Restoring a Natural Smile

A Customized Approach to Dental Aesthetics

A middle-aged woman with good oral hygiene and regular checkups visited her dentist with a specific concern: "A shadow is falling on my frontal tooth when I smile." While her oral health was well-maintained, she was troubled by the appearance of her smile, particularly in the front teeth.

Intra-Oral Findings

The dental examination revealed several factors contributing to the issue:

Color Discrepancy: There was a noticeable color mismatch between her natural teeth and her old crown/bridge work.
Chipping of the Bridge: The front bridge was chipped, affecting both its appearance and functionality.
Jaw Misalignment: Compression of the upper and lower jaws, combined with retrusion of tooth 21 and protrusion and mesial edge rotation of tooth 22, resulted in a misaligned bite (Class 2/2).
Recession and Old Fillings: Gum recession and discoloration of old fillings further compromised the aesthetic of her smile.

Treatment Plan

A treatment plan was crafted with a focus on restoring both the function and beauty of her smile:

Teeth Cleaning and Restoration: The first step was a thorough cleaning and restoration of the old fillings to address discoloration and maintain oral health.
Bridge Removal and Adjustment: The existing bridge from teeth 13-11 was removed. Adjustments were made to teeth 21 and 22 to improve their position, even out the smile line, and reduce color discrepancies.
Customized Aesthetic Approach: The patient, an art teacher, expressed a preference for a natural look and did not wish to bleach her teeth. A slightly darker shade was chosen for her restorations, complementing her age and maintaining a natural appearance.
New Bridge and Veneers: A zirconium ceramic bridge was placed from teeth 13-11, and lithium disilicate veneers were used for teeth 21 and 22. Small rotations were preserved to keep the natural occlusion intact.

The Result

The treatment plan resulted in a beautiful, well-balanced smile. The new bridge and veneers not only enhanced the appearance of her teeth but also aligned her bite more comfortably. The patient left the dental office happy with her natural-looking, age-appropriate smile.

Six-Month Follow-Up

At her six-month checkup, the patient was delighted with the results, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and feeling even more confident in her smile, proving how personalized care can enhance both the aesthetics and function of a smile.