Dr Devang Patel

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United Kingdom
Barnstaple
Dr Devang Patel

I am an implant and a restorative dentist. I run various hands on courses on occlusion and re

03/05/2026

Teaching my passion. It was amazing to teach occlusion to this amazing group of dentists.

28/03/2025

Porcelain vs. Metal Margins in PFM Crowns – Which One’s Best? 🦷✨

Porcelain margins offer a seamless, aesthetic finish but require more tooth reduction and technical skill. Metal margins, on the other hand, provide a precise fit and require less preparation, yet they can compromise aesthetics.

When restoring a smile, every detail matters. Which option would you prefer for your patients? Let’s discuss! 👇

27/03/2025

🦷 Mastering Treatment Planning in General Dental Practice
A practical, hands-on workshop tailored for general dentists looking to refine their approach to treatment planning.
📅 26th April 2025 | 📍 Leonardo Hotel London Watford
What you'll learn:
✔️ A structured 8-step protocol for predictable treatment planning
✔️ Techniques for managing occlusion and bite adjustments
✔️ A clear framework for assessing tooth restorability (save or extract?)
This session is free for Treatment Planning Club members and available to non-members as well.
LINK IN THE COMMENT SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION

26/03/2025

Struggling to handle an onlay without contaminating the fitting surface? Here’s a simple trick—use a small amount of temporary composite on the tooth, shape it with a ball burnisher, and cure it. This gives you a solid handle to position the onlay accurately.

Make sure to rehearse placement in the patient’s mouth beforehand to avoid any surprises. Once bonded, just snap off the handle, and you’re good to go.

A small tweak, but it makes a big difference!

💡 Want to refine your treatment planning skills? Join fellow dentists for an exclusive hands-on course on 26 April 2025 at Leonardo Hotel London Watford. Limited slots available! Check the comment section for more information

19/03/2025

🔹 CO vs. CR in Full Mouth Reconstruction 🔹

One of the most common questions I get: Do I prefer to restore in Centric Occlusion (CO) or Centric Relation (CR)?

✔️ CO minimizes muscle adaptation but offers limited vertical opening.
✔️ CR allows greater vertical adjustment but relies on the patient's adaptive capability.

When a patient has a history of TMJ issues, I prefer not to increase OVD significantly, as their adaptability may be limited. But when I need more restorative space, restoring in CR becomes the better choice.

Every case is different—it's all about balance! ⚖️

04/03/2025

Do You Really Need Pre-FMR Splints? 🤔🦷

Should you give every patient a pre-treatment splint before starting Full Mouth Reconstruction (FMR)? Maybe NOT! 🚫

Splints have long been recommended to:

🦷 Test OVD and occlusion.
😌 Relax muscles for accurate CR recording.
⚠️ Prevent TMJ issues.
🛡️ Help patients adapt to splint wear post-treatment.
Are Splints Always Necessary? NO! ❌
Instead of relying on splints by default, try this approach:

1️⃣ Patient History: Assess muscle and TMJ issues early. 🧐
2️⃣ Load Test: Check joint stability BEFORE committing to splints. 🔍
3️⃣ Mock-Up Trial: Leave patients with a mock-up to test aesthetics and function. 🦷✨
4️⃣ Anterior First: Start with anterior reconstruction to guide occlusion. 👄
5️⃣ Post-Treatment Splint: Offer splints only if needed after treatment. ✅

Why Change Your Approach?
🦷 Splints are essential for parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism) but not everyone needs them.
⏳ Avoid unnecessary delays and keep treatment efficient.
📊 Focus on diagnostics and planning for long-lasting results without overcomplicating workflows.
💬 What’s YOUR strategy? Do you always use splints, or only when absolutely necessary? Let’s discuss below! ⬇️

26/02/2025

🦷 FMR Summit 2025 – What Not to Miss! 🎯

Dentists, are you ready to master Full Mouth Reconstruction and elevate your clinical and business skills? This year’s summit is packed with unmissable sessions, including:

🔹 Clinical education on analogue & digital FMR protocols
🔹 Prav’s Conversion Clinic Masterclass – how to sell FMR with confidence
🔹 Communication & photography online courses to refine patient interactions
🔹 Case presentations from past delegates sharing real-world FMR results
🔹 And of course… a selfie with Devang & Prav! 📸😆

📅 8th March 2025 | Innovation Hotel, London Heathrow

🎟️ Secure your spot now – scan the QR code or visit our website in the comment section

22/02/2025

🚀 6 Reasons to Join the FMR Summit! 🚀

This is more than just a summit—it’s a career game-changer for dentists looking to master Full Mouth Reconstruction. Here's what you’ll gain:

✅ Clinical education on Analogue and Digital FMR protocols (£1,050 value)
✅ Prav’s Conversion Clinic Masterclass – Learn how to sell FMR effectively (£600 value)
✅ Communication online course (£399 value)
✅ Photography online course (£199 value)
✅ Case presentations by 5 past course delegates (Priceless)
✅ A selfie with Devang and Prav (Also priceless 😆)

📅 Date: 8th March 2025

Join the FMR Summit and take your clinical and business skills to the next level!

🔗 Visit the link in the comments to book your spot!

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20/02/2025

Stop Doing FMR in ICP! ⚠️
🦷 Are you making THIS critical mistake in Full Mouth Reconstruction (FMR)?

Many dentists fall into the trap of carrying out FMR in Intercuspal Position (ICP) because it seems convenient—but here’s the problem:

❌ ICP CHANGES the moment you open vertical dimension or restore multiple occlusal surfaces! This leads to instability and unpredictable outcomes.

⚠️ Some may argue that you can do FMR in ICP by restoring only a few teeth at a time. But this way, you miss the most important advantage of doing FMR—control of aesthetics and occlusion.

What’s the Better Approach?
✅ Use Centric Relation (CR)—the repeatable, stable position that doesn’t rely on current tooth contacts.

🦷 CR provides consistency, especially when increasing Occlusal Vertical Dimension (OVD).

🔄 It creates a predictable and stable occlusion to reduce risks like restoration failure or TMJ problems.

🎭 CR lets you take full control of aesthetics and function, ensuring long-lasting results.

🚀 Don’t risk instability—master FMR the RIGHT way using CR for predictable and stress-free outcomes!

💬 Comment below if you agree or DM me with your thoughts! ✨

17/02/2025

Why TMJ Load Testing is a Game-Changer for FMR Success! 🦷✨

Before you restore a single tooth or adjust occlusion, have you tested TMJ stability? 🤔

A load test is your safety check for identifying hidden TMJ issues—here’s how to do it like a pro! 🔍

4 Simple Ways to Perform a Load Test:
1️⃣ Bimanual Manipulation – Guide TMJ into Centric Relation (CR) and apply gentle pressure. 🏗️
2️⃣ Leaf Gauge – Find CR, then ask the patient to bite hard and check for pain or tension. 🔬
3️⃣ Lucia Jig – Similar to the leaf gauge, it helps test for stability and pain. ⚖️
4️⃣ Wooden Spatula – Ask the patient to bite on both sides and assess any discomfort. 🪵

Pro Tip: My Favourite Method!
I prefer the Leaf Gauge—it’s quick, easy, and reliable! ✅

Why Load Testing Matters:
🔹 Prevents complications like pain, headaches, and joint damage after FMR.
✅ Confirms the jaw is stable enough to handle occlusal changes.
🔹 Improves predictability for complex cases, reducing risks.

Do you include load testing in your FMR assessments? Drop your comments below! ⬇️

13/02/2025

How to Raise OVD Without Compromising Function or Aesthetics
🦷💡

Thinking of Raising Occlusal Vertical Dimension (OVD)? 🤔

It’s not just about creating space—it’s about function, aesthetics, and long-term stability! 🔑✨

Here’s what you MUST evaluate before changing OVD in Full Mouth Reconstruction: 👇

1. Aesthetics First! 🎨✨
Longer teeth? Better smiles? Raise OVD to meet aesthetic goals. 😁
Create space for restorations without compromising beauty. ✨

2. Function is Key! ⚙️
Reinforce occlusal schemes to protect restorations from wear and failure. 🦷💪
Ensure chewing efficiency and balanced occlusion. ⚖️

3. Phonetics Matter! 🗣️
Don’t let OVD changes impact speech clarity—always test phonetics beforehand. 🎤

4. Plan for Restorative Needs 🏗️
Evaluate the space required for restorations to avoid tight margins and structural issues. 🦷

5. Analyse Occlusion Carefully! 🔬
Flatten the Curve of Spee to prevent occlusal interferences. 📏
Adjust overjet and overbite—raising OVD reduces overbite and increases overjet. ⚖️

6. TMJ and Muscles—Don’t Ignore These! 🏋️‍♂️
Assess TMJ health and neuromuscular coordination to prevent dysfunction and post-op complications. 🤕

Pro Tip:
Use articulators (Analogue or Digital) and occlusal assessment tools to test changes visually before committing! 👀🎯

💬 Are you confident raising OVD in your cases? Drop your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you! ⬇️

Address

2 Old Station Road
Barnstaple
EX328PB

Telephone

+447526032524

Website

http://drdevangpatel.com/

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