Aesthetics in the Everyday Practice: An Interplay of Reality and Perception

What constitutes an aesthetic smile? Is it natural beauty or dazzling white teeth? To understand the components of an aesthetic smile, it is critical to understand the perception of what is visible. We must also understand what motivates patient’s choices in order to provide optimum levels of care. This presentation evaluates the importance of creating clarity for our patients and discusses the systems and tools we can use as clinicians to better understand what is achievable. The need to blend form with function will be presented with a systematic treatment process that honors both function and aesthetics. Fundamental principles and parameters of an aesthetic smile will be reviewed along with a step-by-step analysis of preparation design, provisionalization and the use of digital impressions.

You will be exposed to:

• The importance of having clarity about appropriate treatment options
• Why it is important to start “showing” patients instead of “telling” them
• Factors that affect the prognosis of aesthetic treatment
• Clinical systems that help us with diagnosing, developing and demonstrating aesthetic treatment
• 7 critical steps of treatment planning that honors aesthetics and function
• An analytical evaluation of tooth form and components that constitute a beautiful smile
• The perceived shortcomings between the technician and the clinician
• How to communicate the desired final outcome to the laboratory technician
• Full coverage and veneer preparation design, retraction and provisionalization
• How to communicate the desired final outcome to the laboratory technician
• Utilization of digital impressions
• Tips to help with veneer bonding
• Temporary abutment modification and duplication for implant retained restorations
• Why utilization of a laboratory assistant is so critical to time and quality management
• The most important motivating factor