Five Perceptual Skills of Drawing Cosmetic Dentists Need to Master

December 28, 2018 by Dana J. Murn, CAE

By Jerome Cha, DDS, AAACD

If we are trying to create dental restorations that mimic nature, we need to be able to perceive and identify the characteristics nature presents.  Learning to draw is a very effective and efficient way to enhance our perception.   

"If we are trying to create dental restorations that mimic nature, we need to be able to perceive and identify the characteristics nature presents."

Here are five perceptual skills cosmetic dentists need to master: 

  1. Perception of edges. This means being able to see lines, curves, and contours and their relation to each other. In dentistry, this relates to smile lines, the incisal planes and the midlines. 
     

  2. Negative spaces. This means being able to see the spaces around the main objects, or negative space. In dentistry, this relates to recognizing the incisal embrasures, emergence profiles and visualizing the gingival architecture. 

    Photo courtesy of Saiesha Mistry BDS, MSc, AAACD

  3. Perspective. This means being able to see how the image appears depending on the distance and the angle of the viewer. In dentistry, this relates to principles of golden proportion in smile design and the buccal corridor design. 

     

  4. Perception of lights and shadows. This means being able to see the lightness and darkness. In dentistry, this relates to the value or the gray scale of the tooth. 

     

  5. Perception of the whole. This refers to the emotional response you are trying to trigger from your drawing. It can be sadness, happiness, mysterious or combination of emotions. In dentistry, this relates to trying to create a feminine smile or a masculine smile, a youthful or a mature smile, or a smile that fits the patient’s personality.

For more information and drawing exercises to improve your perception, watch this course.



Featured Stories


 
Dentistry, while incredibly rewarding, can often feel isolating. Many dental professionals work in solo practices or sma... Read More
The AACD scientific session has long been the premier destination for hands-on learning in dental esthetics, with its wo... Read More
The demand for cosmetic procedures is booming—Americans spent nearly $12 billion on them last year alone. With interest ... Read More
As the AACD 2025 Scientific Session approaches, we are thrilled to welcome the world's top cosmetic dentists to San ... Read More

Facebook Feed


 
 
 
Connect with Us
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
200 River Place STE 150
Monona, WI 53716
United States of America

Toll-free:800.543.9220
Phone:608.222.8583
Fax:608-222.9540

Contact Us
© 2024 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

This website uses cookies. Cookies are little files placed on your device that help us keep members signed in, help members access their member benefits, help us understand how visitors use our website, and help us provide relevant marketing messages. Read more about our cookies policy here. By using our site, you consent to our use of cookies