DBN - Aesthetics with dental composites from A-Z

Program:

12:00 - 13:00 - Arrival and Registration

13:00 - 15:00 - Main Lecture

15:00 - 15:30 - Break

15:30 - 16:30 - Ethical Lecture

16:30 - 17:00 - Break

17:00 - 19:00 - Hands on Session

Main Lecture: Aesthetics with dental composites from A-Z - 1 hour

The theoretical lecture on dental materials will delve into the science behind these composites, exploring their handling characteristics, polymerization processes, and shade systems. Understanding the nuances of translucency, opacity, and chroma is crucial for successful layering. The filler particles and their unique interaction with dental polymerization as well as polishing systems are discussed in detail.

Ethical Lecture: Ethical Implications to Consider for Aesthetic Dentistry - 1 hour

Aesthetic dentistry, while aiming to enhance smiles and improve patients' self-esteem, carries significant ethical considerations. A central tenet is respecting patient autonomy, ensuring individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their treatment. This necessitates a move away from a purely paternalistic approach towards shared decision-making, where dentists present all viable options, including no treatment, along with their risks, benefits, and costs. This collaborative process empowers patients to align treatment choices with their values and preferences.

The "daughter test" serves as a practical ethical compass in aesthetic dentistry. It prompts practitioners to ask: "Would I recommend this treatment to my own daughter?" This simple yet profound question encourages dentists to consider the long-term well-being and best interests of the patient, minimising the influence of purely cosmetic desires or potential financial gain. By prioritising autonomy, engaging in shared decision-making, and applying the daughter test, aesthetic dentistry can ethically deliver beautiful and healthy smiles while upholding patient dignity and trust.

Hands-on: Anterior Restorations Simplified - 1 hour

The anterior layered aesthetic restoration focuses on achieving highly natural-looking results in the visible front teeth. The delegates will have an opportunity to follow the steps live on their provided individual tooth models. This anterior layering technique involves the strategic application of a single shade composite material in various thicknesses towards the incisal edge to mimic the translucent property of natural enamel when lihgt fall on the restoration.

The hands-on session will provide delegates with practical experience in applying the technique of anterior restoration with a single shade. This will involve using a tooth model and building up the restoration in incremental layers, paying close attention to achieving seamless transitions and lifelike contours. Mastering the technique, combined with a thorough understanding of the dental materials, empowers clinicians to create aesthetic restorations that blend harmoniously with the surrounding dentition, enhancing patient smiles with predictable and beautiful outcomes. The newly developed BOBO technique to build cusps for posterior composites will be shown as part of the live hands-on to delegates.