Raising the bar in aesthetic dentistry
Doctor Larry Rosenthal began his professional career in 1972. He had never envisioned how pioneering a small porcelain chip called a “veneer” could ultimately change a profession.
Today, globally, faces are enhanced every day. Dentists and patients alike have seamlessly benefited from his artistry, his lectures, and his positive attitude on life. As a graduate of New York University, in November of 2002, he dedicated the Rosenthal Institute for Aesthetic Dentistry at his alma mater. The Rosenthal Institute was the nation’s first university-based program wholly dedicated to fostering continuing education, research and patient care in current and emerging techniques in aesthetic dentistry.
As a result of this building, the growth of the Aesthetic Advantage Institute accelerated, and it became an international educational company dedicated to teaching and motivating dentists around the word.
The program is a live patient, live seminar, month-long, hands-on educational experience. Rosenthal teaches both the Science and the Art of Dental and Facial Aesthetics to his students. With a faculty of past graduates, he trains aesthetic dentists on the use of new materials, systems and technology to enhance and refine their clinical skill set.
Concentrating on the face, Rosenthal emphasizes the concept of symmetry, the balance of the teeth and smile concerning the entire face. As an instructor, he has always taken to demonstrate to his students how he creates with his hands and translates what he sees in his mind to attain the final result of a smile. The dentists return back to their practices with a new discipline to visualize the possibilities and enable them to execute a beautiful result.
In 2015, Rosenthal authored a book called “Open Wider,” enlightening both the patients and the dentists to the myths and possibilities of the new revolution in aesthetic dentistry. The book is dedicated to his family, who have supported him throughout his career, and to his staff, who has enabled him to create these beautiful smiles.
“Open Wider” dispels many myths about dentistry and reveals some interesting facts, too. In the book, Rosenthal emphasizes the power of a smile while pioneering “the smile lift,” “the trial smile” and “facial enhancement.” A “smile lift” is a face-lift utilizing only the teeth while widening the arch and providing lip support. At the same time, building up the bite reverses facial collapse, which is an anti-aging fact of life.
The trial smile is a practice that enables patients to see, feel and envision the possibilities. Facial evaluation allows for corrections of asymmetries and an accentuation of the patient’s best features, for example, the eyes or cheekbones.
While reading “Open Wider,” both the dentist and the patient should be prepared to be challenged. Since aesthetic dentistry is a visual art, this book is about the possibilities.
One of the myths expelled is that a visit to the dentist is no longer torture. The essence of the Rosenthal experience is that the patients have a good time.
The reality of modern dentistry is that it’s less invasive, less time-consuming, almost pain-free, and can even be fun. Never underestimate the power of a smile. It’s often contagious and leads to increased self-esteem and, often, success in life. It’s not an either/or proposition; the fact is that the goal in dentistry today is both sustained health and enhanced beauty.
With the advent of porcelain veneers in 1981, tooth preparation can be minimal and, therefore, less invasive. Also, today’s materials are far stronger, and the methods of bonding them are more straightforward and longer-lasting.
Patients need to be advised as to the possibilities and advantages of a healthy and beautiful looking smile.
For example, the most beautiful smile in a room full of people is rarely the one filled with snowy white Chiclets of teeth in totally straight alignment. Such smiles scream, “Fake!” both to the trained and untrained eye.
Instead, it’s the smile that lifts the face with teeth aligned to support the smile and the face, complements the shape of the head and other features, fills the cheeks, and reflects the natural attractiveness of the patient. It neither overwhelms the face nor shocks the observer. Instead, it engages the observer.
Great smiles beguile, they do not overwhelm. Rosenthal is a master of both producing them and explaining what makes them great. He challenged the profession with his philosophy of noninvasive, and often life-changing experiences through dental aesthetics. He has expanded the vision of dentists globally and patients via his unique concept of the “smile lift.” Most importantly, his mindset, when teaching dentists and educating patients, is a direct one-on-one approach.
Finally, along with his partner, Dr. Michael Apa, his associate dentist Dr. Andi Miro, and periodontist Dr. Graig Fischgrund, as well as great staff and a talented team of in-house custom porcelain ceramists, Rosenthal has a leader and mentor in aesthetic dentistry, globally.
The offices in Dubai, Los Angeles and New York reflect the “state of the art” techniques and the “magic” that dentistry can provide to people of all nationalities and from all walks of life.
It is indeed an excellent time to be a dentist. It is, more importantly, a fantastic time to be a patient.
