Creating smile simulations a Snap

Adelaide dentist Dr Timothy Goh balances his professional life between treating patients from his 2-chair practice in Unley and running Go! Dental (Aust), the Australian agents for US-based Den-Mat's range of products that includes LUMINEERS, Snap-On Smile and a range of clinical products and equipment.

Dr Goh readily admits to embracing new techniques and technologies to help achieve better patient outcomes more efficiently and cost-effectively which led to the genesis of his own supply company.

This same methodology is also a reason why he recently started using another product with Snap in the name, SNAP cosmetic imaging software from Australian Dental Supplies, to streamline his clinical procedures even further.

"I'm doing more and more cosmetic dentistry from my practice," Dr Goh said, "and the new SNAP cosmetic imaging software I've started using is proving to be the perfect tool for educating patients, achieving greater case acceptance and documenting informed consent.

"With SNAP, you take a photo of the patient, load it into the software and within a couple of minutes, you've simulated the treatment outcome you are proposing to essentially create an 'after' shot for the patient to see. The real power of SNAP is that the patient can see a very accurate photo of how they personally will look following treatment, rather than showing them pictures of other cases you have completed or diagrams in books or software."

SNAP allows dentists to easily simulate the gamut of cosmetic dental procedures including whitening, veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, fillings, perio, orthodontics and more. Once completed, a "before" and simulated "after" image can be printed off for the patient to retain as a further incentive to accept treatment.

"Patients really like being able to visualise the results of treatment before it commences," Dr Goh said. "Since incorporating SNAP into my treatment presentations, I find that more patients accept treatment and the decision making process is shortened significantly. In essence, more people say yes faster than before.

"We've also recommended SNAP software to all our clients who use LUMINEERS and Snap-On Smiles around the country," Dr Goh said. "The feedback from practices that have adopted this technology is universally positive and they are reporting increases in case acceptance cross the board as a result.

"SNAP is ideal for patients who are considering a Snap-On Smile as just like the appliance, the software can change the shape and length of the teeth and close diastemas and embrasures."

Dr Goh said that SNAP is very easy to use and he or his staff can prepare the simulation in less than 5 minutes.

"We're using SNAP to present treatment for all major crown and bridge rehabilitations and generally any procedure that involves aesthetics in the anterior region.

"It gives patients a good idea of what the treatment outcome will look like and also helps us to manage patient expectations. The images from SNAP have also now been incorporated into our regime for documenting informed consent for cosmetic work.

"Essentially, the only risk you face with SNAP is that it can simulate practically anything. As a clinician, however, you have to ensure that what you simulate on SNAP is an outcome you can achieve dentally.

"Provided you work to that constraint, SNAP will pay for itself after one or two cases and increase your future case acceptance significantly."