A better way to simulate the potential final appearance of a smile makeover is to insert the teeth themselves under the lips and over the gingiva of the patient’s photographed smile. Though quick and easy, this technique can result in inappropriate and unrealistic expectations of the final results and dissatisfied patients (Fig. Dental companies developed programs that allowed the user to outline the silhouette of the lips and to insert the teeth and gums of other patients from a smile library (Figs. There are several types of programs that are available. Pre-op photo overlaid with desired tooth tracing.įollowing the advent of computer imaging programs, simulations of smiles could be created. Tracing of teeth on tissue paper.įIGURE 2. Figure 3 shows the completed case.įIGURE 1. Obviously, this is an ineffective way to adequately communicate the final results to the patient. The new smile design was traced on a piece of clear plastic and the patient was asked to imagine in their own minds what the smile would look like with the tracings (Fig. In the early days of smile design the author used to take smile photographs of patients and trace out the outlines of the lips and of the teeth (Fig. Unfortunately the “look” they are seeking may be much more than just the teeth and they are frustrated once dental treatment is completed, when their overall appearance does not mimic the celebrity. We all have had patients bring in smiles of models or stars they have seen in a magazine and been asked to recreate their look. The patient was asked just to imagine what this smile would look like in their mouths. Only after effective visual communication with the patient, can informed choices be made that will ultimately satisfy the patient once the treatment is complete.īefore the era of digital photography and image manipulation, dentists had to rely on photographs of other patients either they or other dentists had treated. Important treatment planning decisions can be better made when the consequences of these decisions can be previewed. The dentist can often see the potential for an attractive smile but must demonstrate to the patient the potential final results. This is true for aesthetic dentistry as well. The buyers are often surprised and proceed with the project once they can visualize the potential outcome of their investments. They rely on cad-cam computer image programs to demonstrate to the potential buyer, the final remodeled appearance of the home. The properties may appear hopeless, but the realtors can often envision the potential in their own minds. Cable television shows now feature young couples searching for run-down homes they can purchase for a bargain and then transform into the house of their dreams. It has been said that people have to see it to believe it.
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