Book review: Esthetic dentistry

  • K. W. Aschheim
Elsevier price £164; pp 576 ISBN 9780323091763 | ISBN: 978-0-3230-9176-3

Esthetic Dentistry is the third edition of this clinical guide, first published 20 years ago. It is divided into six key parts exploring themes of the principles of aesthetics, materials and techniques as well as non-clinical guidance on practice management and social hurdles related to the patient seeking aesthetic dentistry.

Part one begins with a troubleshooting guide acting as a reference for the book's chapters, whereby the reader can identify page numbers to access information about difficulties they may encounter. Part one is divided into tooth-related problems including management of tooth surface loss and misaligned or malformed teeth, periodontal problems, facial contouring, skeletal discrepancies and dermatological problems.

Part two focuses on the principles of aesthetics, reviewing the history behind smile design and biometrics. Parts three and four revisit the fundamentals of dental materials and demonstrate the clinical applications of indirect and direct restorations. Chapters on the use of direct and indirect restorations provide comprehensive guidance on managing common clinical encounters and methods to avoid pitfalls such as post-operative sensitivity. The textbook covers advanced clinical practice, including implant surgery, as well as identifying the limitations of restorative practice whereby maxillofacial surgery may be more appropriate to manage dento-facial anomalies that cannot be corrected without invasive head and neck surgery.

Parts five and six complete the psycho-social approach used by this book exploring how to effectively market aesthetic services whilst abiding by legal and ethical principles to avoid litigation; as well as management of patients with dental disease secondary to psychiatric disorders.

This evidence-based textbook is an excellent guide suitable for all clinicians managing patients striving for aesthetic outcomes. The broad ranges of topics covered allow the reader to approach problems in a holistic manner in an easily readable format, whilst providing straightforward clinical solutions.