General Dentist and Prosthodontist - Essay Example

Cosmetic Dentistry and teeth whitening Cosmetic Dentistry searches for the means to enhance the appearance of the teeth. It has become popular in recent years with the advancement of different materials required for cosmetic dentistry and since a beautiful smile is desired by all, this has become a need based treatment. Cosmetic dentistry & staff: General dentist and prosthodontist perform procedures related to cosmetic dentistry. They have to attain courses, seminars institutes on “smile designs or enhancements” and upon completion of training they receive a certification. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the largest dental organization, offers continued education on advancement in this field to cosmetic dentists, dental laboratory technicians, dental students, hygienists and others (Phinney & Halstead). Staffs consists of business office assistant who is responsible for smooth operation of front office, certified dental assistants who has earned the certification after meeting the eligibility criteria of graduating from dental assisting program attributed by ADA commission or two full year work experience as a dental assistant. Cosmetic Dentistry also consists of registered dental hygienist who performs oral hygiene care and is licensed to see patients on an individual basis.A dental laboratory technician performs mechanical and technical tasks required for dental restoration and works under the guidance of dentist (Anderson & Pendleton, 2001). Cosmetic dentistry and psychology: Many studies have been conducted on understanding the psychology of consumers going for cosmetic dentistry. Results have shown that cosmetic dentistry increases their self-esteem, has increased their productivity in office and their personal satisfaction has gone up. Women an older people are more willing to have cosmetic dentistry (Manos). Patient should look out for the qualification and experience received by their dentist. The patient should confirm whether the dentist communicates well and they should look out for testimonials of previous patients and the photograph of previous patients result. Procedures, Diagnosis and treatment planning: Cosmetic procedures can vary from replacement of missing teeth to restoring the colour of teeth. Teeth whitening, Fllings, Dentures, Dental Implants, Orthodontics, tooth bonding, porcelain veeners, crowns and Bridges, and periodontal plastic surgery are some of the cosmetic procedures available. Tooth whitening is done when the patient’s tooth is diagnosed with yellow or black stains. In such cases teeth is bleached using some whitening agent. When a tooth structure is lost to decay, dentist resorts to filling procedure. Nowadays porcelain materials and composite resins are being used instead of metals in filling. The roots of lost teeth are replaced by dental implants. They are the most favourable choice for replacement of missing teeth. Orthodontics refers to the use of braces for settling the position of teeth. Nowadays cosmetic dentists have options ranging from conventional to invisible braces and they know how to reduce the treatment time. Periodontal plastic surgery is used for correcting irregularities in gums. This is done by addition and removal of gum tissue in certain areas. In tooth bonding, the dentists bonds materials directly to the teeth. Porcelains, composite resins are the materials used for tooth bonding (AACD). Legal forms and documentation: There are lot of documents which states the standards to be maintained in cosmetic dentistry practice or any other cosmetic surgeries. The document available for dentists is Standards for dental Professionals given by General Dental Council, (2009). The practitioner must reveal his professional qualifications to the patient. The practitioner should discuss the procedures with the patients and asks for patients reasons to go for a certain procedure and document it. Before the procedure is carried out patients have to fill a standard consent form regarding the reason, outcome and aftercare associated with the procedure. Patients should be informed about the full financial implication of the procedure. The results of some procedure are not permanent and this has to be imparted to the patients in a transparent form (Professional Standards for Cosmetic Practice). Oral photography and its uses: Oral photography is an important part of the patient’s clinical records. It is used under any treatment plan and is used in diagnosis of patients, education for dental students, case presentation, patient motivation, public relations and marketing. A type of camera being used varies with the purpose it serves.Intraoral, extraoral camera can be used and sometimes cases require using both. Digital cameras are being used; the best lens for oral photography is a medium focal length which can have focus on objects at a close distance (Kihs & Nash). Extra Oral techniques: Extra oral techniques consists of full face view via use of a solid background so that visual distraction can be avoided, front smile view where the patient shows a full natural smile, right and left full smile views, maxillary and mandibular teeth views where the teeth should be slightly parted so incisal edges are visible (Kihs & Nash). Intra Oral techniques: Intra oral techniques involve use of retraction means and mirrors. The anterior or frontal view can be taken by use of cheek and lip retractors. There is difficulty in exposing the maxillary occlusal and mandibular occlusal views. Buccal views are ideal for showing patient’s centric closure while lingual views show lingual right or left side of maxillary and mandibular arch (Phinney & Halstead). Contouring soft tissues in cosmetic dentistry: Cosmetic dental treatment includes contouring of soft tissues where the dentist examines for gingival tissues and sulcus. Indication for soft tissues includes short teeth with lot of gum tissue showing, inflamed tissues etc. Treatment selected includesesthetic crown lengthening to improve patient’s appearance (Phinney & Halstead). Occlusion in cosmetic dentistry: Occlusion is contacts between teeth, the relationship between upper and lower teeth as they approach each other during chewing or during rest. Static occlusion occurs when the jaw is at rest, dynamic occlusion occurs when the jaw is moving .i.e in times of chewing. Centric occlusion occurs when the patient fit their teeth together under maximum intercuspation. Malocclusion leads to problems of crooked teeth, various gum problems, aching teeth aggravated by bad bite (Davies and Gray). Types of restoration and materials: Dental restoration can range from teeth whitening, fillings to tooth bonding.For example in teeth whitening the materials used are sodium perborate, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. There are whitening toothpastes, gel, chewing gum are available. Again porcelain materials and composite resins are being used instead of metals in filling. For setting the position of teeth braces are being used (Phinney & Halstead). References Anderson, Pauline C. & Pendleton, Alice. E. The Dental Assistant.2000, Print. Cosmetic Procedures. AACD, Retrieved on 25 January 2015 from: http://www.aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=586 Davies, S. & Gray,R.M.J. Occlusion: what is occlusion? British Dental Journal. (2001), 191. pp-235-245 Kihs, Linda. & Nash, Debra. Dental Photography, 2013, retrieved on January 25, 2015 from: http://www.dentalcare.com/media/en-US/education/ce436/ce436.pdf Manos, D. Cosmetic dentistry: patients perspectives. Gen Dent. (1993) Nov;41 Spec No:468-70. Phinney, Donna.J. & Halstead, Judy H. A Dental Assisting Comprehensive Approach. Delmar Cengage Learning, 2013, Print. Professional Standards for Cosmetic Practice. Retrieved on 25 January 2015 from http://www.rcseng.ac.uk/publications/docs/professional-standards-for cosmeticpractice/@@download/pdffile/standards_for_cosmetic_practice.pdf Read More