The esthetics of anterior teeth often receive the most attention, while the importance of posterior teeth is overlooked. However, when admiring beautiful smiles, the posterior teeth are also visible and can either enhance or detract from the overall appearance. This is why occlusal anatomy plays a crucial role.
Cusp anatomy, contours, and color all contribute to the harmony of a smile. Most dentists, spend most of their day working on posterior teeth, which likely also constitutes the majority of dental lab work.
Often, we fall into a routine with posterior dentistry, inadvertently sidelining aesthetics. If you want to enhance the esthetics of your posterior work, there are ways to communicate this to the lab:
Clinical Tips for Occlusal Anatomy and Posterior Restorations
1. Ensure you have adequate clearance for the lab to create proper cusp height and central groove depth. Frequently, labs receive under-reduced teeth, forcing them to make crowns flatter to maintain strength. Additionally, the shape of your anatomy can be influenced by the opposing tooth.
2. Occlusal photographs provide valuable information to the ceramist. I recommend using Buccal Mirrors #1 or #2 by Photomed. Simply use one cheek retractor and position the occlusal mirror on the same side to capture the occlusal image. You can then specify the type of staining (such as Occlusal Halo and Pit) or indicate if no staining is desired for the restoration.
3. Full arch impressions offer crucial information about the contralateral tooth, ensuring balanced and symmetrical smiles. By capturing the angulation, prominence, length, and unique cusp shape of the tooth, full arch impressions allow the ceramist to replicate these features accurately. In contrast, quadrant impressions do not provide the comprehensive view needed for such precise work.
4. Pre-op Scan or Impression: Utilizing advanced digital technology, dental labs can create precise replicas of teeth. While future advancements will enhance this capability, current scans or impressions provide an accurate representation of the original tooth shape.
In conclusion, enhancing the esthetics of posterior teeth involves careful planning and communication with the dental lab, ensuring that occlusal anatomy and aesthetics are not overlooked in favor of functionality.
Contact us if you have questions about making a great impression, or any of our services. We are here to help.