. Yet it still allows them to reach their goal of having a more youthful and professional appearance, so they can feel better about their smile and have more confidence when talking to and meeting people. Many people are very surprised at how quickly their treatment can be done, as they had been putting it off because they thought it would take too many visits to the dentist. They say they're so happy with this quicker method of treatment because it was exactly what they wanted.

Some people think they have to travel to Beverly Hills or New York to get modern cosmetic and restorative dental treatment. It's not true. You can find Accelerated Cosmetic Treatment in your backyard. People fly in from around the world to seek out this kind of procedure. And I'm proud to say it was created in our office, and will be taught to other dentists at the upcoming AACD Conference.

Dr. Wynn Okuda is Past National President and Board Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In November 2007, he was awarded "Cosmetic Practice of the Year," a national honor chosen by Contemporary Esthetics publication. Dr. Okuda has a private practice in cosmetic, implant and restorative dentistry in Kaimuki. Visit us at our website at www.cosmeticdentistryhawaii.com.