Hailing from the USA, Dr Bob Winter graduated in 1981 from Marquette University School of Dentistry and in 1983 completed his Prosthodontic Specialty Residency in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the VA Medical Center. In the years since, Dr Winter has maintained a private practice limited to prosthodontics and is co-owner of a dental laboratory, Esthetics by Design. With a focus on highly aesthetic restorations, he has taught clinical and technical courses worldwide, championing a pathway to first-class treatment outcomes that stand the test of time.
As a premier clinician, dental technologist and master ceramist, Dr Winter is well-versed in the current challenges that aesthetic cosmetic dental professionals face. He identifies some areas of concern:
“The term ‘cosmetic’ can have negative connotations as the term implies you are making changes only for the visual enhancement of the patient’s appearance, while aesthetic dentistry takes a more comprehensive approach by considering the health and function of the teeth and gums, in addition to appearance. The ethics come into play when practitioners do not provide a comprehensive assessment and fail to present the patient with a treatment plan that encompasses all the potential issues, and instead only addresses the appearance of the teeth. It is important that patients understand all the issues so that they can make a truly informed decision. They may choose to only address the appearance, but they should understand the ramifications of doing that”.
“One further limitation to note in this area is cost; patients may not want or be able to afford the higher price compared to direct restorations. A more comprehensive treatment with an indirect restoration also involves more time, other specialists and sometimes the involvement of additional teeth – this can be less agreeable for a patient compared to the single appointment needed for a direct restoration.”
Keys to success
At the BACD 21st Annual Conference, Dr Winter will share his insights on restorations in his lecture “Indirect Ceramic Restorations: It’s More Than Just Making Pretty Teeth!” He sets the scene:
“The key to success when providing any dental care, not just indirect restorations, is understanding the patient’s expectations and using that information to formulate a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. Interdisciplinary treatment gives the dental team the opportunity to change, shape or develop an individual’s appearance, character, or self-image, while providing dental care that is functional and enduring. One of the most important aspects of treatment planning is to diagnose functional problems and to design occlusal and functional changes for the long-term longevity of the restorations, whether they are direct composite or indirect restorations.
“This presentation will focus on the utilisation of indirect ceramic restorations. Attendees of the lecture will learn an outcome-based preparation design for indirect ceramic restorations based upon the tooth problems that are present, the aesthetic concerns of the patient, and the functional issues that need to be addressed to achieve a long-term enduring outcome. The session will also discuss indirect ceramic restorative material options, highlighting their aesthetics, strength and lifespan. By the end, attendees will discover how to manage indirect ceramic restorations from material selection to post-insertion occlusal adjustment, ensuring their patients get the best possible treatment.
“I hope that dental professionals will come away from the lecture with a superior understanding of the application of indirect restorations and the decisions that patients weigh in the initial appointment, allowing them to deliver long-lasting aesthetic restorations.”
First time fun
Whilst having presented across the world for over 43 years, this will be Dr Winter’s first time at the BACD 21st Annual Conference. He shares his excitement:
“Events like the BACD Annual Conference are always exciting. Attending is the best way to learn the latest information and techniques, such as how to minimise the amount of tooth structure removed to obtain the desired cosmetic results or how the latest technologies and materials can provide the ideal aesthetic outcome. Learning new insights from internationally respected experts enhances our knowledge and skills; it’s easy to be aware of what is happening in our local community but hearing the perspectives of professionals from other countries can open our eyes to ideas and techniques we may otherwise have been unaware of. I look forward to seeing you there.”
To catch Dr Winter’s session, as well as many other exciting sessions at the BACD 21st Annual Conference, book your tickets today.
BACD 21st Annual Conference
6-8 November 2025
Lowry Arts Centre, Manchester
For further information and enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.bacd.com
