Esthetics (Mock Up)
The importance of a predictable result that satisfies both the patient and clinician cannot be stressed enough in today's world of esthetically demanding patients. Surprisingly, many clinicians still decide on the esthetic outcome for their patients, taking the risk that the final result seldom may not meets the patient's expectations.
Even when there is seemingly perfect three-way communication (patient/clinician/technician), there is always potential for misunderstandings, especially when dealing with patients who are accustomed to viewing themselves with small, damaged teeth.
Our team's strategy to understand the patient's true desires is to devote sufficient time to educate patients about the different treatment options and expected results, before any irreversible treatment starts.
One approach to ensure that everyone is on the same page is the use of a MOCK UP, a technique that allows the patient to actually try in the mouth how the final restorations will look like.
The MOCK UP is quickly and easily fabricated in the patient's mouth. First, the laboratory technician adds wax on the model of patient's teeth to improve or change the shape. A silicon key, made out of this waxup, is, then, loaded with a tooth-colored material and positioned in the patient's mouth. After its removal, the teeth will be covered with a thin layer of white material, reproducing the shape selected for the future restorations.
Patients can leave the dental office wearing the mockup for a short time to show it to family members and friends. Due to its minimal thickness, the mock up will eventually break off, making easily removable by the patient.
Only after obtaining the patient's informed consensus on the final outcome, the dental treatment could start.
