Why does Functional Aesthetics matter in Dentistry? A clear majority of clinicians around the world understand the basics of aesthetic dentistry, but do not understand the relevance it has on the outcomes for their patient’s occlusion. The anterior worn dentition is prevalent on a global scale, and this can sometimes create awareness for those patients considering restorative options. Most dentists fall short in their understanding of the worn dentition, and to provide solutions to their respective patients.
There is a direct relationship between tooth wear and the patient’s function. To comprehend functional aesthetic dentistry and restore a worn dentition predicably, one must obtain information pertaining to the patient’s joints, muscles, occlusion and teeth. The procurement of this information allows the dentist to become a physician of the entire masticatory system. The fundamentals of occlusion are directly related to function. In other words, form does follow function.
The very goal of using these principles is not to only have excellent aesthetic, but to have consistent predictable long-lasting results.
Neeraj Khanna, D.D.S. is a senior faculty member and study club leader at The Dawson Academy. Dr. Khanna also owns his own practice, Khanna Dentistry, in Geneva, Illinois, which provides comprehensive dental services, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry, tailored to patient’s unique dental health needs and personal goals.
Dr. Khanna is a noted international speaker who’s lectured for such associations as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and European Society Cosmetic Dentistry, and at meetings like the Chicago Dental Society-Midwinter Meeting and the Dubai World Dental Meeting.
He’s involved with a number of dental professional associations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and American Equilibration Society.
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