Page 53 - Amazing Smiles

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY - WHAT WILL MY SMILE LOOK LIKE?TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

figure 60 you don’t like something, just change it. Teeth
can be made to look longer, shorter, wider or
whiter to name just few variations. Unfortunately,
you can do things on the computer that cannot
actually be reproduced in the mouth. That is why
many cosmetic imaging preview pictures look
different than the final results. Cosmetic imaging
on a computer can be used as a practical guide as
long as the patient understands that the final
results may and do vary.

A second alternative way to preview a
smile is called a mock-up, with composite bonding
materials. With a mock-up, composite bonding
materials are applied onto the unprepared teeth.
Possible changes in the mouth are created for the
patient to see. The cosmetic procedures are limit-
ed by the fact that no tooth structure is removed.
The result may appear “bulkier” than the final
result. As long as the patient understands this
fact, the technique has a lot of merit. Another lim-
itation is the cosmetic dentist. He/she may not
have the artistic ability to create the result with
composite that the patient may be looking for. If
the individual dentist lacks this talent or ability this
technique should not be used. They should rely on
the talent of their ceramist to create the final
result. When the mock-up guide is acceptable to
the patient, an impression of it can be taken and
a duplicate stone cast made, which can be sent to
the ceramist. This will be used as a guide for the
final restoration. This technique is particularly
useful when teeth are to be made larger or longer
or the arch form needs to be built out for a wider
smile appearance. (figure 60).

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