The patients demand for esthetic dental care is continuously rising. Unfortunately many of us still have a somewhat dismissive attitude to this and look at it as only bleaching and easily glued on veneers. However the improved knowledge and techniques have raised the bar considerably. To improve the predictability of our treatments we have to consider the complete function of the masticatory system. The pink esthetics are crucial for the outcome. And ofcourse we have to master our materials. The goal of this symposium is to bring forward ways of thinking and acting that have strongly influenced our way of operating today. Although the name of this symposium strongly relates to esthetics, we want to emphasize the importance of the TMJ based treatment planning. This has really proved to be a functioning concept and actually makes the whole process easier. And the understanding of this concept creates a strong base to handle many kinds of dysfunctional problems. And in the end you find that what functions well also looks good.

To achieve good results, orthodontics is often necessary and has become increasingly popular even with adult patients. Everything from "simple" aligning of front teeth, that we deal with in the symposium, to demanding orthognathic treatmens.

And as said before, we have to know how to use our beautiful materials to make natural looking beautiful teeth. Among composites we have a legion of good choices. And in most cases when the esthetic outcome is not satisfying, the reason is not the material itself , but our knowledge of the optical behavior and other factors that influence the outcome.

All and all you can conclude that esthetic dental care and smile design is often a complex situation with many things to keep in mind. But what is more rewarding for the whole team and the patient than the treatment ending in a beautiful balanced smile with a good prognosis.

We have come a bit on our way in this learning process and we invite now you all to join us on this road of lifelong learning.

Welcome to the Symposium

Kaj Karlsson, Hannu Vartiainen and the whole Smiledesign team of Ita-Pasilan Hammaslaakarit.