New from Dr. Frank Spear: Treating Canted Incisal/Occlusal Planes

When clinicians think about the process of looking at incisal planes or occlusal planes, there are a couple of ways that dentists are initially taught how to do it. Most clinicians were taught to look at the interpupillary line in dental school; in fact, most clinicians would like to the see the incisal plane and interpupillary line parallel to each other.

Dr. Frank Spear suggests that the reality in this situation is: it's very difficult to look at your patient's eyes and mouth at the same time. His own personal bias is that most patients' eyes are not symmetrical and he tends to relate the incisal plane to the lips of the patient. More specifically, he likes to ensure that the teeth look pleasing compared to the lower lip.

Canted smile or occlusal planes are not uncommon in the restorative practice. The etiology and treatment options can be confusing – often leading to no treatment, inappropriate treatment or unpredictable treatment. In our new course, Treating Canted Incisal/Occlusal Planes, Dr. Frank Spear will review etiology, diagnosis and treatment for canted incisal and occlusal planes using decision trees and providing case presentations.

After viewing this new course by Dr. Frank Spear, you will be able to:

• Understand evaluation and etiology of canted incisal and occlusal planes


• Present options for treatment using orthognathic surgery


• Present options for treatment using orthodontic intrusion


• Present options for treatment using periodontal surgery


• Present options for treatment using restorative dentistry

Log on now to view to begin learning about treating canted insical and occlusal planes. If you're not yet a Spear Digital Suite Premium member, click here to learn more.

There's a lot more where that came from! Stay tuned for future courses brought to you by Dr. Frank Spear.

Denise Prichard is the Editor for Spear Education.