Inspiration

  • L. N. Baratieri
Quintessence price £140.00; pp 475 ISBN 9781850972297 | ISBN: 978-1-8509-7229-7

Luiz Narciso Baratieri has combined his love of nature, photography and dentistry in one book and the result is Inspiration: people, teeth and restorations.

The book is a beautifully illustrated, step-by-step guide on how to restore the dentition to the highest of standards. From reading this book you can tell it has been a labour of love. Brimming with clinical and non-clinical photography it almost has the feel of a portfolio; however, it never ventures far from the scientific, practical aspects of how to restore the dentition.

The book is divided into three sections: section one looks at the optical behaviours of teeth and the restorative materials we use in which to restore them. It goes back to the basics and the science behind how light reacts, not only in different layers but also in the aging tooth. It provides a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this optical effect, by using layering techniques with composite resins to achieve the translucency and luminosity of the natural tooth.

Section two is a brief guide on the technology and materials available to dental professionals, looking at chair-side and laboratory systems from initial impressions to the fabrication of the restorations and the different materials that are currently available.

Section three is a collection of case presentations examining anterior and posterior dentition, which are subdivided into direct and indirect restorations. The section finally looks at full mouth rehabilitation for the specialist practitioner.

Being in the early stages of my career I found the first two sub-divisions exceptionally useful and will try and implement some of the techniques used in my own work.

My only criticisms of this book, and I should perhaps state that these are more personal opinions rather that critique as such, are that some of the double/triple page spread pictures seemed a little out of place in what predominately is a dental textbook. I would have perhaps liked slightly more information on the treatment options available and the thought processes for the definitive treatment plans, in particular for the full mouth rehabilitation cases.

In summary, this book has a different style and finesse in comparison to other restorative dentistry books and this is what makes it such a reader-friendly book though no less technical or practical. It would make a great addition to any dental professional's personal library.