Example of a MOCK UP digital design we send to our patient to make sure they LOVE the changes!
One of the most useful tools I’ve learned to integrate into my treatment plan is the - cosmetic dental MOCK UP (also referred to as “wax up”). When we treatment plan major cosmetic changes to teeth in terms of shape and position; I will give the patient the option for opting for a step which allows for them to visualize what the FINAL tooth shape and position will look like. This MOCK UP step give the patient the ability to see the new teeth in their current smile - which allow them to give feedback about the final crown or veneer design before the come in to get the porcelain restorations put on. This critical step allows the patient to avoid unpleasant surprises when it comes to try in the final product! They have been involved in the process and allowed to make sure the final design is exactly what they wanted!
AN EXAMPLE OF HOW WE TREATMENT PLAN AND COMMUNICATE COSMETIC CHANGES
Usually this process involves taking a scan at the beginning of treatment planning. I review the case with my master ceramist and discuss the ultimate goals of the case and hopes/desires of the patient. We then digitally design the case and make teeth that we think would be the perfect fit for our patients smile. This model is then 3D printed and a matrix is made. This can sometimes be used to place acrylic material RIGHT OVER the patients current teeth so they can see the design immediately. Most often we review the digital design with the patient and get feedback and make sure they love it! Then we use the design to make temporary crowns to wear when the patient starts treatment. They will wear temporary acrylic restorations over their teeth until we fabricate the final porcelain product (usually 4 weeks). During this “test drive period” the patient can give feedback about what they like (or don’t like) about our preliminary design. We make changes - and review the modified digital design with the patient before finalizing the porcelain. At the delivery appointment the patient can be 100% certain they will LOVE the final product!