The greatest impact of cosmetic or esthetic dentistry is providing patients with beautiful smiles that enhance self-esteem and encourages them to refer. However, materials and techniques have undergone significant evolution in recent years and dentists are challenged to keep current. In addition, esthetic standards have been raised and quality outcomes redefined by today’s educated patient. Restoring anterior teeth with a single shade and opacity is no longer acceptable. This presentation will illustrate the value of using direct composite resin for treating anterior restorative needs and cosmetic desires. The logical, conservative techniques shown will lead to results that please both the patient and the dentist.

ESTHETIC RESTORATIVE EXCELLENCE with INLAYS / ONLAYS and METAL-FREE CROWNS - 7 hours

Esthetic, bonded inlays and onlays not only meet the demands of the restorative dentist for conservative preparation and tooth reinforcement but satisfy the growing demands of patients for esthetics. In this session, Dr. Jackson will present the indications for esthetic inlays and onlays as well as an analysis of the many different systems available in the marketplace. The clinical technique for indirect composite and ceramic inlays and onlays will be covered. Finally, a discussion of longevity expectations will allow the practitioner to confidently include these restorations in an esthetic restorative practice.

In recent years there has been a rapid introduction of new ceramics for metal-free crowns. Dentists are challenged to understand these materials and to determine what to use where and when. In this session, Dr. Jackson will present a current status report on these materials and address their advantages/disadvantages, as well as preparation and placement requirements.

The ART, SCIENCE and SIMPLICITY OF DIRECT COMPOSITES - 7 hours

Part I Class II COMPOSITES: Fast, Easy, Predictable

Posterior composite resin restorations have become mainstream. These restorations seal teeth, reinforce remaining tooth structure, allow conservative preparations and satisfy patient desires for natural appearance. However, dentists complain that Class II composite restorations are tedious and time consuming to place and aren’t always predictable. In addition, dentists are sometimes confused by the vast choice of adhesives in the marketplace all claiming to be the best.

In this presentation, Dr. Jackson will show simplified, practical placement techniques for the Class II direct resin restoration. These procedures are based on proven adhesives, advanced composite materials and newly designed instrumentation. Dentists will discover that these features, along with a standardized system of placement, combine to reduce both time and effort when placing posterior composite resin restorations.

Part II Composite Artistry: Conservative, Versatile, Underused

The greatest impact of cosmetic or esthetic dentistry is providing patients with beautiful smiles that enhance self-esteem and encourages them to refer. However, materials and techniques have undergone significant evolution in recent years and dentists are challenged to keep current. In addition, esthetic standards have been raised and quality outcomes redefined by today’s educated patient. Restoring anterior teeth with a single shade and opacity is no longer acceptable. This presentation will illustrate the value of using direct composite resin for treating anterior restorative needs and cosmetic desires. The logical, conservative techniques shown will lead to results that please both the patient and the dentist.

ESTHETIC ALTERNATIVES to AMALGAM: CONTEMPORARY MATERIALS & TECHNIQUES - 7 hours

Amalgams have served dentistry for over a century. However, amalgam fillings undergo constant corrosion and are not esthetic. The direct posterior resin restoration as well as esthetic inlays and onlays offer a means of expanding restorative services to our patients. In this presentation, Dr. Jackson will show where these conservative restorations not only are indicated but are the handsdown restoration of choice both esthetically and restoratively. Simplified preparation and placement techniques along with a discussion of longevity expectations will allow the practitioner to confidently include these restorations in an esthetic restorative practice.

The SCIENCE of CHOOSING and USING ADHESIVES - 2 hours

The large number of adhesives in the marketplace and variety of approaches (from 3-step Etch & Rinse to 1-step Self-Etch) can leave dentists confused and make it difficult to decide which adhesive approach is beast and when. In addition, the rapid introduction of new adhesive materials all claiming to be the fastest, the easiest and the best further obscures the decision making process. This presentation will help clarify this constantly changing area of dentistry by reviewing the terminology, classifying adhesives for better understanding and describing the necessary critical thinking needed when selecting an adhesive for various direct and indirect bonding procedures.

The CONSERVATIVE RESTORATION of MISSING INCISORS: A NON-IMPLANT APPROACH - 2 hours

When congenitally missing laterals are diagnosed in young people, coordinated interdisciplinary care with orthodontists is imperative for general dentists to maximize esthetic restorative outcomes. Also, it is necessary in such situations to strongly consider the most conservative approach for patients in their teen years both from a growth and development standpoint and life expectancy perspective. Likewise, there are clinical situations in adult patients where implants may not be the least invasive or predictably esthetic approach for replacing missing incisors.

In this session, Dr. Jackson will show a conservative, durable and esthetic technique for replacing missing incisors when implants are contraindicated or not desired by the patient.