01
Aesthetic Concerns & Structural Integrity
The initial evaluation indicated that the teeth were appropriately aligned for consideration of a conservative approach. The principal concerns were mild discolouration, uneven incisal lengths, small spaces and superficial chips. The health of the teeth, gums, existing enamel and bite were considered before treatment options were discussed.
02
Preservation Planning & 3D Smile Design
An additive smile-design workflow was used to explore the proposed proportions while limiting alteration of healthy tissue. A temporary diagnostic mock-up allowed the patient to review the proposed shape and assess appearance and speech before ceramic fabrication was considered:
- High-magnification clinical photography
- Digital smile design (DSD) facial proportion mapping
- Intraoral digital scanning and optical tooth tracking
- Diagnostic additive wax-up (physical temporary mock-up)
- Enamel thickness and structural contour evaluation
03
Feather-Edge Margins & Conservative Conditioning
For this patient, the planned changes were primarily additive and extensive conventional tooth reduction was not required.
The enamel surfaces were conservatively prepared and conditioned to support adhesive bonding. The precise preparation was determined tooth by tooth.
A feather-edge margin approach was used where appropriate so the restorations could transition into the natural tooth contours while supporting cleansability and the planned appearance.
04
Custom Ceramic Seating & Optical Integration
The ceramic veneers were individually fabricated, with thickness varying according to the restorative plan and reaching approximately 0.3 mm in selected areas. Each veneer was tried in, assessed and bonded to the prepared enamel using a light-cured resin cement. Shade, translucency, margins and the bite were reviewed at fitting.
05
Maintenance & Night-time Protection
After fitting, the restorations and bite were reviewed, and the patient received individual cleaning and maintenance advice. An occlusal splint was provided for night-time use to help reduce mechanical loading associated with clenching or grinding.