Gianluca Del Genio shares how photography is instrumental to communication, precision and quality as a technician.
In today’s rapidly evolving world of dental technology, advancements in materials, techniques, and systems have redefined how dental professionals work and collaborate. Among these innovations, one tool has emerged as indispensable in ensuring the highest standards of quality and communication: photography.
Words aren’t enough
As digital platforms and social media increasingly influence the dental industry, photography has become an essential method for communication between dental practices and laboratories, and a powerful tool for showcasing work and skills to potential clients and colleagues.
Sharing high-quality images of completed cases on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook or professional networks allows practitioners to demonstrate their expertise and attract new patients or collaborators. For technicians, presenting visually stunning cases on online portfolios or social media feeds can increase visibility and highlight craftsmanship in a way that words or technical descriptions simply cannot.
In many cases, photographs serve as the first point of contact between a prospective patient and a dental professional. Therefore, high-quality images speak volumes about the skill and precision involved in each case and can greatly influence patient trust and treatment decisions.
The power of photography
While traditional methods still play a crucial role, the addition of high-resolution digital images, especially macro photography, allows technicians to share vital information with dentists that might be otherwise overlooked in physical methods.
As a dental technician, I have experienced the power of photography in bridging communication gaps. High-quality images provide dentists with a clear, detailed view of the work in progress. In particular, macro photography is used to send images of crowns, veneers or other restorations to the dentist for approval before final delivery.
This ensures that both small mistakes and key aesthetic details, such as colour matching and tooth morphology, are addressed before the work reaches the patient. Through photography, the dentist can request adjustments based on visual analysis, enhancing the overall quality of care.
By reviewing images, we can identify minute imperfections and details that make the difference and that may not be visible to the naked eye, making necessary corrections before finalising the product.
Analysing morphology
High-quality photography allows us to study the correct shades, translucency and overall morphology of the tooth, which are critical in achieving a natural look and optimal outcomes.
By capturing, analysing and sharing detailed images, we can address potential issues before they become problems, resulting in superior work that stands the test of time. This is key to producing high-end aesthetic results that not only look good on day one but also stand the test of time.
By using Reflex cameras with appropriate lighting setups and flashes, even small details such as the transition lines, tooth axes (especially in anterior teeth), and patient-specific shapes can be thoroughly examined.
Attention to detail
Choosing the right background, lighting, and positioning for each photo can transform the way a dental restoration is perceived.
A well-presented photograph not only showcases the beauty of the final product but also emphasises the attention to detail and professionalism that went into the work. Photography plays a critical role in dental technology, emphasising its power to communicate the quality of clinical work to both colleagues and dentists. It also allows professionals to display their expertise.
Each case must be treated individually, rather than being approached with a standardised method. The purpose of dental photography is not only to present the best visual representation of a case, but to remind you that behind each image is a real patient whose needs and satisfaction must be prioritised.
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