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First Class Dental | Issue 3. Fall ’19
Rejuvenate Your Smile With Veneers
Veneers can improve:
- Discolored teeth — either because of root canal treatment, stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride, the presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the tooth, or other causes
- Teeth that are worn down
- Teeth that are chipped or broken
- Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped
What are porcelain veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They can be made from porcelain or resin-composite materials and are bonded and cemented to your teeth. In most situations, a minimal amount of tooth structure has to be removed to maximize the esthetic outcome. In select situations, a no-prep veneer is possible...
Our goal is to create beauty through invisibility.
We do not want anyone but you and our office to know you had a cosmetic procedure. Our favorite feedback and biggest compliment is when patients tell us that their friends and family say, “I feel like you did something, but I can’t tell what it is.”
We achieve this by strictly following three guidelines:
First, we discuss what you want. Then, through a photographic “tour of the mouth,” we can understand what is possible. It is important that we consider your personality, both your social and spontaneous smiles, and expressions you make, all while making sure your teeth function properly and you can eat comfortably. Form always follows function.
Second, we are precise in the preparation of the teeth. The reason our veneers do not fall off in embarrassing situations is a direct result of our training and proper preparation techniques. It is critical that a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed. Before you finish your appointment, you will be fitted with temporaries that mimic your final outcome. This allows us to make any modifications and give you a “test drive” with your new smile before the finals are inserted. These two steps will maximize the longevity and esthetic outcome of your new smile.
Finally, we work with high-end labs that specialize in the fabrication of veneers. Partnering with a cosmetic lab is critical in the diagnostics and creation of veneers, and working with a master ceramist is paramount for a successful outcome. A master ceramist is a specialized dental technician that is proficient in color, staining, and working with the thinnest porcelain. These techniques take years to master.
We invest all of this time and effort to partner with you in creating the most beautiful and functional smile!
Here are a few stunning before and after examples:
Stress Fractures but No Pain. What Should You Do?
We are committed to helping patients avoid pain and emergencies. No one wants a broken tooth, but it is even worse when it happens before or on a vacation, at a special family function, or during an important business meeting. While we cannot predict when and how a tooth will break, there are clear signs that a tooth may need proactive care. When you come in for a routine dental wellness visit, our team will evaluate each tooth for signs of stress and fatigue. We take digital photographs to document the condition of each tooth so that we can review all possible options. We want to partner with you to optimize your dental health and avoid the consequences of a broken tooth — PAIN.
The question is to wait or to treat. The choice is ultimately yours, but we want our patients to understand all of their options. Like a crack on a windshield, we know we have to fix it at some point. Some choose to watch the crack move across while others want to fix it as soon as possible so it does not shatter the next time a stone crashes in. The benefit of being proactive is that often, a more conservative and less costly restoration can be done. Think of a hot water heater. It is far less expensive to replace it before it floods the basement...
Unfortunately, X-rays do not tell the entire story. Fractures, unless catastrophic, do not show up on radiographs. The full damage to a tooth will not be known until an old filling is removed. We now know those old silver fillings expand and contract since they are composed mostly of metal. This causes internal stresses to your remaining tooth and weakens it. Often, bacteria leaks underneath and around a filling, and over time, the tooth weakens. Normal chewing, clenching and grinding, and those occasional times when you bite down on an olive pit or nut all stress the integrity of a tooth, and cracks develop. Until treated, these fractures continue down or across your tooth and compromise the integrity. The problem is that this happens silently; there is no pain until it is too late.
Our goal is to help each patient understand their options. Dentistry has advanced tremendously in the last 10 years. It is far easier to fix a tooth before it breaks off while you are eating your next sandwich.

Healthy, Functional, and Beautiful Smiles
At First Class Dental, we would love for all of our patients to be confident and happy with their smiles. If you have always wanted straighter teeth or a better bite, clear aligners may be a great option for you.
What is ClearCorrect, and how do clear aligners work?..
- ClearCorrect is an orthodontic system that uses customized plastic trays to apply light and targeted pressure to move teeth.
- Each progressive tray moves teeth closer to their ideal positions. The number of trays and duration of treatment depends on how much tooth movement is desired. Treatment typically ranges from six to 18 months.
- Tooth-colored attachments or buttons may be added to achieve ideal movements efficiently.
Three reasons why patients love ClearCorrect:
- Convenient: The clear trays allow you to feel confident at school or work without the appearance of traditional metal braces. The removable trays allow you to brush and floss easily and maintain a normal diet. Important work or social event? No problem — just take them out!
- Comfortable: No more rough metal bands or brackets. The smooth plastic is gentle to your gums and cheeks.
- Predictable: With our digital scans and computer-planning software, you are able to have a clear idea of how many trays you have coming up and how long the process will take.
How can ClearCorrect benefit your health?
ClearCorrect can help you achieve a straighter smile and a more functional bite. Properly aligning teeth reduces damaging tooth wear and allows you to eat, sleep, and live healthier.
Concerns that can be addressed with ClearCorrect include:
- Crowding
- Spaced-out teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Uneven smile line
Ask us more about ClearCorrect!
Call to schedule a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for ClearCorrect. Treatment is performed in just a few easy steps:..
- Dental health evaluation: We want to make sure that your teeth and gums are in good health prior to starting treatment.
- Digital scan: Our digital scanner allows us to take quick and accurate records of your teeth without the messy goop of traditional impressions.
- Personalized treatment plan: We will work with you each step of the way to ensure that you are happy with the final results.
- Quick visits to check that trays are seating properly and that teeth are on track. These visits allow us to make any necessary modifications or find areas that need adjustment to advance treatment efficiently and safely.
What is the difference between ClearCorrect, Invisalign® clear aligners, or other aligners offered on the internet?
While the technology behind trays is comparable across brands, patient health and safety are our top concerns. Undergoing orthodontic movement when there is active periodontal disease or dental cavities may lead to complications such as loose teeth and advanced cavities. With a thorough initial exam and routine monitoring throughout treatment, we can ensure predictable and safe movement of teeth without any unwanted surprises.
This patient’s teeth were in the wrong place, causing them to wear, shift, and look crowded. After six months of clear aligners, the patient has a prettier, more youthful, and more functional smile.
WELCOME ABOARD

We would like to welcome Dr. Sarah Bao to our office. The addition of Dr. Bao to our office allows us to continue to provide the exceptional care that our patients have come to expect and further our commitment to having a provider available for all treatment needs. She is excited about the opportunity to be mentored for the next year while her husband finishes his last year of medical school. She will be working Wednesdays and Fridays until they know where he will match for his ENT residency.
Office News
Dr. Cohen’s fall lecturing and education schedule:
When things get cracking again in September, I will be lecturing in Scottsdale from September 17 to 21.
In October, I am off to Baltimore to take a four-day, intensive, hands-on workshop in advanced cosmetic bonding given by world-renowned cosmetic dentist, Newton Fahl. He is the foremost authority in the world on cosmetic bonding. The workshop I am attending is the second of three that Dr. Fahl teaches. I am planning on attending the third in Brazil in 2021...
This November, I will be lecturing for two days in South Carolina on case presentation, airway and sleep disorders, and cosmetic treatment planning.
My trip to Moab, Utah, May 2019
This past May, I took my first photography trip with nine other dental educators for an intensive, four-day astrophotography workshop. Each night, from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m., we hiked up into the canyons of Utah to some of the most scenic spots to photograph the Milky Way. Living on the East Coast my entire life, I had never before experienced a sky full of stars. It is truly amazing how beautiful the night sky is with zero light pollution from the cities. The experience was breathtaking and one I am excited to do again. In 2020, I hope to travel to Japan to photograph the incredible landscape and geisha women or the Oregon coast to photograph the Pacific Northwest lighthouses.
Office Sponsorship



Every fall, Jenkintown’s main thoroughfare and town square transforms into an outdoor art gallery at Jenkintown Festival of the Arts. While there, visitors can talk to artists about their creations or stroll through six blocks of the borough’s quaint, downtown area. In addition, the festival offers visitors the opportunity to peruse a variety of goods while reveling in a festival atmosphere full of food, music, and fun outdoors.
Interesting Dental News
Scientists Discover Way to Grow Back Tooth Enamel Naturally
https://news.sky.com/story/scientists-discover-way-to-grow-back-tooth-enamel-naturally-11798362