January 2010 is the first issue of LA Institute News. In this newsletter Dr. Ruiz and faculty will share valuable information, such as a case for discussion, with important learning features and updates on important articles in the literature, and LA Institute news. We believe this will be of great value to many real world clinicians, like you, who value supra-gingival esthetic and restorative dentistry, coupled with proper function and occlusion.

If this newsletter does not display correctly in your email, please visit this link to view it online: http://www.ruizdentalseminars.com/email/2010-01

Case of the Month

This case exemplifies the importance of having as many clinical tools as possible. After completing Invisalign, this female patient was interested in improving the esthetics of her lower teeth. My initial suggestion coincided with the patients desire to use porcelain veneers to close gingival embrasures and to even out length and shape of teeth. Due to the high cost of porcelain veneers, the patient had decided not do any treatment and leave teeth as they were.

As a second option she was offered direct bonding, which would not close gingival embrasures, but would give her even, pretty teeth. I explained that the embrasures would not be visible when she smiled. This second option was more desirable to her because it was less than half of the cost of veneers, and would also provide her with the desired results.

The case was done in less that 2 hours using Kalore form GC, a composite material with many esthetic and clinical benefits. Below are the before and after photos.

As you can tell, the patient was very satisfied. This case is an excellent example of how important it is to have many clinical skills, like the ability to do beautiful layered direct composites. With the slow-down of the economy, I have found that I am performing at least twice as many direct composite esthetic procedures compared to the work I was completing 3 years ago. I am very happy to continue to make my patients smiles more beautiful, even in these difficult financial times. I offer direct composite workshops both at USC and UCSF. Please contact us if you would like more information.

A Success Story from the Community Forum...

Thank you to Dr. Cheryl Freeman for your comment on our COMMUNITY FORUM!
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE COMMUNITY FORUM

“I was out for the occlusion course in June, and I am so much more organized and efficient in my treatment planning. My staff is much more educated from the info I brought back, and we are all able to more confidently present occlusal treatment to patients. I have several patients who no longer have headaches, even without splints! I had all the technical knowledge before, but from Dr. Ruiz I gained the practical implementation know-how (and I learned he does a mean Forever in Blue Jeans rendition!). I love your forms, your brochure, the Panadent articulator, and you guys! Stay with your mission -- you are truly changing the lives of dentists and patients! It hasn't hurt my production either!!”

News from Ruiz Dental Seminars

We hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season and wish you nothing but a healthy and happy 2010! We are certainly looking forward to this New Year and have created new ways to keep in touch with members, letting them know the latest at Ruiz Dental Seminars as well as offer the best discounts available on upcoming course and products. Last month Dr. Ruiz created a CE video on Dental Town about bonding systems, we encourage you to view it as it has current very valuable information. Here is the link: (CLICK HERE) Make sure to watch it if you can (free registration necessary prior to viewing video) Also, we had a very successful November lecture and workshop on Occlusal Disease and really appreciate all the positive feedback we had received.

Upcoming Courses/Specials

Supra-gingival Dentistry in San Francisco, CA

Easy, Predictable Porcelain Veneers, Onlays, and Full Crowns

February 19, 2010 • 1 Day Lecture • 7 CE Hours

Learn how properly performed non-metal restorations make dentistry more predictable and trouble-free; as well as healthier for the patient.

LEARN MORE

Implementing Occlusion for Everyday Dentistry in Chicago, IL

Utilizing the Occlusal Disease Diagnosis System

March 12, 2010 • 1 Day Lecture • 7 CE Hours

The Occlusal Disease Diagnosis System is a methodic and practical system to diagnose and treat Occlusal Disease, including occlusal equilibration.

LEARN MORE

Implementing Occlusion for Everyday Dentistry & Advanced Occlusal Disease Management Workshop in New York, NY

April 15, 16-17, 2010 • 1 Day Lecture + 2 Day Workshop • 21 CE Hours

Proper implementation, diagnosis and treatment of Occlusal Disease could be a great benefit to your patients, making dental work more relaxing, predictable and enjoyable.