When did dentistry start

Dentistry as a formal profession with degree programs has evolved over time. Here's a brief overview of its history:

1. First Dental School: The world's first dental school was the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, founded in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, in 1840. This institution marked the beginning of formal dental education.

2. Degree Programs: Dental education began as apprenticeships or short-term courses. However, as the field advanced, degree programs were established. The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees became the standard for dental education in the United States. These degrees are essentially equivalent and are awarded upon completion of dental school.

3. Expansion Globally: The concept of dental education gradually spread to other countries, leading to the establishment of dental schools and degree programs worldwide.

There are several dental schools in Australia, and they offer dental degrees known as the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Here are some of the dental schools in Australia:

1. University of Sydney - Sydney Dental School

2. University of Melbourne- Melbourne Dental School

3. University of Queensland - UQ School of Dentistry

4. University of Adelaide - Adelaide Dental School

5. University of Western Australia - UWA Dental School

6. James Cook University - School of Dentistry and Oral Health

7. Griffith University - School of Dentistry and Oral Health

8. La Trobe University - La Trobe Rural Health School (Bendigo campus)

9. Charles Sturt University - School of Dentistry and Health Sciences (Orange campus)

The degrees awarded by these institutions may vary, with some offering the BDS, BDSc and others offering the DMD.

Why the edge of a crown can look grey

The grey line you're noticing around the edge of an older dental crown is likely due to the metal base of a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown becoming exposed. PFM crowns consist of a metal substructure covered by a layer of porcelain. The grey line typically becomes visible over time for a few reasons:

1. Gum Recession:

- As you age, your gums may naturally recede, exposing more of the tooth and the crown. When gums recede around a PFM crown, the metal base that was initially hidden under the gumline may become visible, appearing as a grey line, especially if the tooth is root treated.

2. Wear and Tear:

- The porcelain layer of the crown may wear down or chip at the margins over time, especially if it's in an area of heavy biting pressure. This wear can reveal the underlying metal.

3. Crown Fabrication:

- Sometimes, the grey line can be due to the way the crown was originally made. If the porcelain does not fully cover the metal base at the crown's edges, or if the metal is too close to the surface, a grey line can be visible from the start.

4. Porcelain Thickness:

- The thickness of the porcelain can also play a role. In some cases, the porcelain may be thin around the edges of the crown, allowing the darker shade of the metal to show through.

This grey line is more of a cosmetic issue and typically does not indicate a problem with the function or fit of the crown. However, if the grey line is accompanied by symptoms like pain, swelling, or a bad taste, it could suggest other issues, such as crown loosening, decay under the crown, or gum disease, and you should consult a dentist.

For aesthetic reasons, some people opt to replace older PFM crowns with all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns, which don't have a metal base and therefore don't show a grey line. However, this decision should be made in consultation with a dental professional, considering the health and function of the crown, as well as aesthetic preferences.

What are e.Max porcelain veneers

E.Max porcelain veneers are a type of dental veneer made from lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, a material known for its high strength, durability, and excellent aesthetic properties. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth by addressing issues such as discoloration, chips, misalignment, or gaps.

The process of making and placing e.Max porcelain veneers involves several steps:

1. Consultation and Planning:

- The first step involves a consultation with a dentist to discuss the goals and suitability of e.Max veneers for the patient.

2. Tooth Preparation:

- Similar to other veneer procedures, this step might involve the removal of a small amount of the tooth's surface enamel to make space for the veneer and ensure a proper fit. The amount of preparation is minimal, making it a conservative treatment option.

3. Taking Impressions or Scans:

- An impression of the patient's teeth is taken. This can be done using traditional dental impression materials or more modernly, with a digital intraoral scanner, which captures precise 3D images of the teeth.

- These impressions or digital scans are sent to a dental laboratory where the veneers will be fabricated.

4. Fabrication of the e.Max Veneers:

- In the dental lab, the impressions or digital images are used to create a precise model of the patient's teeth.

- Using CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology, the e.Max veneers are then designed and milled from a block of lithium disilicate ceramic.

- The veneers are custom-made to match the desired shape, size, and color, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the patient's natural teeth.

5. Customisation and Fitting:

- The veneers are tried in the patient's mouth to ensure a proper fit and aesthetic match. Adjustments can be made if necessary.

- Once the fit is confirmed, the veneers are permanently bonded to the patient's teeth using a dental adhesive.

6. Quality and Aesthetics:

- e.Max veneers are known for their translucency and natural appearance, closely mimicking the look of natural tooth enamel.

- They are highly durable and resistant to chipping and staining, making them a popular choice for cosmetic dental treatments.

The process from consultation to final placement can vary in time, depending on the individual case and the dental practice. e.Max porcelain veneers are an advanced option for those seeking to enhance their smile with a material that offers both strength and superior aesthetics.