A new esthetic impression system.

Abstract

Communication between the restorative dentist and the laboratory technician is essential to establish a predictable esthetic result. Errors in the laboratory can create the need for excessive clinical try-ins and modifications that waste valuable time. This paper reviews the use and potential benefits of a new facial impression system to minimize such esthetic errors. This system provides the laboratory technician with a three-dimensional reference of the local soft tissue frame during the fabrication of restorations. The application of this system to orthognathic surgical template fabrication is also discussed. The objective is to obtain the essential esthetic qualities of dentofacial harmony in the laboratory and not at the chairside. This system is compared with other methods of communication.