perspectives valplast

8/10/2019 Perspectives Valplast

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/perspectives-valplast 1/8

Principles of Practice Profitability Roger P. Levin, DDS, MBA, FACD

Valplast®: Laboratory Fabrication Overview Andy Alvarez

Practice-ExpansionPossibilities with Valplast®

James P. Tasto, DDS

Dental Practice Building Strategies



Dear Doctor:

On behalf of Trident Dental Laboratories, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the inaugural edition of Perspectives . Over the past 14 years,we have had the distinct pleasure of servicing thousands of dentistslike you who have benefited from the efforts of our restorative skillsand guiding business principle—expect quality, depend on our service, and receive value . First and foremost, we thank you for your

continued patronage.

Through our long and collaborative relationships with our clients, itbecame evident that a communication venue dedicated to practice- building strategies would serve the dental community well. It is ourgoal that the information presented within this dynamic publication willprovide you with valuable insight into our products and fabricationtechniques to enhance both the profitability of your practice as well asimprove the quality of care you can offer your patients.

Trident is honored to have Dr. Roger P. Levin contribute to the content

and editorial focus within each edition of Perspectives . Clearly,Dr. Levin’s accomplishments as an international lecturer, alongwith his dedication to practice-development excellence, uniquelyqualify him to contribute to this publication. The balance of theeditorial presentations within this inaugural issue are dedicated tothe practice-expansion benefits associated with the use of Valplast®

removable partial prosthetics. Also featured within this issue are improved communication methodswhich can be implemented to make your experience with Trident easier and more satisfying than that with your local lab. It is through these reinforcements that we hope that your experience with Trident is bothpleasurable and profitable.

We welcome your comments and suggestions on how we can better serve your individual needs and those of your patients. Please feel free to contact us at your convenience by e-mail [email protected] look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Laurence K. FishmanOwner, PresidentTrident Dental Laboratories

Laurence K. Fishman

Letter From the President


Volume 1 2 Number 1



focused on the main goal of excellent

patient care and the most efficient andproductive manner, incorporating thetechnology and services available tomake this happen. Communication withlaboratories today should be simplerand better than ever before.

Laboratory Size Dentists are also not restricted to usingonly one laboratory. It does not makemuch sense for a dentist to be loyalto a laboratory that does not match

his or her efficiency, quality, and pro-duction goals. While there are manyfine laboratories, the array of newservices in dentistry makes it impera-tive for every laboratory to keep up.In some cases, a national laboratoryhas certain advantages over a locallaboratory in that they have theresources to incorporate the newesttechniques and technologies toachieve your goals. Many restorativedoctors today are educating them-selves on advances in restorative, cos-metic, and implant care. You want

your dental laboratory to be a supportsystem. Ask your laboratory if theyhave any support services, such asmarketing materials for your patientsor educational tools, for you and yourstaff. Talk to them about the level ofcustomer service and technical sup-port they can provide, especiallywhen you are entering the realm ofnew services. Many of these value-added laboratory resources will be

discussed in future columns.

Esthetics It is also important to realize thatthere have been incredible advancesin both the technical quality of labo-ratory products as well as esthetics.The American public is certainlybecoming well aware of esthetics asevidenced by the $90 million Procter &Gamble Crest Whitestrips™ campaign.Since the public is more demanding of

esthetics, they are no longer willing to

wear full or partial dentures, or even

crowns and bridges that are not pleas-ing to the eye.Most Americans want to look

healthy, young, and energetic. In fact,in certain states, plastic surgery is oneof the fastest growing businesses.Although I am a strong advocate ofdental implants as a first choice torestore missing teeth, the truth is thatmany patients will continue to wearpartial dentures and dentures. Call

your laboratory and ask them about

materials and what advances they havemade in regard to esthetic dentures. Forexample, products such as Valplast ®

removable prosthetics have madegreat strides in our profession. For yourimplant cases, Valplast is also idealfor use as a temporary.

The bottom line is that the dentallaboratory is both a vendor and a part-ner to dental practices. While we arehighly dependent on them for final caseresults, they must also be aware ofour needs and how to satisfy them.Communication, technology, and excel-lent case results are all key factors.

I look forward to bringing younew information in each issue ofPerspectives in order to make yourpractice more successful and moreefficient.

I

am delighted to have been asked

to contribute to this and future edi-tions of Perspectives— the nationalnewsletter focused on enhancing prac-tice profitability. One method toachieve increased profitability isthrough the improvement of dentallaboratory relations. This is an areawhere most dental consultants and con-sulting firms have very little expertise,especially if dentists are not involved.As the founder and CEO of LevinGroup, the largest and leading dental

practice management consulting firmin dentistry today, my goal will be tobring you a series of information thatwill contribute to the efficiency andproductivity of your practice.

As a dentist who has practicedextensively, I know the benefits ofworking with an excellent laboratory.I am also aware that poor laboratoryrelations can lead to lower qualitycare for patients, frustration of thedental practice, and disruption of thedaily schedule. When cases are notreturned to the office on time, if casesdo not function or fit properly, or ifextensive patient production timemust be compromised so the dentistcan talk to the dental laboratory,there can be a great deal of confu-sion. Who is at fault? All too oftenwe dentists blame the laboratoryrather than focusing on the best wayto solve and eliminate problems.

Advances in Technology In future additions of this column, Iwill discuss certain technologicaladvances from the standpoint ofspeed, efficiency, and production thatwill allow practices to enhance theirmanagement and profitability. Today,we are not limited to a laboratory sim-ply because it is local. Airborne Expressdelivery, electronic mail, and digitalpatient files have created an opportu-nity to communicate with laboratoriesanywhere in the world as if they were

next door. It is time that dentistry

Principles of Practice Profitability


Roger P. Levin, DDS,MBA, FACDVolume 1 3 Number 1



Partially or fully edentulouspatients comprise nearlyhalf of the aging patient

population, and this age group isprojected to triple by the year2005. While the fabrication ofdenture prostheses that providesecure fit and function is essen-

tial, maintaining a natural-lookingappearance remains a priority fortoday’s esthetic-conscious patients.As a more attractive and fullyfunctional alternative to traditionalmetal partial dentures, TridentDental Laboratories now offers theValplast ® partial denture to fulfillclinician and patient demands.

The Traditional Metal Partial Denture For years, clinicians have turnedto traditional metal partial denturesto fulfill the needs of their partiallyedentulous patients. However,metal prostheses were often brittleand stiff, resulted in tissue irritation,had a high incidence of break-age, and contained unsightly metalsupports and clasps. Previous flex-ible partials that were availabledemonstrated excessive rigidity,opacity, inconsistency, and/orunnatural color properties.

The evolution of removableprosthetic materials included the intro-duction of elastic labial straps or softgaskets around the abutment teeth toremedy retention problems—withoutthe use of a metal clasp to preserveesthetics. However, these strap/gasket appliances used acrylic thathad to be thicker than usual to pro-vide adequate strength. This addedthickness increased the bulk of thedenture and resulted in a clumsy,

easily breakable appliance.

The Flexible Partial That’s Guaranteed for Life

For more than a decade, TridentDental Laboratories—the world leaderin removable partials—has beenproviding restorative solutions for thedental industry. To satisfy clinician andpatient demands for an esthetic par-

tial denture for cases when fixedrestorations or implants are not pre-ferred, Trident is pleased to offerValplast—a flexible denture baseresin ideal for partial dentures or uni-lateral restorations.

Since its introduction in the 1950s,the original flexible partial resin hasremained unchanged and has been thekey ingredient to the quality and successof Valplast. The biocompatible nylonand thermoplastic resin of Valplast pro-vide the perfect degree of flexibility andstability when processed and finished tothe recommended thickness. The color,shape, and design of Valplast partialsblend seamlessly with the naturalappearance of the gingival tissues mak-ing the prosthesis virtually invisible.Valplast partials are available in severalbasic shade categories including lightpink, medium pink, and meharry (tomatch African-American skin tones). Thestrong, durable plastic snaps securelyand comfortably into place around the

existing natural dentition and gingiva.The strength of the nonallergenic plasticeliminates the metallic taste and enablesthe partial to be fabricated thinly enoughwith nonmetal clasps to avoid the bulkyfeeling often encountered with unesthetictraditional metal partials.

To date, more than 100,000

Valplast cases have been fabricatedby Trident Dental Laboratories—with-out failure to perform as promised.Based on this experience, Trident offersclinicians a lifetime guarantee againstbreakage with every Valplast partial.Every case is inspected to ensure thateach prescription is followed and thatthe quality meets your expectations aswell as those of your patients.

To educate your patients on thelatest in partial denture technology,professional communication tools areavailable from Trident, which includea complimentary Valplast PracticeDevelopment Kit and a product demon-stration video. Patient education liter-ature is also included in the kit tostimulate patient interest in the moreesthetic Valplast partial as well as toenhance patient confidence and satis-faction with your services. For moreinformation on Valplast, see the specialoffer on the business reply card or callTrident at 800-221-4831.

Figure 1. The biocompatible nylon and thermoplastic resin of Valplast®

provide the perfectdegree of flexibility and stability.

Valplast ® Partial Re

Discover the

Volume 1 4 Number 1



What’s New at Trident

Volume 1 5 Number 1


Experience theBenefits of Valplast:

100% flexible Soft and comfortable Absolutely unbreakable Superior esthetics Nonallergenic No metallic taste

Minimal tissue irritation Cost-effective Lifetime guarantee

Laboratory Fabrication for Valplast Partials The Valplast fabrication processbegins with a thorough evaluation ofthe patient’s restorative requirements;both the clinician and patient shouldactively discuss the treatment optionsand alternative products that will bene-fit the patient’s oral needs.

There is little or no tooth prepara-tion needed to fabricate a Valplast par-tial. Rest seat preparations are optionalat the doctor’s discretion. Primarily,

Valplast is a tissue-borne restorationwhich utilizes soft tissue undercuts forretention— a concept known as the“retento-grip” technique.

Alginate is the ideal impressionmaterial for any Valplast case; a mucousstatic impression material provides anaccurate master model. With this exact

replica, a counter model, and a properbite registration, Trident laboratorytechnicians can focus on the surveyand design for clasp positioning. Thisprocedure also highlights the patient’sexisting undercuts and soft tissue ridgecondition for proper block out.

A duplicate model is then fabri-cated, which the laboratory techni-cian mounts and places on a rigidmetal articulator for the tooth setupstage. The technician then proceedswith the tooth mould selection, shadepreference, and any other specificinstructions requested by the clinician.

The wax setup/try-in stage isan important step in the fabrication

process and enables the clinicianto double-check the shade accuracyand the setup arrangement—midline,vertical dimension, and centric occlu-sion. Upon return of the case to thelaboratory, the technician will makeminor adjustments and proceed tothe final processing stage. For moreinformation on the fabrication ofValplast partials, call Trident DentalLaboratories at 800-221-4831.

Figure 2. The Valplast® PracticeDevelopment Kit.

Experience our expanded laboratoryservices at our new facilities in Marinadel Rey, California

Enhanced customer service team andhighly skilled technical staff mean moreindividualized attention for our clients

Visit our updated comprehensive website(Coming soon this summer)

Request our 2002 product catalog whichfeatures an entire line of high-qualityrestorative, fixed, removable, and preven-tive materials—including special discounts

Promote Portrait IPN Teeth and otherspecialty products with complimentaryeducational tools for chairsidedemonstrations to your patients

Trident offers lifetime guarantees on all Valplast® partials and Captek™ crowns

Actual Valplast Display Model

movable Dentures —

Advantages



patients on the benefits of Valplast par-tials. The patient education brochuresand product poster are ideal for thereception area and stimulate interest inthis esthetic partial removable whilepatients are waiting for treatment. Ihave also observed that patients aremore apt to ask questions about pos-sible replacement of their current den-

tures with the Valplast partials afterbeing exposed to the product infor-mation. In addition, the cast modelincluded in the Trident kit enables meto demonstrate the esthetic appear-ance of the Valplast partials in themouth and also allows me to demon-strate the inherent comfort and strengthproperties of the prosthesis.

The simplest application is thereplacement of metal removable par-tial dentures due to the comfortable fitand practically invisible Valplastclasps. However, I have had muchsuccess utilizing Valplast for other indi-cations, such as temporary flippersand stayplates, as Valplast providesan effective alternative to acrylic andwire clasps. In my experience as thedentist to the San Diego Gulls hockeyteam, I often use Valplast during thecourse of treatment for patients whohave sustained traumatic sportsinjuries, such as an avulsed tooth.

Valplast is a great product, and I

am confident that once you experi-ence its superior properties, you willbe able to satisfy the esthetic denturedemands of your patients. Valplastalso includes a lifetime guaranteeagainst breakage, which means youcan’t go wrong.

James P. Tasto, DDS, main-tains a private practice special-izing in cosmetic and sportsdentistry in San Diego, CA.

The following key com-ponents enable our staff tofabricate your Valplast ®

case more efficiently andeffectively:

On complex cases,our technicians willfabricate a customtray which fits the indi-vidual patient’s mouth.

Clinicians should beadvised that this addi-tional step will requiremultiple patient visits.

For distal extensioncases, a wax bite rimis critical to the fabri-cation of the Valplastpartial. Trident DentalLaboratories can provide astandard wax bite rim to

facilitate the bite registration,or clinicians may providetheir own.

The desired shade selectionshould always be includedwith the prescription to ensureoptimal esthetic results.

Adjustment kits may beobtained; these kits includestone wheels, rubber wheels,

and rag wheels for minoradjustments chairside. A spe-cial cleaning solution isavailable for patients tomaintain their Valplast par-tial dentures.

Trident advisors are readilyavailable to assist youshould you have any ques-tions or concerns regarding

your case.

James P. Tasto, DDS

Utilizing Valplast ® partials inmy practice has changedthe way I restore smiles in

patients with missing teeth, specifi-cally in those patients for which fixedbridges and/or implants are notoptions. I have introduced Valplastas both a permanent and temporarytreatment option for patients withmissing teeth with much success.

To increase case acceptanceof Valplast, it is essential that den-tal professionals have an extensiveworking knowledge of the product,including its benefits, indications,and contraindications. The educa-tional materials available throughTrident Dental Laboratories makeacquiring this information extreme-ly simple. Once this product knowl-edge has been attained, clinicians

must target each patient’s desiresand individual needs (ie, esthetics,fit, comfort, function, durability).Educating patients through models,brochures, and photographs facili-tates comprehension and interest inorder to successfully upgradepatients to the esthetically pleasingValplast partial.

The Valplast Practice DevelopmentKit from Trident Dental Laboratoriesassists my efforts to educate my

Practice-Expansion

Possibilities with Valplast ®


Volume 1 6 Number 1

Di a gn o s t i c s

Trident



Ihave utilized various methods of impression takingin my quest for the most reliable, efficient, and cost-effective combination of impression trays and

impression materials. Triple-bite disposable trays resultedin too many remakes. Metal trays andputty for a custom tray and washas well as metal trays with a

high- and low-viscosity impres-sion material have kept my lab-oratory and patients smiling (nodistortion). The impression mate-rials were easier to remove thanputty, but these trays still required clean-ing, to my assistants’ dismay.

I then discovered BORDER-LOCK® dispos-able trays (Accu-Liner Products, Woodinville, WA).In combination with a high- and low-viscosity impression

material, the BORDER-LOCK satisfies all my requirements.There is no distortion or cleaning of trays, and only oneimpression is required (no putty or custom tray is needed).

The BORDER-LOCK disposable tray is made of Plexiglas,has a border-locking design, and rivals metal in dimensional

stability. It is cost-effective, relative

to other dispos-able trays, with

a device to measurecross arch width that

eliminates the try-in of dif-ferent trays.

To inquire about theBORDER-LOCK tray program,contact Accu-Liner Products at1-800-458-6627.

How do we attract, hire, and retain a better staff?

First and foremost, do you provide your staff withall of the tools and training they need to succeedto your level of expectation? Many times we hirepersonnel, literally throw them into their jobs tolearn on their feet, or we train new employees by

a staff member whose performance is less thansatisfactory! How can they succeed? We havea saying at Levin Group —”Teach, Train, orTolerate!” Your staff needs scripting, documenta-tion, training timelines, and checklists for everyposition in your office. Teach them the tools theyneed, train them consistently, and review their per-formance on a weekly basis until they are fullytrained. If you are not happy with them, realizethat you are choosing to tolerate their subpar jobperformance! This will allow for a happier staffthat stays longer with the practice.

How can I run my office more efficiently?

The easiest way to answer this is SYSTEMS!Levin Group finds success with clients because ofcomplete documentation and IMPLEMENTA-TION. Books that are placed on a shelf and arenot part of every staff meeting and every yearly

planning meeting mean NOTHING to youroffice. The schedule must be made according tothe goals of production and collections. Thisshould include the coordination of scripts for aneffective staff, the implementation of strict col-lections and account receivable managementguidelines, and the presentation of cases foracceptance. No one area of the practicestands alone, and to have a truly efficientoffice, you must address every aspect of yourpractice with focus and detailed attention toattain optimal efficiency.


Letters to Levin

Dr. Levin Answers Your Practice Management Questions

Volume 1 7 Number 1

Wet Finger Report

David Fishman, DDS

A.

Q. Q.

A.

If you have a practice-management question for Dr. Levin, e-mail the question to [email protected].



Expect Quality • Depend On Our Service • Receive ValueVisit us at the 2002 California Dental Association Meeting in Anaheim CA (April 5 7) at Booth #785

Free Practice Development Kit Kit Includes: Valplast® Display Box withModel, 25 Patient Education Brochures,25 Practice-to-Patient Letter Stuffers anda Valplast® Poster

• Tough • No Metallic Taste

• Flexible • Superior Esthetics

• Comfortable • Minimizes Tissue Irritation

• Non-Allergenic

Guaranteed for Life Against Breakage* Removable Non-Metal Partial Denture

Guaranteed for Life Against Breakage*

®

4230 Del ReyAvenueMarina del Rey, CA 90292Fax: 310-915-7171www.tridentlab.com

DENTAL LABORATORIES

Trident Dental Laboratories

perspectives valplast

Documents