Lengthen & Widen the Smile

This tip showcases the process of using aligners to add length and widen the smile, followed by the application of minimally invasive veneers for a stunning transformation.

Summary

In this video, the focus is on an ortho-restorative case featuring a patient named Claire. The overarching objective is to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of Claire's dental condition. When Claire initially presented, she had class five restorations, primarily due to her teeth's natural thinness and issues caused by erosion. These restorations, however, were not enough to address the complete dental transformation she desired.

An in-depth analysis of Claire's dental situation revealed several noteworthy aspects. Firstly, her teeth exhibited a retroclined positioning, meaning they were pushed back behind the wet-dry line of her lips. This retroclination resulted in a seemingly narrow smile. When viewed from a side profile, her teeth appeared compacted and closely spaced. Claire expressed her desire for a more attractive smile, initially thinking that veneers might be the solution.

The mention of veneers highlights a common misconception among patients. Many believe that veneers alone can provide the desired cosmetic improvements, often overlooking the significance of proper dental alignment and function. In this context, the practitioner emphasizes the importance of not compromising the patient's tooth enamel unnecessarily. The ultimate aim is to provide optimal patient care and results.

The treatment strategy for Claire involved Invisalign, a non-invasive and aesthetically friendly orthodontic approach. The purpose was to open up Claire's dental arch, bring her teeth into a more upright position, and address any potential airway concerns. The video underscores the concept of "airway positivity," where dental interventions can positively influence a patient's airway function. This is particularly important in contemporary dentistry, given the growing awareness of the connection between dental health and overall well-being.

A crucial aspect of this treatment journey is the upfront communication with the patient. Claire was informed that, as the teeth were moved to achieve a more ideal alignment, spaces would emerge between them. The extent of these spaces could be tailored to the patient's preferences and budget. This pre-treatment discussion ensures alignment between the patient's expectations and the treatment plan.

After the Invisalign phase, the video showcases Claire's transformed smile. The improvement is evident in terms of arch position and axial inclinations. This step provides the practitioner with sufficient room for the final restorative phase, which involves adding porcelain veneers. Importantly, this restoration is achieved without the need for substantial tooth preparation.

Before proceeding with the restorative phase, detailed record-taking was undertaken, involving analog and digital face bow measurements, cross-referencing, and shade selection. The use of both face bow measurements and photographs ensures a comprehensive understanding of the patient's dental situation, providing a robust basis for the restorative work.

For the final restorative phase, rubber dam isolation is employed to maintain a clean working environment. Temporary two-by-two insertions are utilized, and the patient's dental status is photographed for a comprehensive before-and-after comparison.

Conclusion

The final results are visually striking, revealing a substantial improvement in Claire's smile. Her previously narrow arch is now broad, and her upper teeth are appropriately positioned. The provisional restorations align beautifully with her natural teeth, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing result. This case serves as a testament to the power of minimally invasive dentistry, where transformative aesthetics can be achieved while preserving the patient's natural tooth structure.

Ultimately, this video encourages dental practitioners to explore ortho-restorative cases as a means of achieving both functional and aesthetic enhancements in their patients. Such cases not only offer a chance to provide superior dental care but also to create enthusiastic, referring patients who appreciate the balance of aesthetics and function achieved.