Rx Notes Improve Esthetic Outcome

Anterior tooth arrangement options for Life Changing Smiles!

When dentists describe their patient in more detail to their lab, the lab can make subtle case adjustments that aid in better overall case esthetics. Dentists that note on their patient’s RX: MI, IA, F1, F2, F3, M1, M2, M3 and send in pictures of the patient smiling will receive a more natural looking case that esthetically complements their patient. Having more information is the best tool for case success!

TO MIRROR or NOT TO MIRROR:

A.   MIRROR IMAGE (MI); Many times when fabricating one to three unit anterior crowns, bridges or partial dentures the esthetic composition calls for a mirror image of the opposite side.
 B.    IDEAL ANATOMY (IA); In some cases when fabricating one to three unit anterior crowns, bridges, or partial dentures the esthetic composition calls for ideal anatomy. This esthetic composition is usually called for when the opposite dentition is compromised and a mirror image will result in poor overall esthetics. Need to clarify with doctor any future treatment plans for opposite dentition. Also need to define “IDEAL” esthetics (see below).

FEMALE ESTHETICS

FEMALE YOUTHFUL (F1)

A youthful female esthetic composition is built or set to the following specifications;

  • Central incisors are centered to the midline and flat to the front. Incisal edge of centrals should be slightly rounded.
  • The lateral incisors are positioned along the curve of the arch and 2mm shorter than the central incisors. The laterals are positioned slightly rotated on the mid axes, mesial out, distal in and, may slightly lap over the distal of the centrals.
  • The cuspids are positioned along the curve of the arch and 1mm longer than the laterals. The inclination of the cuspids should be approximately 5 degrees with the gingival base of the tooth out and the incisal edge in and pointed.

FEMALE ADULT (F2)

An adult female esthetic composition is built or set to the following specifications;

  •  The central incisors are centered to the midline, flat to the front, and vertical in profile. Incisal edges of centrals are straight and slightly curved at the distal.
  • The lateral incisors are positioned along the curve of the arch and 1mm shorter than the central incisors. The long axes of the laterals should tilt slightly to the distal (incisal edge towards mesial and the gingival base towards distal).
  • The cuspids are positioned along the curve of the arch and the same length of the laterals. The long axes of the cuspids should also tilt slightly distal (incisal edge towards mesial and the the gingival base towards distal). The incisal edges should be rounded.

FEMALE MATURE (F3)

A mature female esthetic composition is built or set to the following specifications;

  1. The central incisors are centered to the midline, flat to the front, and vertical in profile. Incisal edges of centrals are straight.
  2. The lateral incisors are positioned along the curve of the arch and 1/2mm shorter than the central incisors.
  3. The cuspids are positioned along the curve of the arch and the same length of the laterals. The long axes of the cuspids should be vertical. The incisal edges should be fairly straight or worn.

SHADE NOTES for ALL PATIENTS:

  • Youthful esthetics calls for lighter shades and more translucency showing internal anatomical features and pronounced mamelons.
  • Adult esthetics usually calls for medium/light shades slightly less translucency and subtle internal anatomical features with slightly worn mamelons.
  • Mature esthetics usually calls for medium/darker shades with very little translucency, no visible internal anatomy and flat wear facets with no pronounced mamelons

MALE ESTHETICS

MALE YOUTHFUL (M1)

A youthful male esthetic composition is built or set to the following specifications;

  • Central incisors are centered to the midline and flat to the front. Incisal edge of centrals should be slightly rounded.
  • The lateral incisors are also positioned flat to the front and 2mm shorter than the central incisors.
  • The cuspids are positioned along the curve of the arch and 1mm longer than the laterals. The inclination of the cuspids should be approximately 5 degrees with the gingival base of the tooth out and the incisal edge in and pointed.

MALE ADULT (M2)

An adult male esthetic composition is built or set to the following specifications;

  • The central incisors are centered to the midline, flat to the front,    and vertical in profile. Incisal edges of centrals are straight and slightly curved at the distal.
  • The lateral incisors are also positioned flat to the front and 1mm shorter than the central incisors. The long axes of the laterals should be vertical.
  • The cuspids are positioned along the curve of the arch and the same length of the laterals. The long axes of the cuspids should also tilt slightly distal (incisal edge towards mesial and the the gingival base towards distal). The incisal edges should be rounded.

MALE MATURE (M3)

A mature male esthetic composition is built or set to the following specifications;

  • The central incisors are centered to the midline, flat to the front, and vertical in profile. Incisal edges of centrals are straight.
  • The lateral incisors are also positioned flat to the front and the same length as the central incisors.
  • The cuspids are positioned along the curve of the arch and the same length of the laterals. The long axes of the cuspids should be vertical. The incisal edges should be fairly straight or worn.