Evolving Concepts for Integrating Esthetics and Structural Integrity in Clinical Practice
Great accomplishments have been made in the science of color and esthetics to reach the goal of naturally esthetic restorations that are strong and long lasting. Porcelain bonded to metal, zirconia, or other man made material substructures have strengths that are well studied and provide a predictability for long lasting restorations. Additionally, longevity and strength of bonded esthetic materials also rely upon the sound foundational strength of the dentin/enamel substructures. Yet, if detection of structural defects in the substructure is not a priory, the ultimate restoration may have a higher probability of fracture.
This presentation will highlight recent clinical research into the assessment of the structural strength of natural teeth blended with the clinical and technological realities that we encounter in oral rehabilitations. Thoughts for future assessment of material choices due to lack of quantity or quality of tooth structural integrity will be explored.
- Review current thoughts on material selection.
- Learn how mechanical testing of teeth can assist in assessing the structural stability of teeth.
- Discover new diagnostic aides to help in choosing the most appropriate esthetic restorative material.
- Learn how restorations can be monitored once cemented to see if structural problems are holding, improving or deteriorating
Dr. Cherilyn Sheets maintains a full-time private practice in Newport Beach, California for esthetic rehabilitative dentistry. She is an international educator, clinician, author and researcher and received the 2002 Gordon Christensen Award for Excellence in Lecturing, the 2004 USC School of Dentistry Alumnus of the Year Award, the 2006 Section Honor Award from the California Section of the Pierre Fauchard International Honor Dental Academy, the 2012 AAED Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2012 Honorary Membership in the American College of Prosthodontists and the 2012 Master of Innovation Award from the Academy of Microscopic Enhanced Dentistry. She holds Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Academy of Dentistry International. She is a past president of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and the American Association of Women Dentists.
Dr. Sheets is Co-Executive Director of the Newport Coast Oral Facial Institute, a Clinical Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Southern California, Chairman Emeritus of The Children’s Dental Center, and Founding Chairman of the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation. With the Newport Coast Oral Facial Institute and the University of California Irvine (UCI) School of Engineering, she is leading research on energy dissipation in teeth and implants with James C. Earthman, Ph.D. She is on the Editorial Board for numerous peer-reviewed journals.
