An Era of Aesthetic Dentistry - Then To Now

Letter to the Editor

Abstract

Aesthetic rehabilitation is the norm of modern dentistry. With more promising results, the patients’ demand for a life-like natural look is increasing and needs to be met. The evolution of aesthetic dentistry has been revolutionary and the quest to achieve perfection still prevails. The findings of Pierre Fauchard in the 18th century sparked the beginning of a new field of functional and aesthetic dental deficiencies which later flourished in the 20th century. It has crossed many milestones which can be compiled as follows : the correlation of tooth and face shape by Williams in 1919, use of cephalometrics by Broadbent and acrylic dentures around 1920s-1940s, in 1949 the correlation between facial aesthetics and psychology by Root set a new perception followed by Hambridges dynamic face symmetry, Clarks tooth color analysis Pincus light reflection on teeth, Gills Shade selection, revolutionary Kesling clear aligner technique, importance of gingival aesthetics, starting from 1950 acid etching and enamel bonding by Buonocore to till date the ever changing concepts of bonding, Aesthetics guidelines by Frush and Fisher(1955), Porcelain fused to metal crown from 1960s to CAD CAM systems in the 1985, Cone beam computed tomography, extra and Intra oral scanners and various successors in materials such as aluminum oxide ceramics , Zirconium dioxide ceramics , lithium disilicate ceramics and monolithic high-translucent zirconia, Golden proportion introduced by Lombardi and applied by Levin in 19701, Miyagawa’s Spectrophotometer in 1990s, Digital smile analysis by Ackermann in 2000s to Coachman’s digital smile design, computer programming using powerpoint, keynote, and photoshop, Horvath’s 3D aesthetic analyses, Face scanners, augmented reality, use of smartphone applications for aesthetic designing. 2 With such vast evolution it is the need of the hour that we upgrade ourselves based on the modern technology available that help us integrate diagnosis, treatment planning, designing and manufacturing using single software. The use of 3D scanners in case of smile designing will not only help to create a perfect smile based on the integrated algorithms but in addition will also establish a harmony with the surrounding structures. The use of applications on smartphones to create 3D face scans when combined with high technology of CAD CAM systems can open equal opportunities to all the dentists across the globe to exactly replace what is lost, independent of their practical skills. Not only this, but the patient will also be in a position to understand the outcome of the procedure explained to them based on the virtual mock ups and provide more options that best suit their needs. Hence, knowledge about the available software’s, applications and high end technology will open new horizons for aesthetic dentistry and build a stronger patient doctor relationship.