I would like to share two cases. In the first case , I was literally forced to do. In my years in Practising Prosthodontics I’ve come across so many instances of patients wanting to rush the end product without a reasonable idea of what it will be.
I do my best with every case and try to envision what will please dentist and patient, but without proper information I have to guess at several critical issues. Guessing is a recipe for failure.
There’s an old adage I’ve often referred to: ‘there never seems to be time to do things right, but there’s always time to re-do it’.
Now, by incorporating orthodontics and the digital smile design , I can’t emphasis enough about the importance of having a ‘blueprint’ in regards to the desired result of cosmetic treatment.
With digital smile design it makes so much sense . Since attending several lectures and online courses , I finally attended attended the hands-on course. I wonder why every dentist doesn’t just routinely follow these relatively simple techniques, ensuring predictable results. The word ‘predictable’ is key. Why would anyone deliberately choose uncertainty over predictability in their work?
When things go awry from lack of planning and from the failure to work out details before starting an actual restoration, it may shake a patient’s faith in their dentist. Even though to some, digital smile design, seems time consuming and meticulous especially in treatment planning . However this has been my missing link all these years . It is the secret to having a happy patient.
Case 1
This case was done 4 years ago. I can’t emphasis enough that general dentists must learn orthodontics to practice cosmetic dentistry. With the current technology in aligners and simple orthodontics to correct mild crowding , general dentists wouldn’t succumbed into doing the unthinkable , i.e. cutting too much of the teeth structure.
Patient wanted a quick fix
A quick-fixed , 4 years follow-up.
Case 2
Patient came because she was unhappy with the discoloration of her teeth. She doesn’t want to touch her canines. After a few minutes and following the smile design protocol, case was planned and presented to her and she accepted the treatment plan .
The severe discoloration and mottling was particularly noticeable on the front two left teeth. Large cavities on the sides of the the other teeth on the right.
Porcelain veneers were used to mask this colour and give a beautiful new smile on the 4 front teeth. Case pending review.
The bond between original tooth and porcelain veneer is critical as it not only provides the esthetic perfection desired, but also a strong bond which is essential for correct veneer function.
A minimally invasive procedure was able to be carried out because, within minutes the teeth were studied with orthodontic principles and digital smile design were applied.
If any prospective clients have concerns or questions about getting porcelain veneers, I would highly recommend they ask their dentists to show his or her work prior to treatment .