North Texas Dentistry Volume 4 Issue 5 | Page 9

In complex cases, additional diagnostic information may be collected, including photos of the patient from multiple perspectives, a diagnostic wax up, an occlusal record, and in certain cases, a facebow transfer. "Case planning, diagnostic photographs and waxing create a workable blueprint for the case. Sometimes after discussing the case at length with the dentist, it's decided that no treatment is the best idea, or orthodontics is necessary for the best outcome, or that it is really a surgical case. We realize that the best choice isn't always a restorative one." Kyle points out, "We realize that abutment design is no less important that the design of the final crown. Implants can fail due to cement being left behind. This is exacerbated by abutments that are inappropriately designed and produced by unqualified technicians. It's a big deal to us, and one of the things that sets us apart." Phil adds, "We love doing the big ridge defect pink porcelain cases certainly, but we love and give the same attention to the single units as well." The team at Functional Esthetics works hard to be a resource to their clients and to support dental education. A state-of-the-art lecture facility provides a forum for dentists and staff members, technicians and others to attend educational workshops and evening seminars. “Our clients tell us that we help them prosper in a competitive environment,” notes Kyle. Consistent support and service by the front office team is a key component to Functional Esthetics’ outstanding reputation. The famous axiom set forth in 1896 by renowned architect Louis Henri Sullivan, “form follows function”, has reminded generations of architects and industrial designers to begin with the end purpose in mind. The Functional Esthetics team understands this fundamental principle as it applies to dentistry. “We have to understand how the mouth functions in order to design a restoration that will function properly and endure the extreme forces that exist in the mouth,” notes Kyle. “We also have to be keen observers of nature. It requires extreme care and meticulous Photos by Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios The use of the CAD/CAM scanner is an integral component of Functional Esthetics’ cutting edge technology. www.northtexasdentistry.com | NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY 9