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MDT. Maria Spanopoulou

The Art of the Smile. Blending Art, Science and Human Connection

FRIDAY 30TH JANUARY TIME: 10:00 - 11:00
BAAD Lion

AboutThe Speaker

Maria Spanopoulou is a highly accomplished Dental Technician and lab owner with a career spanning over two decades. From 2004 to 2005, she worked at Seger Dentallabor AG in Triesen, Liechtenstein, before founding Advanced Dental Laboratory in Athens, Greece, in 2006, where she continues to lead innovative dental work. Between 2006 and 2012, she operated a pilot lab for Dentsply Sirona and MCXL, contributing to the advancement of digital dentistry. Since 2011, she has served as Editor-in-Chief of Laborama magazine, published by Omnipress. From 2018 to 2021, she was a trainer with the Straumann Lab Academy and has been recognized as a Key Opinion Leader for Ivoclar, Straumann, and MPF Brush Co. Her lab collaborates with the Postgraduate Department of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Maria is a member of the International Team of Implantology (ITI), a founding member of the Hellenic Society of Medical and Dental Digital Technology, and a certified member of Digital Smile Design. She is also an international speaker and published author in both Greek and international dental journals. Currently pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Dental Technology at the University of West Attica (2020–2024), Maria brings expertise in aesthetic all-ceramic and implant restorations, face and colour analysis, and team leadership. She is fluent in English, German, and Spanish.

Abstract

A beautiful smile is more than an arrangement of teeth. It is a powerful expression of identity and emotion. In modern aesthetic dentistry, the creation of a natural smile demands more than technical expertise, it requires the seamless integration of artistic vision, scientific precision and communication. The lecture explores the multifaceted nature of smile design, focusing on three core pillars:

  • The art of visual harmony and facial aesthetics
  • The science of colour analysis, dental materials and manufacturing techniques
  • Communication between the lab, the dentist and the patient for more predictable and personalized outcomes

LearningAims & Objectives

  • Explain the significance of the "Smile Design" and all the important information that provides us.
  • Apply an interdisciplinary approach to smile design that blends dental science with artistic aesthetics and empathetic patient communication.
  • Identify the optical properties of the natural teeth.
  • Explain the principles of colour science, including hue, value and chroma and how they apply to shade selection and matching.
  • Demonstrate shade-taking techniques using visual and digital methods under appropriate lightning conditions.
  • Differentiate between various restorative materials based on the colour behaviour and suitability for different clinical scenarios.
  • Analyze the influence of underlying tooth structure, preparation design and material thickness on final colour outcomes.
  • Explain the "Canvas" (micro-layering) and the 3D Staining technique to mimic natural tooth aesthetics.
  • Evaluate clinical cases to assess material selection and colour matching decisions.