The art of the smile: Integrating prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, dental technology and plastic surgery in esthetic dental treatment

  • R. Romano
(Ed) UK: Quintessence price £152, pp 446 ISBN 1850970963 | ISBN: 1-850-97096-3

In this excellent book, five disciplines: prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, dental technology and plastic surgery are each prefaced by an internationally recognised expert, with material from 20 other contributors and copious references.

The prosthodontics section pleads for dentists to be trained as better scientists, artists and technicians and to liaise with other specialities. Elimination of triangular spaces is explained, as well as full arch restorations with all ceramic crowns, and the importance of bleaching discoloured roots of root filled teeth. A diagram of the Golden Proportion is included, although regrettably my pioneering work is not referenced.

Types of treatment amenable to orthodontics are described next, from aesthetic gingival margins to black triangles and optimum crown lengths. A comprehensive methodology is given for recording and assessing optimal smile factors, while tooth transplantation is covered by Scandinavian experts. Detailed interdisciplinary handling of congenitally missing lateral incisors is followed by considerations for a beautiful smile, including established benchmarks and treatment objectives. Lingual appliances are also extensively described.

We are reminded in the periodontal section that beautiful smiles are lip generated. The importance of achieving harmony between zeniths of free gingival margin and drape of upper lip is stressed, with a good discussion on the psychology of the patient dentist relationship. In dental technology, the latest techniques of layering and segmental build up to influence refractive index and translucency, shade communication and the spectrashade are described. The section on plastic surgery stresses how people convey pleasure and emotion through smiling. Procedures are described to diminish ageing, augment soft tissue and carry out rhinoplasty.

This is an outstanding book supported with excellent quality illustrations and apt text layout. I would definitely recommend it, as it was a great pleasure to read.