Utilising BOPT – bringing global knowledge to UK shores
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 13th July 2022
The world of cosmetic dentistry is as diverse as the clinicians within it. Indeed, treatments that are popular in some parts of the world are still relatively underutilised in other nations.
One excellent benefit for dentists attending the BACD Annual Conference is that it gathers together knowledge from all over the world, introducing professionals to novel concepts, innovative treatment techniques and a wealth of experience.
In light of this, Dr Aman Bharti was invited by the BACD to present a hands-on session on the Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique (BOPT) at this year’s gathering. But what is BOPT and what will the session involve?
Aman explains:
“BOPT is one of many techniques that we use at Headrow Dental when performing smile makeovers with ceramic restorations. Although not a new concept, throughout the years it has become a technique that I utilise more frequently when replacing existing ceramic work. This technique is widely used in southern Europe and Latin America – but here in the UK it’s still a relatively niche option, so I’m really looking forward to sharing my knowledge and hopefully inspiring others to adopt this method moving forward.
“I chose to make the session a hands-on experience for delegates as the practical element is essential to understanding how BOPT is performed. Effectively, this method is a vertical preparation with a new prosthetic approach. The idea of performing not only a marginless preparation, but also a controlled invasion of the gingival sulcus during preparation can be a daunting prospect – especially for those with no experience in doing this before. My session will focus on the preparation element and the temporisation process – both of which are radically different from conventional tooth preparations. This way, I aim to ensure attendees understand the concept from both an educational and practical standpoint, so that they can return to their practice on Monday morning following the conference and implement the technique. I also want them to recognise why, when and how this technique will be useful.”
With ceramic restorations a popular option among the patient population and retreatments necessary, Aman wants dentists to be aware of how BOPT can be harnessed to provide an aesthetic, long-lasting solution:
“Achieving aesthetic outcomes with ceramics is always a challenge. Creating a perfect harmony between the soft tissue and ceramic restorations is particularly difficult, especially if the patient has a thin gingival biotype. Plus, when we’re faced with marginal defects such as recession, caries and uneven zeniths, smile design becomes considerably more complex and challenging. Conventional treatment approaches often mean that we work on the soft tissue with the sole purpose of being able to prepare a margin for the definitive ceramic restoration. However, this will often lead to compromises in zenith position, resulting in longer or uneven tooth proportions.
“Here’s where BOPT is different. Using this technique allows for the removal of any horizontal component to the preparation, essentially wiping the slate clean. It is the provisional that forms the soft tissue architecture – when I first learned about this it was mind-blowing, as we move zeniths not only apically but also coronally. Additionally, following the BOPT concept from start to finish means that we improve the quality of the soft tissue around the ceramic, resulting in thicker, more stable soft tissue.”
With such beneficial outcomes available, why is BOPT not more popular in the UK? Aman answers:
“In recent years, biomimetic dentistry has completely transformed the way we think about and perform tooth preparations. We are in an era of conservation and adhesion. In contrast, BOPT can be viewed as a more aggressive preparation which is potentially why it’s not more popular here in the UK. However, in many situations such as retreatments or instances where a conventional margin is to invade the biological width, the BOPT is an essential tool in our preparation armamentarium. It is definitely something every cosmetic dentist should be able to perform in the correct case!”
Aman’s session is just one of the exciting topics that is set to make this year’s BACD Annual Conference a must-visit for dentists who want to take their cosmetic skills to the next level.
Speaking about the conference, Aman says:
“I’m absolutely honoured to have been invited to the conference this year and given the opportunity to show other professionals the huge benefit that BOPT can bring to their working lives. Due to my practice performing smile makeovers for decades, I’m often faced with ceramic replacement work. Discovering the BOPT was a real game-changer, and after 8 years of performing this technique I have truly seen how it is an essential tool for every cosmetic dentist.”
BACD 18th Annual Conference 2022
On The Shoulders Of Giants
10-12 November
ICC Wales, Newport
Please visit www.bacd.com for details and to register
