Porcelain Veneer Success: A Team Approach

CASE STUDY

Burbank Dental Lab is grateful to Dr. Timothy Prewitt for sending in the following case. This patient came to Dr. Prewitt presenting with old veneers that needed to be replaced. The patient’s chief complaint was how unnatural the veneers looked and did not blend well with her natural teeth. It was decided that the patient would need to replace teeth 7,8,9,10. The goal would be to use layered emax restorations to create a better blend with the rest of the oral environment.

E.max

E.max was chosen for this case to offer the best option for matching the natural dentition. The properties of e.max make it one of the best options for staying with a conservative preparation and receiving the highest esthetic results. While this material can be monolithic with the option of staining the surface to achieve the end result, it was decided that layered e.max would provide the most lifelike natural result.

Other benefits of e.max include:

After examination, the shade chosen was an A1. Pictures were also sent along to help the ceramist match the specific characterizations and details.

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Digital Impressions

This case used a digital workflow. Specifically, an intraoral scanner or IOS was used to take digital impressions. Taking impressions digitally can improve impression accuracy, is much faster, and most patients prefer this method over traditional impression-taking methods.

Other benefits of intraoral scanners include:

In addition, having an intraoral scanner is advanced technology. Patients tend to recognize this and are more drawn to an advanced dental practice. This can be important when building up trust so that patients agree to needed care.

Dr. Prewitt uploaded digital files through the Burbank Dental Lab web portal. The files were analyzed to ensure accuracy and evaluate preparation. Models were then fabricated from the digital files.

The information for this case, along with the printed models, was evaluated by the Smiles by Design team. The patient’s concerns were noted, and Dr. Prewitt’s prescription form was followed.

The key to this case was to make the teeth look natural and blend with the patient’s existing teeth. This was a pressed layered Emax case, so the case was waxed up with a cutback to allow for the layering of porcelain. The margins were sealed, and the case pressed. This case was finished and characterized to create a better blend with the patient’s natural teeth.