Cosmetic dentistry beauty & science

06 I I CE article _ adhesive dentistry _The name of the game in dentistry today is to save the tooth for use in the future. In this age of adhesive dentistry, respecting and pre- servingtheremaininghealthytoothstructureas well as improving aesthetics have become com- ponents of value as well. With today’s advanced technology and materials, longevity is mainly a matter of diagnosis, correct treatment planning and proper execution of technique. The problem with replacing old amalgams with tooth-coloured composites is that they aredifficult,inconsistentandunpredictable.Yet, the warranty on these 30-, 40- and 50-year-old silver fillings is running out. We have to re- member that amalgam technology is more than 150yearsold.Atthattime,peoplelosttheirteeth a lot earlier and died a lot earlier, too. Now, however, we have a population that is over50yearsoldandgrowing—andtheywantto keep their teeth feeling good and looking good. Patientsarenowlivinglongerandtheywantand expect to keep their teeth for a lifetime. Adhesivedentistryoffersamoreconservative restorative approach to conventional dentistry. Why take away healthy tooth structure when cosmeticdentistry 3_2013 Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Same-day inlay/onlays strive to save the toothAuthors_ Drs Lorin Berland & Sarah Kong, USA Fig. 1_#3 pre-op, palatal view. (Photos/Provided by Dr. Lorin Berland and Dr. Sarah Kong) Fig. 2_ #3 pre-op, buccal view. Fig. 3_Decay removed and lining placed. Fig. 4_Prepped tooth, palatal view. By reading this article and then taking a short online quiz,you can gainADA CERP CE credits. To take the CE quiz,visit www.dtstudyclub.com.The quiz is free for subscribers,who will be sent an access code.Please writesupport@dtstudyclub.com if you don’t receive it.Non sub- scribers may take the quiz for a $20 fee. _ce credit cosmeticdentistry Fig. 4 Fig. 7