As a dentist, every patient brings a unique set of challenges and desires, and recently, our clinic had the privilege of catering to a young female dentist who sought our expertise in enhancing her smile before her upcoming engagement. This journey was a testament to the transformative power of dental procedures, restoring not only the aesthetics but also the confidence of our patient.
The Initial Assessment
The journey began when the young dentist, having seen our clinic’s work through our social media page, was referred to us by a colleague. Despite having undergone a whitening session just a month prior, she expressed dissatisfaction with the results and desired a brighter, more appealing smile. Her specific requests were clear – no veneers or composites, and a commitment to maintaining the natural look of her teeth.
During the initial examination, we identified several key aspects that needed attention:
Missing Lateral Incisor: The patient was using a removable prosthesis to compensate for a missing left lateral incisor.
Asymmetrical Gum Margin: The gum margins exhibited asymmetry, a factor that contributes significantly to the overall aesthetics of a smile.
A3 Shade Teeth: The natural teeth shade was an A3, and the patient sought a brighter smile for her engagement.
Fluorosis White Stains: Fluorosis stains, often challenging to address, were present on the teeth.
Customized Treatment Plan
To address these concerns and meet the patient’s expectations, we proposed a comprehensive treatment plan. The first step involved recommending a dental implant for the missing lateral incisor. The patient agreed to this solution, understanding the long-term benefits it would offer. She insisted on getting it done later.
Correcting the Gum Asymmetry
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that involves the removal of gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of a tooth’s surface. It is typically done to prepare the tooth for a dental crown or to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile. Crown lengthening can help improve both the function and aesthetics of a smile.
Recognizing the importance of a symmetrical gum line, we performed crown lengthening for the right lateral, canine, and premolars using cautery (PerFect TCS 2, Coltene). This procedure not only enhanced the aesthetics of her smile but also laid the foundation for subsequent treatments.
Light Assisted Teeth Whitening
Convincing the patient to undergo a Light Assisted Teeth Whitening (Philips Zoom Whitening) was not without its challenges. Given her previous unsatisfactory experience with teeth whitening, she was initially hesitant. However, we discussed the specifics of the procedure, the advancements in technology, and the tailored approach we would take to ensure a positive outcome. The accelerator here is an in-office teeth whitening light designed to deliver the optimal spectrum of light energy to activate the gel.
The patient reluctantly consented, trusting our expertise. The Philips Zoom Whitening session proved to be a game-changer, elevating her teeth shade from A3 to a dazzling A1. Each Philips Zoom Whitening procedure consists of three 15-minute whitening sessions with a pause between each session to allow the operator to remove and replace the whitening gel. Each Light Guide includes a fourth session for use on patients with shades A3 or darker.
The immediate visual impact left her delighted, yet a new concern emerged – patchy white stains.
Anti-fluorotic therapy
Understanding the significance of flawless results, we tackled the patchy white stains the very next day. Employing resin infiltration (DMG Icon therapy), we were able to achieve remarkable results.
The icon is used for the micro-invasive treatment of smooth surface Micro-invasive treatment of non-cavitated dental enamel lesions. It can be used to treat lesions into the first third of dentin (D-1). In one patient visit, and with no drilling, Icon can arrest the progression of early enamel lesions (caries) and white spot caries-like lesions.
Composition
- Icon-Etch: Hydrochloric acid, pyrogenic silic – ic acid, surface-active substances
- Icon-Dry: 99% ethanol
- Icon-Infiltrant: Methacrylate-based resin matrix, initiators, additives
The treatment not only addressed the concerns but left the patient beaming with satisfaction. Her smile was now not only brighter but also free from any imperfections, reflecting the natural beauty of her teeth.
The Joy of Creating Smiles
Witnessing the transformation in our patient was truly gratifying. Her eyes sparkled with newfound confidence, and the radiant smile on her face spoke volumes. It was a testament to the power of dentistry in not only enhancing aesthetics but also boosting self-esteem.
As dentists, our goal is to create beautiful smiles that align with our patients’ desires while prioritizing their oral health. This case exemplifies the successful synergy of patient collaboration, advanced dental techniques, and a personalized treatment approach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey of transforming a young dentist’s smile before her engagement was a rewarding experience for both the patient and our dental team. From addressing specific concerns to navigating hesitations, the comprehensive treatment plan led to a remarkable outcome. The combination of dental implant, crown lengthening, Philips Zoom Whitening, and DMG Icon therapy showcased the effectiveness of tailored procedures in achieving stunning, natural-looking results.
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