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Refractory Veneers – Preserving the Art of Hand-Made Aesthetics

Introduction: While zirconia has rapidly become the leading material for strength, predictability, and CAD/CAM efficiency, refractory feldspathic veneers continue to offer unique advantages in specific situations. They are most valuable in the aesthetic zone, where preserving natural tooth structure and achieving the highest level of colour control are paramount. This technique is particularly suited to cases requiring ultra-thin restorations, minimal preparation, or where stump shade plays a critical role in the final outcome. It is also considered when the treating clinician’s philosophy favours conservative approaches that respect the original tooth anatomy. Unlike modern digital workflows, refractory feldspathic veneers are fabricated entirely by hand. Every layer is carefully built and customised, requiring a high degree of skill and artistry. For this reason, the technique...

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Establishing Protocol in Digital Dental Photography: Essential Communication Tool for Dental Professionals and Patients

Digital photography provides good clinical evidence and is an essential communication tool for dental professionals and patients. Therefore, capturing correct information is critical when exchanging digital images. The quality of the captured images significantly reflects the quality of the final restorations.   In an ideal scenario, the technician/ceramist should receive the necessary information from the treating clinician to perform to the best of their abilities, and provide the best possible outcome for their patients. The image captured by the treating clinician needs translation into the language/perspectives as the way the technicians/ceramists see and apply within their workflow – i.e., the clinician should be able to explain why they are capturing the specific photos, and the technician/ceramist should be able to understand the...

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CORRECTION OF MIDLINE CANT WITH A SINGLE CENTRAL INCISOR

The primary objective of treating a single central incisor is to create a restoration that blends in with the surroundings. The two front teeth - upper central incisors -are the most dominant part of the smile, and they are used to determine the position and cant of a facial and dental midline. Studies suggest that the most important relationship to evaluate the aesthetics is the mediolateral inclination of the maxillary incisors. If the incisors are inclined by 2mm right or left, laypeople regard this as unesthetic.   Figs 1 & 2 show a trauma case with damaged right upper central incisor – 11. The assessment of the facial midline can only determine with a full-face photo; however, the images suggest enough to indicate...

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Morphology: Traditional Wax-up Technique for Anterior and Posterior Teeth

Advancement of CAD/CAM technology has been a game-changer for both dental clinicians and technicians. It provides consistency with natural anatomy and aesthetics in the production of dental prosthetics without the possessions of highly trained hands-on technical skills. Understanding the anatomy of natural dentition – morphology – in depth is, however, essential for all dental professionals. The traditional way of reproducing teeth in wax remains critical as a way of training because the knowledge and technique are utilised in the application of composite restorations, diagnostic wax-up, and better understanding in the aesthetics and functions. The following technique is what I presented at King’s College London for a postgraduate masters course in Prosthodontics and Aesthetics candidates, and was well received with high praises.   Model Preparation:   After...

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