Sticking With What Works

In 1985, after nearly a century, Coca-Cola introduced New Coke. It was a reformulation of the original in an attempt to make the world-famous soft drink just a little bit sweeter, more like rival Pepsi. As many of you may recall, the change did not go well. American consumers largely rejected the new recipe and wanted their old, familiar taste back. Within just a few months, the brain trust at Coke got the message and brought back the original formula, and for most soda drinkers all was right with the world again. Before long, New Coke was discontinued and, in the end, essentially considered a flop.

The moral of this cautionary tale, of course, is that sometimes you cannot outdo the original. Yes, this is a dental publication, and perhaps sugared soda is not the most appropriate analogy to use. However, it helps make the point regarding classical esthetic principles in restorative dentistry. Many new methods and techniques can be used to accomplish a restoration, but certain original principles must be adhered to. As stated in this issue's opening continuing education (CE) article, established principles of symmetry and harmony need to be applied. This article reviews seven key parameters of tooth shape and form and demonstrates these principles in combination with state-of-the-art digital technology to successfully execute a restoration of a congenitally missing lateral incisor.

A number of other interesting topics are featured in this issue, but as I write this letter in mid-March, the United States, like the rest of the world, is living under the cloud of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In these extraordinarily trying and, indeed, unprecedented circumstances, our thoughts go out to all suffering with and battling against this pandemic. As healthcare professionals we have an obligation to remain up to date on current recommendations and best practices to ensure the health and safety of all our charges. I urge you to take advantage of relevant resources that are being revised seemingly daily from organizations such as the ADA, CDC, NIH, as well as state and local governments and oral healthcare groups. Also, the New England Journal of Medicine provides a web page (NEJM.org/coronavirus) dedicated to the dissemination of current information on COVID-19. Additionally, we've posted a practical article for dentists, their staff, and patients on what they need to know about practicing in the age of coronavirus (compendiumlive.com/go/cced1910). The more we know, the better we will be able to "stand calm and firm and united in this time of trial."

Sincerely,

Louis F. Rose, DDS, MD
Editor-In-Chief
lrose@aegiscomm.com