CDEN0109

12 I I case study _ mini veneers _Aestheticdentistryisfeaturedwidelyintheme- diaasthefieldofdentistrythatcanchangeorenhance the appearance of the face, leading to an improved quality of life and increased self-confidence for the patients.Ofcourse,thepatientsasclientscandecidefor themselves whether they want to have brighter teeth, but in granting this request, sound tooth structure is oftenremoved. I will apply dietetic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgement; I will keep them from harm and injustice is at the core of the HippocraticOath.DentistsnotadheringtotheOathrisk losingtheirphysicianstatus,especiallywhentheypro- videaesthetictreatmentsbasedsolelyontheirpatients’ demands. Without critically analysing these demands, they can satisfy the patients’ cosmetic needs but may causeharmwhenotherwisehealthyteethareprepared. Whenatoothispreparedanddentineisexposed,the physiologyofthetoothisaffected.Oralbacteriacanmi- gratethroughtheexposeddentinaltubules,2 especially when these are not immediately sealed after prepara- tion, and deteriorate the condition of the pulp leading tofutureendodonticproblems.So,apartfromtheobvi- ousethicalquestions,afinancialgainforthedentistcan unfortunately be short-lived when legal action proce- dures are taken by patients, who blame the dentist for harmingthem,notactingprofessionally,andnotjudg- ingcorrectlybasedonscientificevidence. Unfortunately, our society considers the ‘denture look’theonlyaestheticallyacceptablesmiledesignlook. Therefore, the question is: how can natural-looking smiles that are in harmony with the patient’s appear- ancebedelivered,whileconservingtoothstructureand generatingincomeforourpractices?Theanswerliesin appropriate material selection; allowing for the adop- tion of minimally- or non-invasive methodology; possibly, the involvement of other specialties, like orthodontics, to facilitate tooth movement, in order to allow for less tooth preparation; and of course, on pa- tient education and appropriate fee selection. Patients should be informed about the possible long-term Fig. 1_Pre-op view of the smile. Fig. 2_Pre-op view. Note the incisal edges. cosmeticdentistry 1_2009 Non-invasive mini porcelain veneers: An alternative to direct resin restorations Author_ Dinos Kountouras, Greece Fig. 1 Fig. 2