North Texas Dentistry Special Issue 2018 NTD SP ISSUE 2018 DE | Page 29

P R O F I L E What brought you into the world of dental laboratory technology? “I was pulled in after getting a part time job in the lab’s front office while I was a long- haired art major at the University of North Texas. Like most of our shade patients, I didn’t even know what a dental lab was. But once I was there, I was curious. I was exposed to people that saw ceramics as an art form (not just a means to an end), held themselves to the highest of standards, and worked hard to make a difference in den- tistry. Ceramics was an artistically challenging medium in which I was unfamiliar. So, I became a ceramist. I often say, I’m a ‘test tube technician: made in the lab’. I gave it a shot, and I found a love for it. Learning at Functional, in what I consider the Golden Age of ceramics, I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best technicians, attend great dental conferences, and work with some of the best clinicians around. It was an intensive and immersive dental education for which I feel blessed. Almost 30 years after that first part time job, I’m still hooked. I am honored to have a great team, work with some of the finest clinicians, and proud to own the company that gave me my start. I just wish I still had the hair.” What do you recommend for restorative material choices? Kyle Swan CDT is President and Owner of Func- tional Esthetics, Inc. dental laboratory located in Lewisville, Texas. Functional Esthetics is a crown and bridge laboratory focused on complex restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry and has been in business since 1977. Kyle is a member of the American Equilibration Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry Kyle Swan, CDT Owner/President [email protected] www.functionalesthetics.com “There have been some great additions to our material choices in recent years. Lithium disilicate was certainly a game changer years back, and although admittedly I don’t love monolithic zirconia, it seems to be improving. There are some polymers on the market that look exciting as well. That being said, some of the best dental restora- tions have been around a long time. I get as ked all the time if we still do feldspathic veneers or PFMs. My answer is always ‘absolutely ’. I think it is hard to beat feldspathic veneers. I love them. I don’t think they can be beat on esthetics. They are scarce these days because they take skilled technicians to fabricate, and there are fewer and fewer laboratories proficient with the technique. Also, I find it unfortunate that PFMs have fallen out of favor in some circles. We do more all-ceramic work than ever before, but there are still situations where PFMs are the perfect choice. And yes, even though they are not ‘tooth colored’, I absolutely love gold crowns on second molars. I feel like starting a support group for dentists who like to prescribe gold crowns and telling them, ‘You are not alone. We can help’. We get to work on lots of challenging implant cases. We can correct angulation prob- lems in ways we never could before. For example, I really like the Angulated Screw Channel layered zirconia option from Nobel. It’s been a great arrow in the quiver. Ultimately though, I think it is best to look for the best solution for each patient’s unique situation as opposed to pushing a product.” Why should someone work with your laboratory? Functional esthetics, inc. 886 N. Mill St. Lewisville, Texas 75057 [phone] “Frankly, we are not a good fit for everyone, but a great fit for some. It really depends on the goals they have for their restorative practice. We love to work with dedicated clinicians who value the laboratory as being a part of their interdisciplinary team. We strive every day with every case to produce the best work for each patient, from com- plex implant cases to single unit molars. Our logo includes the words: artistry, integrity and service. All three are taken seriously, and our clients expect it. In the same way, our company name, Functional Esthetics aptly describes our focus. For a successful outcome, one can’t have one without the other. It’s very “yin and yang”. Dentistry is complicated with varied philosophies and the educational process is never ending, and I love it. I have an amazing team that feels the same way. In my opinion, the laboratory you work with should add value to your practice and give you peace of mind. They should care about your patients’ well-being and their long term dental health. They should learn and understand your unique preferences, help guide you through the quagmire of restorative options, and provide restorations of which you can be proud. This is our approach. So if this resonates with them, that would be my answer.” www.northtexasdentistry.com | NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY 29