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📘 How to Communicate Case Notes Effectively

Overview

Clear, concise case notes help CAE Dental deliver accurate, predictable designs with minimal revisions. This guide explains what information to include, how to structure your notes, and examples of effective communication for every case type.

🧠 Why Good Case Notes Matter

Effective notes help us:

  • Understand your clinical goals
  • Avoid assumptions
  • Reduce back‑and‑forth communication
  • Speed up turnaround times
  • Improve accuracy and esthetics

Well‑written notes = fewer revisions and faster results.

📝 What to Include in Every Case

1. Restoration Type

Examples:

  • “Single crown #14”
  • “3‑unit bridge #3–5”
  • “Custom abutment + crown #8”
  • “Night guard, 2mm”

2. Material Preference

Examples:

  • Zirconia
  • E.max
  • PMMA prototype
  • Hybrid splint

If you’re unsure, we can recommend the best option.

3. Occlusion Instructions

Examples:

  • “Light occlusion on #30”
  • “Tighten mesial contact only”
  • “Leave 0.2mm clearance on lingual”
  • “Follow existing occlusion”

4. Aesthetic Preferences

Examples:

  • “Increase incisal translucency”
  • “Round line angles”
  • “Match adjacent central”
  • “Patient wants a brighter shade”

5. Implant Details (If Applicable)

Include:

  • Implant system
  • Platform size
  • Scan body brand
  • Screw‑retained vs. cement‑retained

6. Special Instructions

Examples:

  • “Patient has limited opening”
  • “Use existing denture as reference”
  • “Follow PMMA prototype exactly”

📂 Case‑Type‑Specific Notes

Crowns & Bridges

  • Margin preference (supragingival, equigingival, subgingival)
  • Contact tightness
  • Occlusion adjustments

Implant Restorations

  • Implant system + platform
  • Screw‑retained or cement‑retained
  • Tissue height
  • Desired emergence profile

Full‑Arch / All‑on‑X

  • Midline and smile line
  • Lip support
  • Tooth shape preference
  • Follow prototype or modify

Digital Dentures

  • Tooth mold preference
  • Vertical dimension notes
  • Midline adjustments
  • Lip support requirements

Bite Splints / Night Guards

  • Splint type (hard, soft, hybrid)
  • Thickness
  • Anterior guidance preference
  • Known TMJ issues

Sports Mouthguards

  • Sport type
  • Thickness
  • Any orthodontic appliances present

📸 When to Include Photos

Photos are extremely helpful for:

  • Anterior esthetics
  • Midline and smile line
  • Implant tissue evaluation
  • Full‑arch cases

Recommended photos:

  • Full‑face smile
  • Retracted frontal
  • Occlusal views

📌 Examples of Excellent Case Notes

Example 1: Crown #8

“E.max A1. Match adjacent central. Increase incisal translucency. Slightly round line angles. Light occlusion.”

Example 2: Custom Abutment + Crown #30

“Nobel Active RP. Custom abutment with 1mm subgingival margin. Zirconia crown. Tighten distal contact. Light occlusion.”

Example 3: All‑on‑X Upper

“Follow PMMA prototype. Midline correct. Increase incisal length 0.5mm. Shade BL3. Maintain lip support.”

Example 4: Night Guard

“2mm hard/soft hybrid. Full coverage. Ensure even bilateral contact. Patient prefers smooth anterior guidance.”

⚠️ Common Case Note Mistakes

Avoid:

  • Vague instructions (“Make it look good”)
  • Missing implant details
  • No shade information
  • No bite scan when occlusion matters
  • Conflicting instructions
  • Uploading files without explaining changes

🚀 Tips for the Best Case Notes

  • Be specific but concise
  • Use bullet points for clarity
  • Include photos for anterior or esthetic cases
  • Provide implant system + platform every time
  • Mention if the patient has seen the design
  • Add context when requesting revisions

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