Functional Occlusion

Presented by

Julian Dorey GDC; 138911

This course is aimed at giving technicians and dentists, preferably as teams, a chance to learn some new ideas and common language for handling simple to complex occlusal cases. These ideas are intended for use in the lab and clinic but the practical element of the course will be lab based, articulation, waxing and colouring of e.max. Therefore dentists are invited as observers and hopefully contributing valuable clinical experience to the technicians.

Function=Beauty Beauty=Function

The first day will start with a presentation on occlusion. This presentation is based on the work of Niles Guichet who pioneered a neuro-muscular approach that gives a clear and easy to understand basis for planning dental restorations. Since learning this from US dentist Bill Conkowitz, I have developed my own approach which is a variant which includes elements of my own experience and observations. These added elements will draw on the work of Leonardo da Vinci, theories of visual construction, observations on natural anatomy, ying yang and some basic mechanics.

Day 1

I will then demonstrate the techniques I use for articulation, a very crucial and important procedure.

The last section before lunch will be a focused look at anatomy, both anterior and posterior, concentrating on the functional elements and the glorious and ingenious nature of these surfaces. This combination of natural functional surfaces and good occlusion will be brought together for the afternoon session.

Lunch will be a range of homemade sandwiches, fruits, yoghurts and Sharon's flapjacks.

The afternoon session will be devoted to waxing our first occlusal surfaces. During this session we will have time to look at some study models to learn more about beautiful natural surfaces.

I will also be doing a few demonstrations on shaping the anterior units for optimised occlusion, dynamic function and the effect this has on aesthetics.

In the evening there will be a meal organised for those who are interested. This

will be at the Crabshell pub that serves a range of good food, beer and wine

In the morning I will be giving a further insight into posterior aesthetics. The functional surfaces must be complemented by the axial and contact surfaces. I like to think of the posterior teeth as being like athletes, they should be broad in the shoulders and slim in the waist. Too many crowns are very 'overweight' and lack the sharpness of our ideal forms. I will show some simple strategies for creating those athletic shapes.

Day 2.

Following this we will return to the lab for dynamic equilibration of our articulated models, a look at some of the software solutions and more waxing practice. During this session I will demonstrate my porcelain layering strategy for posterior crowns. Also we can discuss direct composite build ups for better function and aesthetics.

Lunch will be Sharon's Spanish tortilla with salads, crusty bread, cheeses and pickles. Followed by fruits and

yogurts. Hopefully there will be some flapjacks left over as well.

The afternoon will be dedicated to colouring, glazing and polishing an e.max unit. The pressed crown will be provided. We will have time during firing cycles to have more discussion and exchange of experiences between the lab and the surgery.

The course is due to finish around 4pm .

I very much hope that you will enjoy the course and take away some new ideas and inspiration that will carry you through the next stage of your career. As Dental professionals we all need to not only improve our skills and knowledge, but also to improve our communication for the benefit of ourselves and our patients. I believe very strongly that technicians need to make themselves an integral part of our clients business, I definitely see my role as helping my clients make money (while doing exactly the same myself). Trust me, it's going to be a very interesting couple of days.

"Julian is extremely knowledgeable and has an enthusiasm for dental ceramics that is inspirational. His advanced anterior ceramics course provides a thoroughly informative and insightful few days whereby he covers a broad range of practical theories and techniques. The course is excellently presented, in a personable manner Julian shares valuable tips and tricks that you can apply daily to achieve naturally appearing, fully functional results. Having returned from Devon with plenty of practical techniques and information I can highly recommend this course, the hospitality and homemade food is fantastic too, Julian offers great value, top marks!” James Rimmer Rdt

“I must say that it was the best and the most inspiring ceramic course I've ever been to. It was a real pleasure to meet you and have a chance to learn from you. Your course made me think about so many subjects, raised so many questions, got me inspired and made me realise, how much more I need to learn.”

Agnieszka Koj rdt

Testimonials from the Advanced Ceramic course