From the Editor
Dear Readers, This month, Inside Dentistry revisits its ongoing coverage of the issues surrounding esthetics in restorative dentistry by examining the “science behind the smile. We explore the evolution of esthetic materials, the processes undertaken by manufacturers as they bring ever-improving materials to market, and the challenges encountered by researchers and dentists alike in the pursuit of the ideal esthetic materials.
Science Makes it Better. The materials we call esthetic have improved, although some of the older materials, such as composites, for example, weren’t bad. Today, manufacturers are delivering better composites by making the glass particles smaller so that more can be packed in. They’re changing the fillers, making direct composites easier to polish. The ceramics we have available today, such as leucite-reinforced glass ceramics and lithium disilicates, have enhanced the esthetics of indirect restorations. Because many of these innovations rely on bonding, the scientific advances in adhesive dentistry are among those that have helped make the use of esthetic materials easier and more reliable.
Balancing Reality with the Ideal. Whether or not a material tests well in a laboratory does not always directly relate to its clinical performance; a bonding agent may test well in a very controlled environment, but those test results may not translate to the real world. However, if the research is done well, bench testing of a material is important and can be valuable.
Looking to the Future.When we consider the science behind the smile, it’s important to also consider the investigations and research taking place today that will shape the products introduced tomorrow, as well as those innovations just now gaining a foothold throughout our profession.
We hope you enjoy this issue and find that it inspires your continued pursuit of esthetic excellence, as well as your anticipation of ever-greater innovations in material science. We encourage you to send us your feedback to letters@insidedentistry.net. Thank you for reading and, most of all, thank you for your continued support.
With warm regards,
Editor’s Note: In the May issue’s cover story, “Navigating Risk Assessment,” the contributors address diagnostic testing including saliva testing. To clarify that part of the discussion, there is a salivary diagnostic test available from OralDNA Labs that helps in the identification of periodontal disease and increases patient acceptance.
