DT News - MEA - Black and White: A multidisciplinary approach to aesthetic dentistry

Dental Tribune Middle East

Thu. 27 March 2025

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Dental Tribune MEA had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Federico Emiliani and Dr. Roberto Turrini about their latest book, Black and White. This insightful publication delves into a multidisciplinary approach to aesthetic dentistry, combining expertise in cariology, whitening, and discoloration management. In this interview, the authors share their journey, the inspiration behind their book, and their perspectives on the evolving world of aesthetic dentistry.

Can you both share a bit about your background in dentistry and what led you to specialize in aesthetic treatments?

Dr. Federico Emiliani: My name is Federico Emiliani, and I am a dentist from Rome. I started practicing 15 years ago, and today I own my own practice. I love working as part of a team, and my passion for aesthetics truly developed when I met Dr. Mauro Fradeani, our mentor and master in the field. I learned a great deal from him, attending his courses and diving into the world of prosthetic and aesthetic dentistry. While prosthetics remains my main focus, in recent years, I have also studied non-prosthetic procedures. In Black and White, we discuss various aesthetic treatments, such as resin infiltration and approaches to enamel defects and dental discoloration.

Dr. Roberto Turrini: Hi, my name is Roberto Turrini, and I’m from Pesaro, Italy—the same city as Dr. Fradeani. I was very lucky, 20 years ago, after my degree, to have the opportunity to work directly with him and observe his work over the years. This exposure fueled my passion for aesthetic dentistry, both in restorative and prosthetic treatments. I met Federico while attending one of Fradeani’s courses, and we quickly realized that we shared the same passion and approach to aesthetics. That’s how we decided to combine our skills, expertise, and knowledge to create something valuable for the dental community.

What inspired you to write Black and White, and how does this book stand out compared to the other publications on aesthetic dentistry?

Dr. Roberto Turrini: Writing Black and White started as an idea during a casual holiday conversation over beers by the seaside in my city. At the time, we were leading a course on dental bleaching and cariology. We wanted to go beyond the usual topics and create something unique—a book that combined these two important subjects: cariology and whitening. Our goal was to offer dentists and dental hygienists a comprehensive guide to tackling discoloration and prevention with a structured, multidisciplinary approach. We aimed to provide solutions that are applicable in daily practice, differentiating this book from other publications currently available.

The book focuses on multidisciplinary clinical protocols for cariology, whitening and discoloration treatment. Why do you believe multidisciplinary approach is so important in modern dentistry?

Dr. Federico Emiliani: A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental, especially when it comes to aesthetics. In our opinion, you cannot truly discuss aesthetics without understanding prevention. That’s why the first part of our book focuses on cariology—to emphasize that managing caries is not just about creating beautiful restorations but also about preventing future damage.

We stress the importance of lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and oral health maintenance. For example, Black and White covers salivary testing and its role in preventive care. Caries is not just an aesthetic issue; it’s a health issue affecting the entire population. In the second part of the book, we move to aesthetics, addressing discoloration and enamel defects while teaching readers the latest techniques for improving dental aesthetics. Successful aesthetic treatment requires teamwork, and a multidisciplinary approach is essential for modern dental practice.

What are some of the most common challenges dentists face when managing dental discolorations? And how does your book provide solutions to address these challenges?

Dr. Roberto Turrini: Discoloration is a broad topic, ranging from simple cosmetic concerns to complex medical issues. Many dentists and dental hygienists struggle with diagnosing and managing certain types of discoloration, often unsure of the best approach.

Our book and courses aim to bridge this gap by offering a clear diagnostic process. We help clinicians identify the type and cause of discoloration and then determine the most effective solution. This could be professional bleaching (both in-office and at-home) for vital and non-vital teeth or, in more severe cases, minimally invasive invasive solutions like direct restorations and veneers. Understanding when and how to use these treatments is key to achieving optimal aesthetic results, also thanks to new materials.

Scan the QR code to visit the publisher’s website and learn more about the book.

Aesthetic dentistry has been seen as a significant rise in demand worldwide. From your perspective, what factors are driving the growing interest among patients?

Dr. Federico Emiliani: In recent years, the demand for aesthetic dentistry has surged, largely due to the influence of digital communication. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and various websites have made aesthetic treatments more visible and accessible. Patients are now more informed than ever and actively seek ways to enhance their smiles.

In my practice, I receive far more requests for aesthetic treatments now compared to five or six years ago. Patients see what’s possible and want to improve their appearance. I believe this trend will continue to grow, making online communication even more crucial for dental professionals in the future.

In your lecture at the event, “Back from Black,” you discussed discoloration management. What key insights or takeaways did you share with the audience?

Dr. Roberto Turrini: My lecture, Back from Black, was a play on words—focusing on how to bring teeth from discoloration back to a natural, healthy white. I shared practical insights, including how to differentiate between bleachable and unbleachable discoloration and how to select the most effective treatment approach.

The key takeaway I wanted the audience to remember was the importance of teamwork. Managing discoloration requires collaboration between dentists, hygienists, and sometimes dental technicians, especially for cases requiring prosthetic rehabilitation. Effective communication with patients is also essential to ensure they understand the treatments available and what results they can realistically expect.

Advancement in dental materials and technology that transforms the field. How has this innovation changed your approach to whitening and restoration of dentistry?

Dr. Roberto Turrini: Dentistry has changed dramatically in recent years, particularly with the integration of digital tools. Digital technology has revolutionized restorative and prosthetic treatments, making procedures more predictable and efficient.

That being said, while digital tools are invaluable, they should complement, not replace, clinical expertise and critical thinking. We now have access to advanced materials and techniques, but the key to success still lies in proper case selection, diagnosis, and treatment planning. In my opinion, digital dentistry is a powerful tool, but it must be used thoughtfully and strategically to achieve the best results for both aesthetics and function.

For dentists who want to incorporate more aesthetic treatment into their practice, what practical advice would you offer to ensure clinical success and patient success?

Dr. Federico Emiliani: My biggest advice is to never stop learning. Aesthetic dentistry is evolving rapidly, and patients today are more informed than ever. A modern dentist must stay up to date with the latest techniques, materials, and trends to remain competitive and provide the best possible care.

Attending courses, conferences, and hands-on workshops—like this event—is essential for improving clinical skills. Reading books and case studies is another great way to stay informed. However, technical skills alone are not enough. Communication is just as important. Patients seeking aesthetic treatments are looking for the best results and need to feel confident in their dentist’s ability.

Building trust through clear communication is key. Aesthetic treatments require collaboration between the dentist and the patient, so it’s crucial to set realistic expectations and ensure patients understand the treatment process. Finally, practicing aesthetic procedures regularly is vital. The more experience a dentist gains, the more predictable and successful their outcomes will be.

Your book, Black and White, is already available in Italian and also in English. What do you hope English-speaking dentists will take away from it? And how could it influence your clinical practice?

Dr. Federico Emiliani: We are incredibly proud that Black and White has been translated into English. After its success in Italy in 2023, we hope the English version will receive the same level of recognition. Our primary goal is to highlight the importance of teamwork—not just in Italy, but worldwide.

This book should be present in every dental practice, serving as a valuable resource for both dentists and hygienists. We want to emphasize prevention alongside aesthetics because both are crucial. Many co-authors from around the world contributed to this book, and we hope it will serve as a comprehensive guide for integrating modern clinical protocols into daily practice.

Finally, what’s next for both of you? Are there any exciting projects, research, or collaborations on the horizon that you would like to share?

Dr. Roberto Turrini: We have many exciting plans ahead! This year, we will be expanding our reach globally, with courses and lectures in the USA, Middle East, Asia, Europe, and in many locations worldwide. Our courses in Italy are already fully booked, which is fantastic. Collaboration is key for us. We value working with companies such as Ultradent Products that share our vision and are passionate about innovation in dental materials and treatments. We hope that the Black and White concept will continue to grow internationally, helping more dentists enhance their approach to aesthetic, restoartive as well as preventive dentistry.

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