Mastering smile design with Dr Eduardo Mahn
Dr Eduardo Mahn
WDC Speaker on New Minimally Invasive Composite Techniques and Smile Design: Selection, Analysis and Integration
In San Francisco, you’ll discuss new, minimally invasive composite techniques – tell us a little bit about that. How will these new techniques affect the field of aesthetic dentistry?
I’m going to present how to make composites in the anterior region without bevels, which I believe will have a positive effect on aesthetic dentistry. Traditionally, dental schools have taught us to bevel in order to achieve better integration and easily mask fracture lines or transitions. Nevertheless, the bevel represents an action that goes against preservation and the minimally invasive concept. Modern composites have improved a lot over the years.
"If the clinician knows how to use modern composites properly, non-beveled restorations become a reality."
DR EDUARDO MAHN
In addition, I will also present new techniques that help us to close diastemas and correct spaces after orthodontic treatment, which also positively affect the field.
You’ll also speak about smile design. Why is smile design often difficult to control? What are the limits of CAD-CAM technology in the smile design process?
The smile design process is very intuitive; at the end of the day, perfection and symmetry do not exist in human faces. This is the reason why we have a more organic, natural approach that allows us to create harmony, not symmetry. CAD-CAM technology allows us to make results more predictable all over the world and in diverse conditions. Basically, CAD-CAM technology makes dentistry more "social" and kind of “evens the playing field". Dentists in Shanghai, Paris, or Casablanca can all get the same crowns with the same fit and strength as the ones here in the US. However, we have to understand that machines do not necessarily generate beautiful smiles. I believe the human touch is still extremely relevant, at least in the integration and balance of a beautiful smile.
What is the main message that you would like to convey to your audience during your sessions in San Francisco? What is a key piece of information that you would like them to remember when they return to their practices?
It’s simple:
- Pure additive non-bevel direct resin restorations are a reality today. They are easy to make and require minimal skills and knowledge to use.
- CAD-CAM technology is great, with reproducibility and precision being its main advantages. However, it is not magic, especially with anterior teeth. We need to integrate the face and understand the smile process, as well as the dynamism of the smile, in order the create more harmonized, natural treatments.
Find out more...
The World Dental Congress (WDC) is a flagship event for FDI, strengthening ties and fostering collaboration within the global oral health community.
