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Edward A. McLaren

CERAMIC WARS:The Return of the Ceramist Creating the Illusion of a Tooth in 3D

Lecture Description: 

The role of the ceramist in the delivery of highly esthetic ceramic restorations has been significantly and forever altered by the increased development and evolution of digitally created restorations. There is a clash or “war” in philosophies how human artistic expression can co-exist with the digital “machine world” asCeramists struggle with how to adapt to the changing conditions, and themselves evolve their skills and services to survive and thrive in this new reality. Machines can do an adequate esthetic result for posterior teeth but to date cannot duplicate the varied layers of translucencies and colors that are necessary for acceptable esthetics in anterior teeth.

The 2 most important areas for the foreseeable future where Ceramists can apply and excel in using their creative talents is in creating single anterior teeth, and the “Minimalistic ceramic layering” of anterior teeth (which machines can’t do).

This presentation will cover (1) how to interpret shade information into a ceramic build-up, (2) ceramic layering techniques for creating the illusion of anterior teeth and (3) minimalistic veneering of anterior natural teeth (called the “Mini”).

About presenter: 

Dr. McLaren attended the University of Redlands where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude. He received his D.D.S. from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, where he graduated Omicron Kappa Upsilon. After several years of general practice, he received his specialty certificate in Prosthodontics from UCLA School of Dentistry.

Dr. McLaren is a Professor in the Biomaterials and Advanced Prosthodontic department. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the University of Oregon Dental School. Dr. McLaren maintains a private practice limited to prosthodontics and esthetic dentistry in which he does all of his own ceramics. He is the director of the UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry, a full time didactic and clinical program for graduate dentists. He is also the founder and director of the UCLA Master Dental Ceramist program. The residency program is a full time master ceramist program for dental technicians featuring extensive experience with the newest esthetic restorative systems.

Dr. McLaren is a member of the American College of Prosthodontists, Pacific Coast Society of Prosthodontists, International College of Prosthodontists, Fellow of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, International Association of Dental Research, American Association of Dental Research, American Dental Association, and the California Dental Association.

Dr. McLaren is a board member and project director for Clinicians Report (formally Clinical Research Associates); he is the lab section editor for Inside Dentistry Magazine, the Techno-Clinical editor for spectrum magazine, on the editorial review board of Practical Procedures and Aesthetic Dentistry magazine and on the editorial review board for Contemporary Esthetics magazine.

Dr. McLaren is actively involved in many areas of prosthodontic and materials research and has authored over 60 articles. He is performing ongoing clinical research on various restorative systems. He has presented numerous lectures, hands-on clinics and postgraduate courses on ceramics and esthetics across the nation and internationally. He recently published a book, on his ceramic techniques and features dental photographic art, entitled “The Art of Passion: Ceramics, Teeth, Faces, and Places.”