How to contour teeth will guide you through a step by step tutorial on the art of contouring teeth.
Dental crowns or caps are prosthetic restorations used to restore and strengthen damaged or decayed teeth. Contouring dental crowns is a crucial step in the crown placement process that ensures they look aesthetically pleasing and function effectively within the patient's oral cavity. Contouring involves shaping the crown's outer surface to achieve the desired form, fit, and function. Here is an overview of contouring dental crowns:
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1. Crown Fabrication: Dental crowns are custom-made in a dental laboratory using impressions or digital scans of the patient's teeth before contouring. These crowns are typically crafted from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials.
2. Evaluation and Adjustment: After the crown is fabricated and delivered to the dental office, it undergoes a thorough evaluation to ensure it meets the required specifications, such as size, shape, and color. Dentists assess the fit and alignment of the crown on the prepared tooth.
3. Shaping and Polishing: Contouring dental crowns involves carefully shaping and polishing the crown's outer surface to harmonize with the adjacent teeth and gum line. To ensure proper alignment and bite, the dentist may use dental instruments to adjust the crown's occlusal (biting) surface and proximal (side) surfaces.
4. Aesthetics and Function: Contouring is essential to ensure that the crown aligns with the surrounding natural teeth in terms of size, shape, and color. The goal is to create a seamless blend between the crown and the adjacent teeth so it appears natural and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the crown's occlusal surface is adjusted to ensure a comfortable bite and proper function during chewing.
Quotes from books:
Gerald Ubassy - Ticks and Hints (72 practical suggestions for dental prostheticians)
Kataoka/Nishimura/Sadan- Nature's Morphology - An Atlas of tooth shape and form
5. Final Assessment: After contouring, the dentist thoroughly evaluates the crown's fit, function, and aesthetics. This assessment includes checking the patient's bite, making any necessary adjustments to achieve a balanced occlusion, and ensuring that the crown does not cause discomfort or interfere with natural teeth.
6. Cementation: Once the dental crown is contoured and approved, it is permanently cemented onto the prepared tooth. This process involves applying dental cement to the inner surface of the crown and carefully positioning it over the prepared tooth. Excess cement is removed, and the crown is placed until the cement sets.
7. Follow-Up: After crown placement, patients are typically scheduled for follow-up appointments to assess the crown's long-term performance and address any concerns or adjustments that may be needed.
In conclusion, contouring dental crowns is a critical step in the process of restorative dentistry. It ensures that dental crowns not only provide functional benefits, such as restoring tooth structure and bite function, but also meet aesthetic standards to enhance the patient's smile. Skilled dental professionals take great care in contouring to achieve optimal results and patient satisfaction.
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Proximal Contacts
02:06 Long Axis
03:41 Tooth Shapes
04:08 3 Planes
05:18 Line Angles
08:09 Primary Planes
11:50 Vertical Depressions
14:58 Horizontal Depressions
16:05 Outro
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