Case Study
Seamless Smiles with 3D Printed Hybrid Restoration
An advanced solution for diastema and interproximal spaces
A successful hybrid dental restoration was performed using prepless veneers and advanced composite materials to close gaps between teeth (diastema) and correct spaces between adjacent teeth (interproximal spaces). This case study provides a detailed look at the procedure, materials used, and the benefits of this approach. It emphasises the use of digital design and 3D printing technologies to achieve improved aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Case overview
The patient came to the clinic with noticeable gaps between their teeth, a condition known as diastema. These gaps were not only affecting the patient’s smile aesthetically but also had implications for the overall function of their teeth. The patient expressed a desire to improve the appearance and functionality of their smile, specifically seeking a treatment that would provide a natural look without extensive dental work.
Restoration approach
Advanced materials and techniques were incorporated into the treatment plan to achieve optimal results:
Prepless veneers: The chosen veneer material was OnX Tough 2.0 in the bleach colour shade, selected for its strength and natural appearance. Our prepless approach preserved the natural tooth structure, avoiding the need for extensive enamel reduction or reshaping, while creating a seamless, aesthetically pleasing smile.
Composite material: As for the composite material, Estelite BW (i.e. bleach white colour shade) was used to close the gaps between the teeth. This high-quality composite is known for its excellent bonding properties and ability to match the natural translucency and colour of teeth, ensuring a harmonious and natural look.
Treatment process
Initial preparation: We thoroughly cleaned and prepared the teeth without significant enamel reduction. Our minimally invasive method preserved the natural tooth structure, which is gentler on the teeth than more traditional methods of restoration.
Digital scanning: We took precise digital impressions of the teeth, gums, and mouth. This step was crucial to designing veneers that custom-fit the patient’s unique dental anatomy, ensuring accuracy and comfort.
3D printing: Using 3D printing technology, we fabricated the veneers with OnX Tough 2.0 material. This resin was chosen for its high fracture toughness and natural appearance, resulting in durable and aesthetically pleasing veneers.
Diastema closure: Before placing the veneers, we used Estelite BW composite to fill the gaps (diastema) between the teeth. This step ensured that the gaps were effectively closed and the veneers fit seamlessly.
Placement & bonding: We bonded the veneers to the teeth using light-cure veneer cement. This cement allows for precise control during the curing process, ensuring a strong and lasting bond between the veneers and the teeth.
Final adjustments: We used a scalpel to clear any excess material between the teeth, ensuring the veneers fit properly and the patient’s bite was correct. Additionally, we placed a clear strip in the diastema to prevent composite material from filling unwanted areas, resulting in clean and precise contacts.
Results
Seamless and natural-looking, the veneers integrated with the patient’s existing teeth such that they were visually indistinguishable. The functional improvement and enhanced aesthetics gave the patient a brighter and more uniform smile that met their goals. The patient expressed great satisfaction with the noticeable improvement in their smile’s appearance and how their teeth worked when performing daily activities.
This premium-quality outcome was achieved by our advanced materials and precise techniques, ensuring a durable and lasting restoration which the patient can enjoy for many years to come.
Highlights of treatment choices
Bonding technique: Instead of using flowable composite for bonding veneers, which can be difficult to clean if it flows into small gaps, we chose light-cure veneer cement. This cement allowed for better control and precision during the bonding process, ensuring a clean and effective application.
Efficiency: Digital design and 3D printing streamlined the process compared to traditional approaches, reducing the patient’s chair time. The precision of these technologies also meant fewer adjustments were needed, and the overall procedure was completed with maximal efficiency.
Comparison with other methods: Our advanced hybrid restoration approach offered several advantages over other methods such as injection moulding or traditional composite techniques. Better durability and aesthetics were achieved by using materials with exceptional physical properties in the 3D printing process. Additionally, the accuracy gains unlocked by using digital design ensured a better fit and more natural-looking results, enhancing both the function and appearance of the restoration.
Achieving perfect smiles with advanced digital dentistry
Leveraging premium materials, combined with digital design and 3D printing technology, we offer our patients an effective and efficient solution for closing diastema and improving interproximal spaces. This approach highlights the advantages of our digital dentistry techniques, achieving beautiful and natural results with minimal invasiveness.
Our patients benefit from reduced chair time and a more comfortable experience, allowing them to smile more confidently and enjoy the finer things in life. This is our commitment to providing exceptional care and perfect outcomes for all our patients.