Veneer tooth preparation utilizing a novel digital designed workflow: A case report.

Objective: This article describes a technique to implement guided tooth preparation where the tooth is virtually prepared in the laboratory and preparation templates are created for chairside use.

Clinical Considerations: Prior to any tooth preparation, patient records are acquired with an intra-oral scanner, both stump and final shades are selected, and digital photos are taken. These digital records are used in combination with digital laboratory tools to do the virtual preparation first, and then to provide chairside templates for guided tooth preparation.

A Technique Using Calibrated Photography and Photoshop for Accurate Shade Analysis and Communication.

This article reviews the critical aspects of controlling the shade-taking environment and discusses various modalities introduced throughout the years to acquire and communicate shade information. Demonstrating a highly calibrated digital photographic technique for capturing shade information, this article shows how to use Photoshop® to standardize images and extract color information from the tooth and shade tab for use by a ceramist for an accurate shade-matching restoration.

Updating Classifications of Ceramic Dental Materials: A Guide to Material Selection.

The indications for and composition of today's dental ceramic materials serve as the basis for determining the appropriate class of ceramics to use for a given case. By understanding the classifications, composition, and characteristics of the latest all-ceramic materials, which are presented in this article in order of most to least conservative, dentists and laboratory technicians can best determine the ideal material for a particular treatment.

Vonlays: a conservative esthetic alternative to full-coverage crowns.

Porcelain veneers have long been a popular restorative option that have evolved into a well-accepted treatment that can be fabricated in various ways. Onlays are another common treatment modality used in contemporary dentistry to restore large areas of decay and to replace old restorations. With the availability of newer high-strength materials such as lithium disilicate and processing technologies like CAD/CAM and heat pressing, dental professionals are now able to produce highly esthetic, high-strength restorations that blend seamlessly with the natural dentition while also withstanding posterior occlusal forces.

The Photoshop Smile Design technique (part 1): digital dental photography.

The proliferation of digital photography and imaging devices is enhancing clinicians' ability to visually document patients' intraoral conditions. By understanding the elements of esthetics and learning how to incorporate technology applications into clinical dentistry, clinicians can predictably plan smile design and communicate anticipated results to patients and ceramists alike. This article discusses camera, lens, and flash selection and setup, and how to execute specific types of images using the Adobe Photoshop Smile Design (PSD) technique.