A new bright smile

Clinical case by Kostia Vyshamirski, DT

Digital technologies for computer-aided imaging, planning, design and manufacturing are valuable tools that support dental technicians in their daily work. Combined with traditional approaches, those digital tools allow us to assess, shape, and finally meet or even exceed patient expectations. The case below is a perfect example: We produced 20 natural bleach restorations made of KATANA™ Zirconia YML and CERABIEN™ ZR Porcelains and of Noritake Super Porcelain EX-3 (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.), respectively.

INITIAL SITUATION

The aim was to create a new white, still natural smile. It was decided to replace the old crowns in the maxilla and to create a wider and brighter smile by adding laminate veneers in the maxilla and mandible.

Fig. 1. Initial clinical situation.

DIGITAL SMILE DESIGN AND DIAGNOSTIC WAX-UP

Digital smile design and a diagnostic wax-up are great tools for analysing and planning a new smile. Intraoral scans and portrait photographs of the patient served as the basis for the development of the ideal proportions and shapes. Once the virtual designing of the new restorations was completed (software: exocad DentalCAD), the wax-up models were printed. By transferring the wax-up into the patient’s mouth via an index or matrix, it is possible to test and assess the outcome intraorally. In this step, aesthetic and functional analysis should be the priority.

Fig. 2. Digital smile design based on an image.

Fig. 3. Computer-aided waxing up in the maxilla based on the smile design.

Fig. 4. Completed virtual wax-up for the maxilla and mandible.

Fig. 5. Wax-up transferred into the patient’s mouth for functional and aesthetic analysis.

Fig. 6. The planned new bright smile.

ALVEOLAR PRINTED MODEL

Precise and functional models are essential for the production of accurate, aesthetic restorations in the laboratory. The model builder software SHERAeasy-model (SHERA) and a 3D printer (ASIGA MAX UV, Asiga) were used to produce solid models and alveolar models with full gingival information and removable dies.

Fig. 7. Alveolar models printed in gingiva and tooth colours.

Fig. 8. Printed models with articulator holding plates and removed dental elements.

REFRACTORY DIE DUPLICATION AND ARTICULATION

The refractory die technique allows for the production of extremely thin-walled restorations and hence supports minimal tooth structure removal. For this reason, the approach seems best suited for all previously untreated teeth without major defects. The printed dies were duplicated in the refractory die material before mounting the models in the articulator for a transfer of the maxillomandibular relations.

Fig. 9. Process of duplicating printed dies in the refractory material.

Fig. 10. Articulating the models.

PRODUCTION OF THE RESTORATIONS

To achieve the best results, it is essential to select the best material for each specific situation. For the production of the crown frameworks used to restore the six maxillary anterior teeth, KATANA™ Zirconia YML in the shade NW appeared to be the ideal option. Their intaglio surfaces were treated with Esthetic Colorant (Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) in the shade OPAQUE to prevent a shining through of the discolourations found on some of the prepared teeth. After sintering of the frameworks in a high-temperature sintering furnace (Nabertherm) at 1,550° C, CERABIEN™ ZR porcelains were applied as illustrated below. For the creation of natural effects inside the restorations – i.e. between the layers of porcelain –, we use the internal stain technique (ILS). This procedure is very predictable and fast. Each step during porcelain build-up and staining was recorded with photos to monitor the entire process and to capture all information on the individual protocol steps. The porcelain veneers (Super Porcelain EX-3, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc.) were produced on the refractory dies to restore the premolars in the maxilla and central incisors to second premolars in the mandible.

Fig. 11. Refractory dies and zirconia frameworks on the model.

Fig. 12. Wax-up on the model with removable dies.

Fig. 13. KATANA™ Zirconia YML frameworks on the model.

Fig. 14. Opacity control with CERABIEN™ ZR Opacious Body OB White to optimise brightness.

Fig. 15. Application of CERABIEN™ ZR Body NW0.5 to restore the cores of the crowns using a silicon index.

Fig. 16. CERABIEN™ ZR porcelains E1 and LTX applied to create translucency at the incisal edge.

Fig. 17. Prepared surface ready for internal stain application.

Fig. 18. Creation of mamelons and incisal effects with CERABIEN™ ZR internal stains.

Fig. 19. Adaptation of the incisal third with a mamelon mixture of internal stain shades (white, mamelon orange and bright).

Fig. 20. Outcome of the internal staining procedure.

Fig. 21. CERABIEN™ ZR Luster application using the Interchangeable Build-up Technique, application of CCV1 in the cervical area.

Fig. 22. CERABIEN™ ZR porcelains ELT1 used for the core, LTX for the incisal area and ELT3 for the ridges.

Fig. 23. Restorations finished by carving, hand polishing and a self-glaze bake.

Fig. 24. Layering map summarizing the porcelain layering procedure.

FIT ASSESSMENT AND TRY-IN

When the production process was complete, the restorations were placed on the solid models (printed master casts). This step is very important to validate the passive fit and contact points of each crown and veneer. Afterwards, it was time to try-in and check all the restorations intra-orally.

Fig. 25. Final restorations ready for fit assessment.

Fig. 26. Maxillary restorations: Checking of the passive fit and contacts on the model.

Fig. 27. Mandibular restorations: Checking of the passive fit and contacts on the model.

Fig. 28. Intra-oral try-in of the crowns.

DEFINITIVE PLACEMENT AND FINAL OUTCOME

Refractory ceramic veneers were cemented via an adhesive protocol using a resin-based composite. Opaque glass ionomer cement was used to cement the zirconia crowns.

At the recall about one month after restoration placement, we saw amazing gum conditions and a happy, healthy and beautiful smile!

Fig. 29. Image taken right after definitive placement of the crowns.

Fig. 30. Nice pink-and-white aesthetics achieved with the all-ceramic restorations.

Fig. 31. Amazing gum conditions found one month after restoration placement.

Fig. 32. Happy, healthy and beautiful smile.

Fig. 33. The new smile exceeds expectations.

Dentists:

KOSTIA VYSHAMIRSKI	OMAR AZZAWI
Kanstantsin started his dental technician career in 2014. His speciality is aesthetic prosthetic porcelain works. Kanstantsin is an experienced user of KATANA™ Zirconia and Noritake porcelains. He owns his lab in Riga, Latvia.	Dr. Omar Azzawi, Vienna, Austria

• 15. apr. 2025

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