Cooperative treatment planning in creating IPS Empress SMILES

With the continued increase in patient expectations for appearance-related restorations, the final result may be deficient in aesthetic qualities, such as color, contour, and shape. This is generally due to a breakdown in communication among the patient, dentist, and laboratory technician with regard to basic smile design principles prior to fabrication of the restoration. With the introduction of advanced porcelain systems (IPS Empress System, Ivoclar Williams, Amherst, NY), the clinician and technician can produce restorations that mimic the optical characteristics and color vitality of natural teeth. This article presents methods to improve communication, effectively evaluate smile design principles, and fabricate aesthetic all-ceramic restorations.