From the Guest Editor
Michael G. Arvystas, AB, DMD
“I hope that youenjoy reading and applying these articles written by these excellent clinicians, educators,and authors for the benefits of your patients.”
Dear Readers,
My career in interdisciplinary therapy began as a dentist in the US Air Force Regional Medical Center. I received a priceless education from practitioners in all fields to resolve the complicated needs of our service men and women.
On completion of my military duty, I completed my training in orthodontics. I continued teaching at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City and was director of the craniofacial center where teamwork was second nature to us. These valuable experiences working with expert colleagues have encouraged me to put together this thematic edition.
In this issue of Compendium, you have a unique opportunity to learn how you can help patients obtain their best dental esthetics. I would like to thank the authors for their clinical skills and their contributions to dental education.
One article discusses understanding the planes of occlusion and how they affect function. Two cases are presented. The first required orthodontic treatment alone. The second involved an interdisciplinary approach requiring presurgical orthodontic treatment, surgical joint replacement, postsurgical orthodontics, and the final esthetic restorations.
Another article presents the team approach to facial asymmetry due to an expanding growth of the mandible requiring orthodontic treatment, mandibular reconstruction surgery, and restorative dentistry to restore function.
And finally, a third article concerns the esthetic changes that occur in the aging face. Treatment plans have expanded to include consideration of the balance of the teeth and smile presentation, as well as soft-tissue support and facial appearance.
I hope that you enjoy reading and applying these articles written by these excellent clinicians, educators, and authors for the benefits of your patients.
Michael G. Arvystas, AB, DMD
