Why Your Smile Makeovers Fail: The Occlusion Mistakes No One Talks About

Many smile makeovers look beautiful on delivery day—only to end in patient discomfort, fractures, or bite changes just months later. The reason? Functional issues that were never addressed.

This course uncovers the silent role of occlusion in cosmetic failure. From cracked veneers and open bites to new-onset TMJ symptoms, participants will learn how occlusal mistakes—often invisible during case planning—can unravel even the most meticulous cosmetic work.

Using real patient cases, clinical protocols, and practical diagnostic tools, this course will guide dentists in integrating occlusal stability into esthetic workflows to prevent remakes, improve longevity, and protect their results.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the most common occlusion-related causes of failure in cosmetic dentistry.

2. Assess patients for signs of functional instability prior to initiating aesthetic treatment.

3. Differentiate between stable and unstable occlusal schemes in the context of smile design.

4. Apply protocols for testing anterior guidance, evaluating vertical dimension, and detecting parafunction prior to veneer or full-arch restorative cases.

5. Integrate joint and muscle screening into aesthetic treatment planning to prevent TMJ symptoms and post-op discomfort.

6. Design restorations that balance aesthetics with functional protection, ensuring long-term success of cosmetic outcomes.