"This 40 year old woman had been referred to us by an existing patient. A nighttime bruxer and daytime clencher, she really had an age-worn smile with shortened teeth, particularly in the anterior. As is evident from her pre-operative full-face photo, she was afraid to smile. The patient also suffered from TMJ problems. While these didn't really cause her much pain, they did result in a "clicking" noise that annoyed her.

At our initial consultations, it was readily apparent that she was unaware of what modern cosmetic dentistry could offer her. As we presented various options to her, she became very interested in the possibilities (both esthetic and functional) offered by full mouth reconstruction and decided to embark on that course of treatment. Once periodontal therapy was completed, we began a systematic protocol beginning with taking TENS and computerized neuromuscular bites. Her beginning Shimbashi was 11 mms while her muscles were most comfortable with a Shimbashi of 15.

Aurum Ceramic/Classic constructed a lower removable orthotic. Almost from the moment we put her into the neuromuscular appliance, her "click" disappeared and she was noticeably more comfortable. After roughly 90 days, once we were satisfied she was stabilized, Aurum Ceramic/Classic fabricated a Diagnostic Wax-up according to what the orthotic appliance dictated. All 28 of her teeth were restored with IPS Empress crowns (Chromascop shade 120). Her bruxing and clenching have been resolved and she is ecstatic with her new smile. Just look at the confident way she now smiles in her post-operative full-face photograph!

The patient was so happy that she insisted that I send the photographs shown here to Grant Maier at Aurum Ceramic/Classic along with her heart-felt thanks. I would like to add my appreciation for the great work that you do."

- Dr. John E. Carder, DDS