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Reproducing Nature Part 2: Blending into Natural Dentition

eLABORATE Magazine featured Yugo’s article titled ‘Reproducing Nature Part 2: Blending into natural dentition’ in May/June 2006 (published language: English).     Introduction:   Isn’t colour matching a restoration to nature one of the hardest things for all of us to achieve? To be able to reproduce the colour, there are so many factors we have to consider and get right. The value, chroma, hue, translucency, characterisation and even the surface anatomy and shine control of the tooth are all essential considerations.   However, from my perspective as a ceramist, we have to consider another crucial aspect – the background. The teeth in the mouth are always under the influence of the colour from the gum, and it is very easy for human eyes to make misjudgements...

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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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Ageing – A Paradigm Shift in Ageing (GAMSAT Essay Example)

Consider the following comments and develop a piece of writing in response to one or more of them. Your writing will be judged on the quality of your response to the theme, how well you organise and present your point of view, and how effectively you express yourself.   ‘I recently turned sixty. Practically a third of my life is over’ – Woody Allen   ‘With full-span lives having become the norm, people may need to learn how to be aged as they once had to learn how to be adult.’ – Ronald Blythe   ‘The man who works and is not bored is never old.’ – Pablo Casals   ‘Every man desires to live long: but no man would be old.’ – Jonathan...

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Foundations: Understanding GAMSAT Section 2 Before You Read Further

The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is widely regarded as one of the most demanding entrance examinations for postgraduate medicine and dentistry across Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The exam evaluates not only academic knowledge, but the ability to reason critically, synthesise ideas, and communicate with conceptual precision under pressure. It assesses scientific understanding, humanities reasoning, and — crucially — written communication. GAMSAT consists of three sections: Section 1: Reasoning in Humanities Section 2: Written Communication Section 3: Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences Section 2, the written component, examines a candidate’s ability to organise ideas logically, construct persuasive arguments, and respond to abstract prompts with depth and control. It is not merely a test of fluency. It is a test...

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Before and After 2008: Welcoming my Inaugural Patient at Smile by Yugo

A Caucasian male in his 30s presented with a trauma case on the (patient’s) right central incisor (11) – had an accident while playing football. He was also concerned about the appearance of the (patient’s) right lateral incisor (12) – it appears too short and narrow in his words.   11 is a non-vital tooth with minor discolouration in the stump (c.f., Fig 1); thus, we selected a zirconia restoration. The opacity of Lava Zirconia was suitable for slight masking, and its aesthetic advantage in complex colour matching.   12 is a healthy, vital tooth clinically speaking (c.f., Fig 1), thus we required only a minor conservative prep to proceed with the refractory veneer. Additionally, bleaching was completed two weeks before the shade taking...

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Reproducing Nature Part 1: Understanding the Composition of Natural Dentition

Eminent peer-reviewed publication - European Journal of Esthetic Dentistry - featured Yugo’s inaugural international article titled ‘Reproducing Nature: Understanding the Composition of Natural Dentition’ in 2008 (published language: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Greek).   Abstract:   Ceramists may be able to produce excellent results, but none can improve on the natural dentition. Natural teeth are always the benchmark to which every ceramist should aspire. Becoming a better ceramist requires training and application, and one of the best ways of training is to copy natural dentition. The amount of information that can be gained just by examining natural teeth is enormous. Natural dentition is irregular, but it is also in proportion and perfectly balanced. By trying to reproduce natural teeth, the ceramist will appreciate...

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