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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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Before and After 2023: Refining the Fine – Subtle Aesthetic Enhancements with Major Impact

At first glance, Sherelle’s pre-operative condition (the image on the left) appears almost flawless. Her smile is bright, symmetrical, and generally well-aligned—qualities many patients would already consider ideal. And yet, as with many high-performing professionals in the dental field, even minor imperfections can weigh heavily on one’s confidence. Sherelle is no ordinary patient. As the receptionist at Smile Doctor Mona Vale—one of the most respected dental practices in Sydney’s Northern Beaches—she plays a crucial role in patient communication and care. In fact, she often uses her own journey as a live example to help patients understand what’s possible with thoughtful smile design. This case reminds us that aesthetic dentistry isn’t just about fixing the obvious—it’s about listening, understanding subtle dissatisfaction, and finding...

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Before and After 2022: Smile Design 2.0 (Part 2) – Performing a Smile Makeover on Social Media Influencer

In Part 1 of ‘Smile Design 2.0’, I introduced my well-established standardised protocol for smile design, applied to a dental professional – often one of the most challenging types of patients due to their high dental IQ and elevated expectations. Treating fellow colleagues requires absolute precision and a deep understanding of the nuances within my specialties. In Part 2 of this blog series, I will again cover the essential requirements for digital photography and effective communication between dental professionals and patients, taking a consistent step-by-step approach. This time, however, my focus shifts to a social media influencer. The case presented here features an Asian female patient who shares her physical appearance and life experience on social media. Working with celebrity or influencer...

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Before and After 2021: Smile Design 2.0 (Part 1) – Performing a smile makeover for dental professionals

I’ve been meaning to work on my publications for a while but was occupied with my GAMSAT studies, plus the establishment and stabilisation of my new business - Smile Virtuoso, in Pyrmont, NSW. It’s been a year and a half since I updated my blog posts, and now I finally have an opportunity to work on some exciting projects to share and be published in 2023! I want to kick off the blog post in this Before and After section, titled ‘Smile Design 2.0 (part 1 and part 2)’. These blog posts serve as sneak peeks of the cases presented in my upcoming article, where I present a standardised protocol in smile design, explaining the requirements in digital photography and communication...

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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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