Speakers
Supported by Aligner Consulting
Aligners make teeth straight… what then?
Invisalign, or clear aligner therapy is an invaluable tool that can be used as part of a
multidisciplinary approach to simplify treatment plans, minimise preparation needed, and to
treat both complex and simple cases with predictability.
This session will focus on how Invisalign has been used in various cases prior to restorative
work and why pre-alignment is beneficial.
Dr Stewart Beggs will talk through the SAFE orthodontic assessment and discuss his planning
process using the ClinCheck tool. Case discussion will be used to show how to communicate
the restorative treatment benefits to the patient using the ClinCheck tool, Digital Smile
Design, and motivational mock ups.
Aim:
To explore the use of clear aligner therapy as a tool for pre-alignment to aid
functional smile design.
Objectives:
- To identify the benefits of using pre-restorative alignment and how to communicate
these benefits to your patients - To discuss how to identify cases where and why pre-restorative alignment would be
valuable - To discuss the SAFE assessment technique, the treatment planning process and
considerations necessary when treating these cases - To discuss how to optimise your ClinCheck plan and your smile design process to
achieve the maximum conservative and aesthetic outcomes - Use of ClinCheck, DSD, and motivational mock ups to communicate treatment
benefits to patients
Functional Occlusion: Current Challenges in Cosmetic Dentistry
Our patient’s acceptance of dental treatment depends to a major extent upon their perception of the final appearance. However, as well as delivering beautiful results, it is incumbent upon us as clinicians to ensure our work stands the test of time.
A long-term protocol to both deliver and more importantly maintain a healthy occlusal pattern is arguably more important than ever given the nature of today’s comprehensive restorative treatment plans. Yet should breakages occur the usual cry is that the occlusion has not been correctly dealt with by the clinician.
However, given the various occlusal philosophies currently available, it’s perhaps not surprising that many clinicians are confused, and consequently daunted about offering the treatment many of their patients desperately need. The very real problem for today’s clinicians is how to convert the “nuts and bolts” of the various occlusal theories into a workable occlusal practice.
Most occlusal theories are based upon establishing a repeatable and consistent hinge Axis; commonly described as “Centric Relation”, yet for many clinicians the recording of CR remains a major stumbling block. The de-programming device described by Dr John Kois of Seattle seeks to remove the confusion and simplify the entire process, thus making the achieving and recording of CR a more predictable prospect altogether. However, recording CR is just the starting point, and we need to be able to move forward from this base line position and deliver actual treatment.
Understanding the role occlusion plays is important for the long-term success of our restorative dentistry. Our knowledge about occlusion has been based on gnathologic principles. These concepts are the basis of a mechanical system with focus on posterior determinants and mutual protection. If it is that simple, why can’t we predict when or why occlusal pathology develops or why can’t we always create a therapeutic occlusion? This presentation will focus on the biologic not mechanical principles necessary for developing a functional occlusion. New paradigms developed by Dr John Kois will be presented to enlighten participants about understanding occlusal dysfunction.
Based upon the teachings of Dr John Kois, a logical step by step process will be outlined enabling the general dentist to approach the often confusing world of occlusion with greater confidence. Ken Harris is the leading exponent of the Kois occlusal philosophy here in the UK, and the aim of this presentation is to describe in great detail, with reference to actual treated cases, the streamlined yet workable approach to Occlusion, from assessment to completion, he uses on a daily basis.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the presentation the delegates will be able to:
- acknowledge the limitations and subsequent frustrations caused by the conventional methods of teaching Occlusion at undergraduate level
- accept that Restorative Material selection cannot overcome improper occlusal management
- confidently record an accurate Centric Relation (CR) position using the Kois deprogrammer and mount study models using the Kois dento-facial analyser
- diagnose the 5 occlusal conditions as classified by Dr John Kois, and manage the occlusal risk each presents
- appreciate the relevance of Envelope of Function when considering Anterior Guidance
- deliver a complex restorative treatment plan in stages, utilising a logical and comprehensive, step by step protocol based upon the teaching of Dr John Kois
