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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Treatment of Facial Deformities using 3D Planning and Printing of Patient-Specific Implants
Published on: May 23, 2020
Enhancing facial appearance with aesthetic dentistry, centric relation, and proper occlusal management
1msesemann@smilesonline.net
Unlabelled:
Dramatic alterations that affect a person's appearance can be accomplished by changing the shade, shape, and location of individual teeth in the dental arch. With further application of scientifically documented anatomic principles, dentists can change a person's facial appearance without using unnatural tooth shapes and/or creating nonphysiologic changes in the masticatory system. What is most important is that the clinician does not have to open a patient's vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) to exact a change in facial aesthetics. A conservative approach that is harmonious with the natural human form can be successfully accomplished.
Learning Objectives:
This article presents a conservative methodology towards enhancing a patient's facial appearance in order to fulfill their aesthetic objectives. Upon reading this article, the reader should: Realize how a basic understanding of both the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and how it interacts with the dentition can help provide a beneficial and stable occlusion for aesthetic dentistry. Understand how the VDO is established and how to decide when and if an increase of VDO is necessary for treatment.
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01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.