Burbank Dental Lab is fortunate to support the work of dentists and utilize amazing technology to help create life-changing smile transformations. When patients have specific dental aspirations, they need to be met with proper planning, meticulous artistry, and advanced technology. This case study not only illustrates the patient’s transition through Invisalign, crown lengthening, and finally, E.max restorations but also emphasizes the detailed collaboration between our lab and Dr. John Yang to achieve a stunning smile transformation.
Patient’s main issues
Several significant dental challenges were addressed to achieve the patient’s ideal smile. Primarily, her teeth were retroclined and notably overcrowded, creating alignment issues that affected both her bite and the aesthetic appeal of her smile.
Compounding this, she exhibited a “gummy” smile, detracting from her overall facial symmetry. Her teeth themselves were discolored and uneven, further diminishing her smile’s appeal. Her treatment included aesthetic corrections and also addressed the functional integrity and health of her oral structures.
Treatment Planning – Smile Transformation
Due to the multifaceted nature of the patient’s dental issues. Dr. John Yang proposed a structured and phased treatment plan. The first phase would focus on resolving the overcrowding with Invisalign. Clear aligners were discussed since they correct misalignments discreetly and efficiently, laying the foundation for future treatment.
Once her teeth were realigned, the next step would be to address her gummy smile. Dr. Yang recommended crown lengthening to reshape the excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the teeth, thus balancing the gum-to-tooth ratio and enhancing the smile’s overall aesthetics.
The final phase of the treatment would be to address the discoloration and unevenness of the teeth. For this, Dr. Yang suggested E.max restorations, which are known for their durability and lifelike appearance.
This comprehensive approach was the best way to provide the patient with the results she desired. Utilizing a multifaceted restorative approach would provide a superior outcome and offer a conservative approach that corrected the aesthetic issues and ensured a functional, lasting smile transformation.
Phase 1: Invisalign
For this case, the journey toward a perfect smile began with Invisalign, an innovative treatment that addresses dental misalignment with subtlety and precision. Due to the misalignment of the patient’s teeth, Invisalign was particularly suited to her situation. Dr. Yang used imaging technology to visualize the step-by-step progression of how Invisalign would move the teeth into their ideal positions.
Benefits of using Invisalign
With Invisalign, the patient gradually corrected the alignment of her teeth, improving both her oral health and setting the stage for the next phase of her smile transformation. With the help of a series of aligners, she gradually shifted her teeth toward the desired position while having minimal disruption to her daily life.
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Phase 2: Crown Lengthening
Following the successful realignment of the patient’s teeth with Invisalign, Dr. John Yang shifted focus toward the next critical aspect of her smile transformation: her gummy smile. To address this, he recommended a crown lengthening procedure. By reshaping both the gum tissue and underlying bone around the teeth, a more proportionate and visually pleasing gum-to-tooth ratio is achieved.
Dr. Yang’s approach was carefully planned to ensure the final result would enhance the patient’s smile and maintain the natural functionality and health of her gums. In this case, Dr. Yang removed the minimal amount of gum tissue necessary to expose more the natural tooth, which corrected the appearance of the gummy smile.
The procedure improved the aesthetics of the teeth and the patient’s oral hygiene because less gum coverage can reduce periodontal pockets. In just a few weeks, the patient’s smile dramatically improved thanks to precision treatment and a smooth recovery.
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Phase 3: Diagnostic Wax-up
A critical step in our patient’s treatment involved using a diagnostic wax-up, an essential tool in the planning and execution of complex restorative cases. This step was crucial for visualizing the end result and ensuring the patient’s expectations were fully aligned with the potential outcomes.
Process and benefits of a diagnostic wax-up
The diagnostic wax-up began with Dr. Yang taking digital impressions of the patient’s teeth using an intraoral scanner (IOS). This advanced technology allows for highly accurate and detailed digital impressions, which are essential for creating a precise working model.
The digital scans were sent to Burbank Dental Lab, where the Smiles By Design team designed the case according to Dr. Yang’s specifications. The digital wax-up and sil-tech for temporization served the following purpose:
By incorporating a diagnostic wax-up and temporaries into the treatment plan, Dr. Yang and Burbank Dental Lab ensured that the patient’s final smile transformation was both beautiful and precisely tailored to meet her unique needs, ultimately enhancing the predictability and success of the treatment.
Phase 4: E.Max Restorations
As a final step in the patient’s comprehensive dental treatment, Dr. Yang requested E.Max restorations for teeth 4 through 13. Emax was chosen based on its exceptional aesthetic qualities and durability. This material is renowned for its strength and ability to mimic the translucency and natural appearance of enamel.
Role of Burbank Dental Lab’s Smile By Design Team
For this pivotal phase, Dr. Yang collaborated closely with Burbank Dental Lab’s Smiles By Design team, a specialized group dedicated to crafting personalized aesthetic dental solutions. The team’s expertise was instrumental in the following ways:
Using the E.Max-pressed then layered technique, restorations were done on teeth 4-13 to dramatically transform the patient’s smile, providing functional benefits and a boost in confidence. These restorations offered a beautiful finish that was both durable and biocompatible, integrating perfectly with the patient’s dental structure. The outcome was reflected in the patient’s satisfaction with her dental treatments.
In the patient’s own words to Dr. Yang
“Here are a few pictures from the neighborhood party I went to Saturday night. My teeth glowed!!! I don’t think I’ve ever smiled as much as I have in the last few days. Thank you so much for my beautiful smile.”
Burbank Dental Lab was very happy to support Dr. Yang’s outstanding results for this patient. This is a testament to the power of integrated, patient-centric dental care. From addressing complex dental misalignments with Invisalign to correcting a gummy smile through crown lengthening and also perfecting the aesthetic with Emax restorations, each phase of treatment was executed with precision and a deep commitment to excellence. The collaboration with Burbank Dental Lab’s Smiles-by-Design team ensured that each step was technically proficient and beautifully crafted to meet the patient’s expectations. This case study exemplifies how advanced dental techniques and teamwork can restore a smile as well as a patient’s confidence, showcasing the profound impact of modern dentistry.
Thank you Dr. John Yang, DMD
Burbank Dental Lab is extremely thankful to Dr. John Yang of Tru Family Dental in Crystal Lake, Illinois for allowing us to collaborate on this case. The exceptional results of this case are a direct result of thorough planning and effective communication throughout the process.
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