Dental Tribune U.S. Edition

A12 iNduStry NEWS Dental Tribune U.S. Edition | January 2014 Changing lives a smile at a time Prior to treatment, after spending time on the Six Month Smiles forum, Dr. Angie Nauman opts to not perform an extraction, relying instead on interproximal reduction. By Dr. Angie Nauman One of the aspects of dentistry that drew me to this field — an aspect I first became aware of when I was in fourth grade — was the incredible transformation that can be made with orthodontics. This case study from my general practice illustratesthatrewardingaspectofthepro- fession. I met Matt in Tulsa, Okla., when he was helping to redesign my website. He was 26 yearsold—andafriendly,kindyoungman — but I could tell he was hiding behind his closed-lip smile. Fortunately, Matt’s wife started coming to our office for her den- tistry needs, and Matt soon followed. Matt didn’t come to our office because he was concerned about his looks — he want- ed his teeth straightened because he kept biting his lips. At the time, I had been treat- ing Six Month Smiles cases for a year, and I knew I would be jumping into a big case, but I couldn’t help but imagine how his smile — and his life — could be changed. On the day of impressions, my treatment planforMattwastoextract one of his lower incisors to create space for alignment. He was in agreement with what I suggested. I spent time on the Six Month Smiles forum while his case was at the lab, and I changed my mind and de- cided to proceed without any extractions. I knew this would require inter- proximal reduction, but I knewthatbecauseMattisa smaller-framed man, his smile would still be proportional to his overall appearance if the teeth were slightly more slender. Delivery of Six Month Smiles went well, and Matt was thrilled that he did not need to have a tooth extracted. He adjusted well during the first month and continued to have a great attitude throughout treat- ment. We started with 0.014 wires, and slight IPR throughout (“slight” because I A ‘Six Months Smiles’ case like to take it easy with IPR at the braces-on appointment). During the first two monthly visits, I kept 0.014 wires and added on many wire ties to help the wires engage fully into the brackets. I re- duced the bite-guards at each visit as his bite would allow. The next few months’ treatment included the 0.016 wires — and rubber bands in a box shape be- tween upper canines and pre- molars to lower canines and pre- molars. Then we moved up to 0.018 with powerchains on the mandibular incisors to tighten contacts. I was surprised that at the seven-month mark, his lower teeth were beautifully straight and his occlusion was good, so we were able to remove the lower braces. Matt's oral hygiene was sub-par, so I was glad we could remove the lower brack- ets so that he could focus on improving his gingival health. Dr. Angie Nauman The patient, Matt, before Six Month Smiles treatment. At seven months, lower teeth are straight; two weeks later, upper teeth are aligned; and, ultimately, #8 is bonded to complete the patient's new look. After Six Month Smiles treatment. Treatment steps: first 0.014 wires and slight IPR throughout; then 0.016 wires and rubber bands in a box shape between upper canines and premolars to lower canines and premolars; then 0.018 wires with powerchains on the mandibular incisors to tighten contacts. Photos/Provided by Dr. Angie Nauman and Six Month Smiles YDC BOOTH NO. 2231 tistry for years. But it’s Komet’s develop- ment of the S-shaped cross-section that is a true achievement in design technology, according to company representatives, who report that the design dramatically reduces the number of files required for preparation procedures. This change af- fects speed and simplicity — enabling faster, simpler root-canal preparations. The Komet F360 endodontic file system permits preparation of most root canals with a simplified, time-saving sequence requiring only two files. Highly flexible to minimize canal transportation, the files’ unique S-curve design and a thin in- strument core provide cutting efficiency while respecting natural root-canal mor- phology. Only two files in sizes 025 and 035arerequired for most root-canal prep- arations. Their 0.04 taper promotes opti- mal debridement of the canal, maintains file flexibility and thus reduces prepara- tion errors and permits ideal shaping of the root canal for subsequent obturation with any method. The F360 files are employed in a torque- limited motor and used in a picking motion up to a predetermined working length. The same torque (1.8 Ncm) and speed values (250-350 rpm) are used for all files; dentists need not adjust speed or torque upon changing files during the preparation sequence. In addition to sizes 025 and 035, the F360 files are offered in sizes 045 and 055 to meet additional clinical situations, such as wide roots, and all F360 files are available in three lengths (L21, L25 and L31) to address varying coronal require- ments. The presterilized, single-use files pre- vent cross-contamination, eliminate the need to clean, disinfect and sterilize the instruments — and reduce the risk of fracture due to cyclic fatigue. Available in a sterile blister pack of six files of a single size and length, the files are supplied with a user’s manual and step-by-step instructions. The Komet F360 root-canal preparation system also is available in a special Endo Introductory Kit, which includes 12 F360 files in size 025, 12 F360 files in size 035, the Komet AK10 file for pre-enlargement of the canal, a pack of paper points and a pack of gutta-percha points. About Komet USA Celebrating its 91st year in the dental in- dustry, Komet is a recognized worldwide leader in the production of highly special- ized, precision dental rotary instruments. Komet operates in the United States un- der the name Komet USA and sells direct- ly to dental practitioners and dental labo- ratories. The company’s U.S. headquarters is in Rock Hill, S.C. For more information about Komet USA or the F360 endodon- tic file system, call (888) 566-3887 or visit www.komet-usa.com. Within two weeks, his upper teeth were aligned beautifully. We took his braces off and bonded #8 to complete his new look. Total treatment time was seven months forlowerand11monthsforupper.Mattwas extremely happy with his new smile, and I was happy with the result. Cosmetic orthodontics for adults can be very rewarding. When the patient does not want to go through comprehensive ortho- dontics, we now have a viable solution for those patients through Six Month Smiles. “ KOMET, page A11