Smile-Vision Cosmetic Imaging is an important sales and marketing tool for cosmetic dentistry. But, did you ever think that it could be equally powerful in case fabrication and delivery? Smile-Vision, has developed an incredibly valuable technique called the Template Technique. This technique guarantees an "as planned" case every time. It will save time, reduce anxiety, increase patient satisfaction and improve predictability. Smile-Vision on-line cosmetic imaging and the Template Technique make an unbeatable combination and open a whole new world of opportunity for dentists.
Smile-Vision cosmetic imaging pictures form an agreement between dentist and patient in which each assumes responsibility for the outcome of the case. The dentist agrees to do everything possible to provide the patient with a smile similar to the one shown in the pictures and create a technically correct result. The patient agrees to pay the fee, submit to a dental procedure and accept the result as shown in the Smile-Vision pictures. Smile-Vision defines the case and puts the dentist and patient at ease. The Template Technique translates expectations into reality in a predictable, step-by-step method.
What is the Template Technique?
The Template Technique consists of three components that work together to provide the dentist with an "as planned" case every time. The components of the Template Technique are:
  1. A full-scale resin replica created from Smile-Vision pictures
  2. A preparation guide
  3. A template for temporaries
Watch a Presentation
This recent Smile-Vision teleforum presented by Dr. Larry Brooks shows you how to implement cosmetic simulation and the template technique into your practice. Subjects from case presentation through as-planned delivery are covered, providing a proven, innovative and simple method for the enrichment of your practice through cosmetic dentistry. (40 minutes, wmv format) View Video
View a Demonstration
View this brief video (3 minutes, wmv format) of the template technique in being used on an actual patient. Dentistry by Dr. Martin B. Goldstein. View Video
Using the Template Technique
Once the Smile-Vision cosmetic imaging case has been accepted, make sure the pictures are an accurate representation of the result you are planning to deliver. If they do not, it's essential to redraw the pictures so they fall in line with your plan. Be sure to show the new pictures to the patient. Never assume that patients "understand" anything they do not see. For example, if you present Smile-Vision pictures showing ten teeth treated, but for some reason you plan to treat only four or six, it's important to alter and reprint the Smile-Vision pictures to show the result you plan to deliver.
The first step in getting an "as planned result" is reading or "decoding" your Smile-Vision pictures. Send study models of your accepted case "as imaged" to us at Smile-Vision. Avoid models with recontoured gingival tissues, adjusted incisal edges or temps in place. We will create an accurate resin replica of the planned result including gingival and incisal changes.
resin replica Accurate Resin Replica from
Smile-Vision Pictures
We will then fabricate a preparation guide of thin transparent plastic made from the resin replica. This template guides you during tooth preparation. By using a periodontal probe inserted into the template, reduction can be verified. It ensures enough room for our technician to deliver the case you want. We will contact you if any changes or additional reduction is necessary. You will get an "as planned" case back from our laboratory. When tenths of millimeters are the difference between a good and an excellent case, you will find that this technique eliminates much of the chance for error.
Preparation guide -
A periodontal probe is used
to verify clearance		 preparation guide
Additionally, Smile-Vision can create a template for temporaries made from your resin replica, which saves time and improves predictability. Results are better than with traditional lab processed temporaries - at half the cost. Double-layer construction and accurate adaptation of the temporary template provides temporary restorations that have correct incisal position, contours, margins and occlusion - every time.
template Double-layer template
for temporaries
Steps to follow when using a template for temporaries
  1. Insert the soft inner lining into the hard outer shell and try it over the prepared teeth to verify fit
  2. Etch the preparations to gain additional retention ONLY WHEN NECESSARY
  3. Coat the teeth with dentinal bonding agent or desensitizer
  4. Inject Bis Acrylic temporary resin into the template (Use Protemp 3 Garant by 3M ESPE for best results)
  5. Seat the template over the prepared teeth and apply considerable force while the resin cures on the teeth.
  6. Remove the hard outer shell and peel the inner shell off the resin. The resin may stay on the teeth, or in some cases, the operator may prefer to remove it from the teeth after curing. The temporary restoration will have a smooth polished surface at that point. The template may be reused if necessary.
  7. Trim the excess resin with a knife and adjust occlusion if necessary.
  8. Send the case to the laboratory with instructions to copy the resin replica. If the temporary restorations were altered, take an impression of them and direct the laboratory to copy the temporaries.
  9. It is wise to contact the patient the next day to verify the esthetics. If the patient is not totally satisfied, hold off on the lab work, get the patient into the office and alter the temporary until the patient is satisfied. At that point, take an impression of the altered temporary and send it to the lab so it may be copied.
Our laboratory is well qualified to deliver "as planned" results using milled Zirconia (Y-Z), Empress, Captek or Sculpture/Fibrekor. Contact Larry or Jonathan (our laboratory services technical director) with comments or questions.
We, at Smile-Vision, look forward to working with you as we take a step into the future!
For your convenience, a Laboratory Prescription (form) is available here for download in PDF format.