cosmetic dentistry - beauty & science

24 I I patient communication _ diagnostic mock-up of excess, the patient viewed the result and was pleased (Figs. 6 & 7). She did not request any modification. It was also an opportunity for the operator to evaluate the occlusal plane and it was decided to lengthen the left maxillary canine as well.Conservativetreatmentwasthencompleted using Estelite Omega composite resin (Tokuyama Dental; Figs. 8 & 9). Case II A 12-year-old male patient presented with residualspacespost-orthodontictreatment(Figs. 10 & 11). While this case was relatively simple, a diagnostic mock-up was made in order to show theexpectedresulttothepatientandhisrelatives to see whether they would be satisfied (Figs. 12 & 13). Even with this relatively simple treatment, the patient and his parents were very pleased with the diagnostic mock-up and were motivated to proceed with the restorations. The treatment was completed as planned using Estelite Omega (Figs. 14 & 15). Case III A 28-year-old female patient presented with multiple diastemas between her maxillary ante- rior teeth (Figs. 16 & 17). She had recently com- pleted orthodontic treatment to redistribute the space of a large midline diastema. At her first visit, impressions were taken to make a diagnostic wax-up. In order to respect the tooth proportion, the length of the teeth needed to be increased, which would change the ap- pearance of her teeth considerably. At the second appointment, the treatment plan was explained to the patient using the diagnostic wax-up and the unaltered original cast. A diagnostic mock-up was then quickly made to allow the patient to visualise the anticipated result (Figs. 18 & 19). The patient was delighted and appreciated that we could show her the anticipated outcome with direct composite resin very quickly before per- forming the treatment. Her motivation and coop- eration were noticeably increased. The facial mid- line,teethlengthandangulation,anteriorocclusal plan, the relation of the teeth with the lower lip at smile and with the upper lip at rest and the pho- netics were evaluated. The treatment was realised conservatively with Estelite Omega (Figs. 20 & 21). _Conclusion A diagnostic mock-up is an important com- munication tool to assist patients in envisioning the proposed result. It also facilitates a two-way discussion: one way from the patient to express his or her desire regarding the proposed outcome and the other way from the dentist to verify the contours of the restorations and to explain the limitations, thus avoiding the frustration that may result from miscommunication. The diag- nostic mock-up is a fairly simple and fast pro- cedure that can enhance the satisfaction of both patient and dentist significantly._ Editorial note: A complete list of references is available fromthepublisher. Fig. 20_Post-op photograph of patient’s smile (Case III). Fig. 21_Post-op intra-oral view (Case III). cosmeticdentistry 3_2012 Dr Laurie St-Pierre Assistant Professor in Operative Dentistry,Faculty of Dentistry,Laval University Quebec City,Canada laurie.st-pierre@fmd.ulaval.ca Dr Deborah S.Cobb Associate Professor, Department of Operative Dentistry,College of Dentistry University of Iowa,Iowa City, Iowa,USA deborah-cobb@uiowa.edu _contact cosmeticdentistry Fig. 20 Fig. 21