In today's environment of high patient expectations and increasing litigation (with particular regard to cosmetic dentistry), it has become essential to accurately and painstakingly document all clinical cases of each patient, including through the use of photographs.
Visual imagery, in fact, makes it much easier and more immediate to understand the treatment plan so much so that on the first visit, photos are now part of my practice's operating protocol.
With each new patient, we show clinical case photos of other patients who have been treated in our practice and have similar problems to his or her own. The photos are also an essential element for the dental technician who will be able to more easily reproduce the shape, chroma, translucency, and transparency of the teeth and consequently create a prosthetic artifact of high aesthetic value.
A dentist who does not provide photos of clinical cases previously dealt with should be looked upon with suspicion; careful and rich documentation of any work done is a must to ensure safety and reliability.
Obviously, an investment is required in terms of money on the part of the clinician who will have to purchase state-of-the-art cameras in order to be able to best render the image presented to him live and also in terms of time to train and learn the mechanics of clinical digital photography.
For these reasons, some professionals prefer to use images taken from the Internet that are standardized or Photoshop low-quality photographs, actually creating unrealistic expectations.
Despite the proliferation of retouched and blatantly fake cosmetic models, quality work by a serious dentist can still make a difference, without trickery or deception. A beautiful smile does not want Photoshop.
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