We have set the photos up as a slide show, if you press on the photo, you can proceed slide by slide and read the captions to get an idea what we did for the day.
In today’s visit, the first thing we do is check to see how Mike is doing. The extraction sites are healing nicely. I’m happy for Mike: he will never have another tooth ache, ever again.
Remold, Reshape, Recontour
The lab has sent us upper and lower wax rims for today’s visit. The wax rims are a starting point: we take the wax rims and remold, reshape, recontour them to the shape we think would be ideal for Mike’s mouth.
Also in this visit, we select the teeth that will be used on Mike’s dentures. I love looking at teeth! Whenever I meet anybody who works with denture teeth, I am always asking, what are the prettiest teeth out there? In my opinion, the best-looking teeth in 2013 are Portrait IPN by Dentsply. While taking a denture course, I was fortunate enough to go on tour at the Dentsply factory in York, Pennsylvania, where the Portrait IPN teeth are made. The teeth are made of layers, with depth and “personality” — because of this; they are just beautiful! At today’s visit, we also pick the shape of the tooth and the color. Mike likes the idea of having a lighter color. He picks a Portrait P1 for his color.
Since the second visit, the lab poured up our master models and fabricated wax rims for today, the third visit.
Anastasia has everything ready for today’s visit: flame for melting the wax; tools for sculpting and contouring the wax; and Blu-Mousse Bite Registration by Parkell.
The wax rim that the lab sent is a starting point; it is our job to take that wax rim and sculpt a denture in wax. I need to add more, to make a fuller smile.
Working with the wax involves melting the new wax onto the wax rim.
We spend time trimming away the excess wax, sculpting and contouring.
The denture needs to be longer, so more sculpting and contouring.
We take this wax rim in and out, visually checking to see it is what we are looking for, sculpting and contouring.
Even more melting the wax, trimming, sculpting and contouring.
Let’s check how this looks!
Team Seasons of Smiles Dental, hard at work.
We made the upper wax rim first, working it against his lower older, existing denture.
Almost there! We use a stick as a tool to measure how close Mike’s upper jaw is to his lower jaw.
Using the big mirror helps us get an idea what the denture is going to look like.
Anastasia Snow of Seasons of Smiles Dental.
Nellie Clark of Seasons of Smiles Dental.
Working with the big mirror, almost there.
Now we make the lower denture so it works against the upper denture.
Almost done!
The upper wax rim and lower wax rim both look good; now it is time to record their relationship.
We must record the midline. This is where the lab will place the two front teeth.
We check the midline from different angles to make sure it’s in the middle.
Now we tie the upper wax rim to the lower wax rim using Blu-Mousse – Bite Registration by Parkell.
We ask Mike to bite down softly and wait for the Blu-Mousse to cure.
We record where we think the canines should go.
I love looking at teeth! Whenever I meet anybody who works with denture teeth, I am always asking, what are the prettiest teeth out there? In my opinion, the best-looking teeth in 2013 are Portrait IPN by Dentsply. Now all we have to do is pick a mold.
For a multitude of reasons, we picked 42F. I think it’s a “manly tooth” that should work out nicely.
The next big decision we need to make is on color. We are going with A1; it’s a color you might see on an 18-year-old young man. I showed Mike some whiter shades, but he liked the idea of A1 better.
We are done for the day! We will be sending this off to Eliason Dental Lab. Thank you, Julie Skelton, for all your help; Eliason Dental Lab has offered to do this work for us at no charge. They can be reached at Eliason Dental Lab, 190 Riverside St., Unit 6B. Portland, ME 04103 (207) 774-7881 https://www.eliasonlab.com
Eliason Dental Lab has offered to do this work for us at no charge. They can be reached at
Eliason Dental Lab
190 Riverside St., Unit 6B
Portland ME 04103
(207) 774-7881
https://www.eliasonlab.com
We are done for the day! We will be sending this off to Eliason Dental Lab. Thank you, Julie Skelton, for all your help; Eliason Dental Lab has offered to do this work for us at no charge. They can be reached at
Eliason Dental Lab
190 Riverside St., Unit 6B
Portland ME 04103
(207) 774-7881 https://www.eliasonlab.com
Norman Medina DDS
Norman Medina DDS, graduated from Loma Linda University Dental School in 1994. He has been practicing dentistry in Midcoast Maine since 1994. He and his wife Lanita have four children.
Dr. Medina and staff are extremely professional, thorough, kind and proficient. I highly recommend their office for your dental needs and being new to the region we were so happy to find them!
I contacted Seasons of Smiles after a co-worker suggested them. We had been trying to establish a dentist since September of 2023. I had a really bad experience when I went to Aspen dental and so I was trying to find another dentist. I contacted a few others that had been suggested, but no response from them. Finally after my co-worker suggested Seasons of Smiles I got right online and filled out their emergency visit forms. My partner and I have been having a lot of tooth pain and that was why it was a rush to find a dentist. I have been dealing with extreme pain and discomfort for over 3 months and knew I had an infection of some kind. Seasons of Smiles got back to us so fast and was able to get us in to see Dr. Medina immediately. I am glad they did. As soon as he started to look in my mouth he could see the infection and where it was stemming from. He wrote me a prescription for antibiotics and one to help with the pain and discomfort. He referred me to the surgeon to get the teeth out that are causing issues. The nursing staff was excellent and we felt welcomed. Now we are established patients of Seasons of Smiles and look forward to visits to come.
Dr. Medinas care is second to none! He ands his staff are exceptional people delivering excellent dentistry. His ongoing treatment for a particular problem is truly impressive.Stop by and say high to Terry and Sadie at the front desk in their newly renovated state of the art dental practice. Kim is excellent at cleanings. And meet his two very personable assistants Taylor and Iris! It’s a great place.
I'm from out of town and had a worry and they squeezed me in and could not have been kinder. If I get my dream and finally move here, I would love to have Dr. Medina as my dentist.
I have Been visiting Dr. Medinas Seasons of Smiles office for well over 20 years, ever since they started out as Gentle Dental and have always recieved great dental care. And they appear to have all of the latest equipment necessary for getting the job done. 👍 Thank you to all of you who work here.
Seasons of Smiles Dental is the best! When I was in school they worked around my schedule and always did their best to fit me in last minute! They care about my smile and dental health. Their whole team is professional and kind, and they have constantly worked to improve the office with new technology. Thank you Dr. Medina and staff!
Not unlike other people, I have a strong fear of going to the dentist. They were very understanding, accommodating and compassionate. All was explained clearly and with care. I have no hesitation going back for next appointment and would highly recommend this dental practice.
I had a fantastic experience at my recent visit to Seasons of Smiles Dental. They were able to schedule me for a last minute cleaning that I desperately needed. From the moment I stepped into their clean and stylish waiting room, I felt at ease. I was greeted with friendly smiles by the staff and only waited briefly for my appointment. Kelly was gentle but efficient and I left the office feeling great!I also appreciated the efficient text system for appointment reminders. It made rescheduling a breeze!If you’re looking for a new dentist, I highly recommend visiting Dr. Medina at Seasons of Smiles.
Definitely the best dental experience I've ever had for as far as easy relaxing explaining everything to very good place to go I'd highly recommend them they've taken good care of me over the last few years
As always, I had another amazing experience here. I'm so comfortable with all the hard working employees here.Thank you all again for another pain free visit!I love chatting with you all! 💕
Who doesn’t love having clean teeth? It’s a great day when I get to have my teeth cleaned by Kim at Seasons of Smiles. She is gentle, very thorough and shares her insights for how to continue to care for my teeth. I have been a patient of Dr. Medina’s for about 18 years and I couldn’t be happier. I know everyone in my family is getting the best care for our teeth and gums.
I never have a hesitation when I have to make an appointment for Dr Medina and staff... they are all great and make you feel so comfortable. Would highly recommend if you are in need of a new dentist!!
Great experience, amazing staff. And a comfortable environment.Another visit, absolutely amazing dental experience. I can finally smile again. Thank you all, I'm truly grateful.
Seasons of Smiles is a great practice. Very friendly and knowledgeable with exceptional results. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a quality dental experience.
Fantastic. Brought some issues to Dr. Medina that he did not cause, and discovered that he is a ray of light in his profession. Dr. Medina has superb diagnostic and clinical instincts, an excellent facility, and really great staff.Looking forward to many years of excellent care.Thank you.
Seasons of smiles has been my dentist for many years. Very informative, We talk about the how and why of dentistry every time I'm there! Dr Medina always lets you know exactly what needs to be done, and how to improve your smile.
So far this is the best dental practice I have ever visited. State of the art tools, gorgeous atmosphere —and most important— down to earth, friendly, and professional team!
One more post today for Dr.Medina - although I love the background music that he plays to help the comfortable atmosphere in the office, I REALLY LOVED the Hawaiian music today! Loved Israel's singing and the relaxing music! Good choice, Dr. Medina!!!👍
My husband gets his treatment there. He is a veteran with many conditions. The staff makes him comfortable, and communication is fantastic. Dr. Medina and staff, he knows is 5 stars from the front desk to the clinical staff. He is very grateful. ❤️
Dr. Medina is one of the top dentists in Maine. I’m a dentist as well and was able to see him in action. He has the latest advances In the field, and is a competent, kind practitioner. His staff is friendly and experienced! You will be in great hands here!
Amazing service with a true appreciation for military families. I had the opportunity of working with Dr. Medina and his team from out of state on behalf...
Easiest extraction ever! Such a soothing experience. Thanks medina and lanita!! If you need a friendly dentist these are the people I highly recommend.
I had a very positive experience with Dr Medina and his staff. I was traveling through the area on vacation when I had a dental 'situation' come up. I...
