Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2015-08-28, 13:01:48 | version 1.38.0
I 03 editorial _ cosmetic dentistry I cosmeticdentistry 2_2015 _The quest for an improved appearance driven by the media’s portrayal of beauty has dramatically changed dentistry from a need-based to a want-based practice. Patients’ demands and expectations are high, and clinicians are continuously challenged to acquire innovative techniques to satisfy this need. One important part of providing aesthetic dentistryistoincorporateacceptablebiologicaltechnologyforlong-termsurvival,function, and aesthetics based on the minimally invasive concept. This concept entails a detailed diagnosis and treatment planning with attention to function and aesthetics. Furthermore, aesthetic treatment requires mastery of the art of understanding various types of personalities with different expectations for treatment. Proper communication will not only enhance the dentist–patient relationship, but also provide greater acceptance of treatment planning. The evolution of digital technology has created exciting opportunities for improving this communication process and facilitated a smooth workflow, from diagnosis to the final treatment and maintenance phase. In this year’s autumn issue, we have included two special articles about digital smile design that willenlightenthereaderaboutthespecificprotocolusedforanaestheticdigitalsmiledesign and demonstrate how this concept can be applied to your daily work, providing you with a new means of communication. As a member of the Health Technology Committee at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry, I perceive that the digital smile design workflow transitions well to the widespread use of CAD/CAM technology. Given the success of CAD/CAM approaches in the clinical setting, computer-assisted learning or simulation systems are being introduced intodentaleducationtoo.Thesesystemsarepromotedfortheirabilitytofacilitateindividual learning by providing objective and consistent feedback. It is expected that incorporation of this digital technology into the curriculum will have a great impact on aesthetic dentistry in the future. Inthisissueofcosmeticdentistry,wealsofeaturebeautifullyillustratedanddocumented articles that provide the solutions to improving aesthetics in the anterior region based on the minimally invasive concept and a multidisciplinary approach. I hope you will enjoy this issue and apply your new knowledge successfully to your daily practice. Yours faithfully, Dr So Ran Kwon Co-Editor-in-Chief Dear Reader, Dr So Ran Kwon Co-Editor-in-Chief