Restoring Function and Aesthetics: A Case Study by CMS Clinical Director
Case Background
Viktorya came to me seeking a solution to improve her smile and replace missing teeth. Upon evaluation, I found that she had a combination of large direct restorations, several missing teeth, and signs of occlusal instability, including wear and abfraction lesions on both arches. These issues were impacting her dental health and her smile. Given the complexity of the case, I recommended a comprehensive approach to address both her functional and aesthetic concerns.
Assessment & Treatment
Viktorya’s dental examination revealed significant wear, attrition, and missing teeth, all of which compromised her bite and overall function. After assessing her needs, I developed a treatment plan that included crowns, veneers, and dental implants. The goal was to restore the aesthetics of her smile while also ensuring long-term functional stability.
I divided the treatment into several phases to ensure the most effective and predictable outcome:
Stage 1: Bone Grafting and Implant Placement
To address the missing teeth, I began with horizontal bone grafting in the mandibular left posterior region. This graft was crucial in creating a solid foundation for the placement of dental implants. Once the bone was healed, I placed implants in both the maxillary right and mandibular left posterior areas to restore functionality and aesthetics.
Stage 2: Restorative Work & Bite Adjustment
After the implants had integrated successfully, I restored the remaining teeth with crowns and veneers. A key element in the process was increasing the vertical dimension by 1.5mm. This adjustment helped to improve the alignment of her bite, and I also established anterior guidance to protect the newly restored posterior teeth, ensuring long-term stability.
Preparation and Mock-Up
Before proceeding with the final restorations, I created a mock-up of Viktorya’s new smile. This mock-up allowed her to preview the proposed changes, ensuring that she was confident and comfortable with the planned adjustments to her teeth and bite. It was important to me that Viktorya felt completely satisfied with the direction of her treatment before we proceeded.
Restoration Process
Once Viktorya approved the mock-up, I proceeded with the restoration process. Using a combination of crowns, veneers, and implant crowns, I restored both the upper and lower arches. Each restoration was carefully designed to not only improve her smile but also to ensure a balanced, functional bite that would provide long-term stability and comfort.
Outcome
The final result was a smile that met Viktorya’s aesthetic goals and restored her dental health. By incorporating implants, crowns, and veneers, I was able to address both her functional and aesthetic needs. Viktorya now enjoys a beautiful, natural smile with a stable and comfortable bite. This case highlights the transformative power of a well-planned and executed treatment approach that not only restores confidence but also improves overall dental health.
