Business Strategies for Dental Laboratory Decision-Makers
Andre Michel


Andre Michel, owner of Andre’s Dental Studio, in Dana Point, California, is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and on its Board of Directors and is a technical instructor for Total Team Advantage Live Patient Seminars.

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Self conscious about his smile, the patient wanted it functionally and esthetically restored. Michel and Dr. Barrera decided to use IPS e.max lithium disilicate because they could use a conservative prep design and because of the material’s high strength and esthetic properties.

The final waxup on the master impression with dies untrimmed so shapes could be perfected with soft tissue features in place.

Using IPS e.max ceram, Michel added internal stains and then layered using OE4 for the mamelons, Translucent OE1 for opal effects and Translucent Incisal 1 for the enamel.

The internal effects after firing.

The completed upper and lower restorations glazed and polished on solid model ready
for delivery.

The patient is very satisfied with the functionality and esthetics of the restorations.

Technician's Gallery: Full Mouth Fabrication and Reconstruction

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Andre Michel, owner of Andre's Dental Stuio, Dana Point, CA details a case he fabricated using pressed IPS e.max crowns and bridges.

One of only 20 technicians accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Andre Michel, owner of Andre’s Dental Studio, a boutique laboratory in Dana Point, California, specializes in smile design and full mouth reconstruction. Here, he details a case he and Dr. Jeffrey Barrera from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, restored using pressed IPS e.max® crowns and bridges for a male patient who had extensive wear, exposed dentin and extremely poor esthetics.

Using the records, face bow, photography and desired vertical dimension provided by Barrera, Michel created a diagnostic waxup. After the patient wore the temporaries for several weeks and adjustments were made, Michel pressed 16 crowns and two three-unit bridges to full contour. He used a minimal cut-back technique and added the internal effects and translucency using e.max ceram.

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