Assessment and Diagnosis

An aesthetic assessment ends with looking at the teeth. Before that, odd though it may sound, many other characteristics need to be taken into account, e.g. the shape the face, skin tone, hair colour, shape and position of the eyes, facial lines and wrinkles, and the shape and form of the lips.

In addition, all of the above will need to be considered under various light conditions: standard dental lights, colour adjusted dental lights, daylight indoor, fluorescent lighting and daylight outdoor.

The latter is probably the most important as the reflective and translucent qualities of dental enamel or ceramic can best be seen as nature intended them.

Dental aesthetic rehabilitation is not just the imitation of nature but also a subjective consensus that gives rise to beauty and well-being.

We all know when something is beautiful, we cannot always explain why.

Aesthetic dentistry supposes that general dental health is good and stable. As part of the aesthetic assessment the teeth are first assessed for overall health and as part of that assessment x-rays and other clinical tests may be carried out. Anything of concern is discussed and subsequently remedied as part of an overall treatment portfolio.

The teeth are looked at in relation to surrounding tissues (the lips and the gum architecture) and in relation to themselves. Their colour, form, shape, angulation, alignment and arrangement are all identities of individuality.

Aesthetic dentistry is not the connection of individual parameters but takes a “holistic” approach harmonising the individual dental elements to create a smile that captures well-being.

Initial assessment will take between one and two hours. Your views are first heard. That is followed by a thorough dental examination complemented with clinical pictures and dental radiographs (if necessary). Impressions are also taken so that the teeth can be studied in the laboratory.

The various options available are discussed and a provisional treatment plan may be made. In many cases, a second visit (a week or so later) is arranged so that the laboratory findings can be presented to the patient and a definitive course of therapy can then be decided upon.

Many courses of treatment require considerable investment in time both for planning and actual “chair-time”. This is often spread over a number of weeks or months. Many times, we are called upon to “fast track” our treatment (e.g. for overseas visitors) and this is something that can be facilitated with some planning and prior arrangement.

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