While technological advancements have made it a little bit easier for dentists to create beautiful smiles, practitioners must stay up on their game to offer the latest and best to their patients.

To help, the University of Louisiana at Monroe College of Health Sciences Department of Dental hygiene has kicked off its Focus on Dentistry seminars, in a series for dentists, hygienists and staff.

One of the world's most dynamic and informative dentists visited Monroe recently to depart a few words of wisdom. Dr. Howard John invited Dr. Martin Zase, of Colchester Dental Group in Colchester, Conn., to speak in Monroe recently.

The Colchester Group Web site lists Zase as one of only eight dentists in the world who has both a Masters in the Academy of General Dentistry and is also accredited in cosmetics by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Zase's renown drew more than 125 participants, including dentists, dental hygienists and office staff .

The programs raise money that in turn benefits the dental hygiene program.

Dr. Beverly Jarrell, ULM associate professor in the department of dentistry, said she wanted to expose the students to a good dentist and lecturer.

"They are always finding something new and new ways to improve on various methods they have," she said of the area's advancements, of which the students were made aware.
People who might have gotten false teeth 20 years ago can receive treatments that produce nice, natural looking teeth, Jarrell explained.

"Today, dentists can work with a patients own teeth and create beautiful smiles," she said.
Dentistry has grown "leaps and bounds," in the past two decades, Zase said.

Within the field, cosmetic dentistry has grown most, he added.

The growth of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry member highlights the popularity. In 1984, when the organization was founded, there were 100 members. Today, there are more than 6,000 members.

Tooth whitening is perhaps the most popular aspect of cosmetic dentistry, said Zase, who does not recommend over-the-counter products.

"I think you need professional advice to do teeth whitening effectively," he said.

Some of the home treatments may work for persons with what Zase calls, "an ideal mouth," but for those with fillings, crowns, misshapen teeth, the over the counter product "will not do an effective job."

Zase said that when he performs the procedure for his patients, the process takes up to one month - two weeks for the top row of teeth and two weeks for the bottom row.

There are no quick fixes, he said.

The dentist makes custom trays to fit over the patient's teeth. Each night, the patient would apply a tooth whitening solution inside the tray and sleep with it through the night or use for a few hours during the day.

The tooth-colored filling is another recent dentistry advancement.

The products, available for 20 years, are being scientifically shown to be long lasting and very effective.

They cost a bit more than their silver counterparts, but they offer advantages of strength, look and function.

"Problems such as breaking teeth will persist," he said, "but we can give them back the smile they always wanted."

Visiting northeastern Louisiana, Zase said he was most appreciative to see some of the seminar participants.

"Not only was I talking to dentists who wanted to learn and hygienist who wanted to learn, but also they hygiene students who will be practicing tomorrow."
 
©The News-Star
February 20, 2004