Dr. Betsy Bakeman, Accredited by the AACD, discusses responsible aesthetics and risk assessment in dentistry. She explores facial gender treatment planning and lip shape's influence on tooth display. The challenges of matching a single central incisor and the importance of photography in dentistry are also discussed.
Making treatment decisions in aesthetic dentistry should prioritize lowering risk and considering the patient's history of decay, tooth structure integrity, and oral health conditions.
Comprehensive treatment planning in aesthetic dentistry involves evaluating various risk categories and staying up-to-date with advancements in dental education to develop effective treatment plans that prioritize long-term patient outcomes.
Deep dives
Responsible Aesthetics and Risk Assessment
Being responsible in aesthetic dentistry involves making a thorough diagnosis, establishing risk, and creating a treatment plan that lowers risk. This includes considering the patient's history of decay, tooth structure integrity, and oral health conditions. For example, if a patient has a history of decay and wants cosmetic enhancement, it may be more responsible to use full coverage restoration to protect the teeth rather than simply applying veneers. The goal is to lower risk and make treatment decisions that prioritize long-term patient outcomes.
Comprehensive Treatment Planning
Comprehensive treatment planning involves considering various risk categories, such as medical history, periodontal health, biomechanical risk, tooth structure integrity, and dental facial aesthetics. By evaluating these factors, a dentist can create a risk assessment and develop a treatment plan that lowers risk for the patient. The approach typically involves addressing the face first and then considering functional aspects before finalizing the treatment plan. It is important for dentists to stay up-to-date with advancements in dental education beyond dental school to develop effective comprehensive treatment planning skills.
Myths and Realities of Aesthetic Dentistry
There are several myths in aesthetic dentistry that should be challenged. One myth is the overemphasis on anterior guidance, which does not reflect how patients naturally position their teeth during chewing. Another myth is the necessity of canine guidance, which is not functionally important according to patient behavior. In terms of aesthetic crown lengthening, it is a myth that a flap reflection is always required. Minimal crown lengthening procedures can be performed using a transcellular approach without the need to reflect tissue. Challenging these myths and focusing on evidence-based dentistry can lead to more responsible and effective aesthetic treatment outcomes.
Dr. Bakeman is included in an elite group of less than 300 dentists worldwide who are Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). In fact, she is one of 50 dentists worldwide and the first dentist in Michigan to have achieved the distinction of being an Accredited Fellow in the AACD.
Any skilled teacher will tell you that one of the best ways to learn is to teach others. Dr. Bakeman applies this philosophy to her own career by continuing her education so that she is best equipped to educate others in her profession. Currently considered a master in her field by her peers, she is the consummate teacher. Whether she’s teaching colleagues to achieve excellence in cosmetic dentistry or providing clinical experience for their development, both her peers and her patients benefit from her expertise. In fact, as a motivator, coach, and leader, she sparks intellect and makes a profound difference in the lives that she inspires.
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