SMILES
SPOTLIGHT
in the
As you know, pictures are worth a thousand words. We take the “12 series”
photos from the AACD (Fig. 1a, 1b) to capture intraoral images. This helps
us evaluate the patient’s Global Esthetics, MacroEsthetics and MicroEsthetics.
LEADERS IN NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
CREATING UNFORGETTABLE SMILES
1a
Managing Expectations
With Your Lab
The purpose of this article is to provide a synopsis of the critical steps
essential for optimal communication. For the sake of simplicity, the
restoration of anterior teeth will be used as the example case situation.
In my practice, when we talk about treatment planning with a patient,
we start with the end in mind. At the patient’s first appointment, we
begin with a complete examination and record all of the patient’s
wants and needs. Using the Dawson Academy philosophies, we consult with the patient to determine if the TMJ is stable and healthy.
With that being said, can they comfortably accept maximal load testing? If the answer is no, we then need to treat the TM joint first. These
treatment options are to be considered while conducting a problemsolving checklist using the Functional Esthetic Analysis:
• 5 Requirements of Occlusal Stability
• 6 MacroEsthetic Goals
• 6 MicroEsthetic Goals
Using the checklist while evaluating our patient, we now take into
consideration the four treatment options:
• Reshape
• Reposition dentition
• Restore
• Reposition bone
16 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
2a
2b
1b
Without an extensive treatment plan and duplicate diagnostic models accurately
facebow (Fig. 2a) mounted
on a fully adjustable articulator we cannot ensure a
successful case. Now that
we have the proper records
we can begin communication with Felix Silva, CDT at
Concert Dental Labs. Felix
and his team have extensive knowledge of advanced
dental education which allows us to work together
seamless and productively.
Like Dr. Frank Spears CEO
of SPEARS Education
notes, “Having a beautiful
diagnostic wax-up is an insurance policy for case acceptance” and is a great
visual aid to help the patient
understand realistically the
possibilities that dentistry
can achieve (Fig 2b). Patient input is very important to understand their perception of the characteristics and preferences they are wanting. Using smile
guides or smile apps to help communicate with the patient serves as a great
tool to visualize what can be expected.