From function to esthetics: anterior or occlusal compromises to esthetics.

Increased patient expectations together with improved diagnostic, material, and surgical advances have expanded the boundaries of esthetic dentistry. To optimize functional and esthetic success, existing techniques are being enhanced through careful patient selection and management of the occlusion. During the period from 1991 to 1992, several areas relating anterior or occlusal compromises to esthetics have been identified. These include: dental and skeletal malocclusion, periodontal esthetic defects, restorative materials and laboratory techniques, tooth arrangement and maxillomandibular relations, and implant dentistry. This paper reviews some of the literature on these areas during this period.