Contemporary esthetic dentistry

  • G. Freedman
UK: Elsevier price £96.99; pp 832 ISBN 9780323068956 | ISBN: 978-0-3230-6895-6

Contemporary esthetic dentistry is an all-encompassing detailed guide for the clinician aiming to achieve the highest possible aesthetic results. This hardback is aesthetically pleasing in itself with over 780 beautifully organised pages with striking, glossy colour photographs.

The text is divided up into manageable chapters which stream together logically, covering a broad spectrum of topics from cariology to adhesion and direct veneers to sterilisation and disinfection. Its layout is sensible and easy to read, with chapters sectioned into columns. There are over 57 contributors including cosmetic dentists, paedodontists and implantologists from all corners of the globe.

This book follows its title in describing modern techniques and methods to achieve aesthetically pleasing results, however, it expands and branches into much more. It offers the reader a complete and comprehensive insight into the work of aesthetic dentists who are at the top of their game.

The reader is guided through procedures from treatment planning to tooth preparation, laboratory process, adhesion and polishing. Each stage outlines how to improve on aesthetics through variables of materials, equipment and techniques. There are clinical photographs taken throughout the procedures and illustrations to help the reader to identify with the theory. The book contains case studies with impressive before and after clinical photographs showcasing new attractive smiles.

The reader can appreciate the artistic elements of dentistry with suggestions on how to integrate these harmoniously alongside treatment planning and clinical skill.

The text explores the fundamentals of aesthetic dentistry; giving an overview without becoming excessively detailed. The authors have kept the information very current by referring to trade names and showcasing various products. This is advantageous to clinicians wishing to emulate the procedures.

Freedman's book has broadened my horizons as to what types of materials are available and on the market, such as gingival coloured composite which would be indispensible when restoring Class V lesions.

I found the text very clinically relevant, especially the section on achieving contact points during Class II composite restorations. As a result of reading this book I have made adjustments to my clinical practice, with higher aesthetic results as an outcome.

In my opinion this is less of a reference book and more of an enjoyable read over a coffee to expand on one's knowledge base. It helps to re-affirm in the clinician's mind that one goal of tooth restoration is to improve on aesthetics.