Dentistry/Teeth

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Expert: Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO - 9/18/2004


Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi, I am 20 years old with white, straight, healthy teeth. About 5 months ago I noticed that around the edges of my bottom teeth and my front 2 teeth, that they are becoming clear, almost transparent. They seem to worsen as the days go by. I was wondering what causes this and how do I stop it from spreading? Thank you.

Sandi Reed
Answer -
Dear Sandi:  Transparent edges of upper teeth are common. If you have never noticed them before, maybe you have just noticed them now, and are unnecessarily concerned.  If you are truly noticing change, age 20 is quite early to be having the kind of wear that causes transparent edges.  You may be grinding you teeth here, and may have already ground away enamel at these inside edges.  Or you may be chronically putting sugar or acid over these teeth (like soda or candy).  I am assuming you are not bulemic.  Any or all of these things can cause rapid erosion of your enamel.  Best to see your dentist for his/her opinion.  dd

Thank you for the reply. Could it be that I am brushing my teeth to much? Or a lack of something in my diet? Thanks.

Sandi Reed  

Answer
Near Sandi:  Not due to brushing, though you should be using an extra-soft brush.  Not due to a lack of something, but possibly due to too much sugar or acid (soda, candy, mints, spicy, sour, etc.) chronically in your mouth.  Most likely due to a clenching/grinding habit you may have.  Could be due to the way your front teeth come together.  I'd still like you to see your dentist for an analysis.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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