Radiating confidence in a smile
Patient Background:
This incredibly chic patient, who barely seemed her age, was exceptionally conscientious about her smile. She had previously been advised that she didn't have enough bone for implants and was eager to bid farewell to her dentures.
This case posed a significant challenge as the patient's upper back teeth had shifted downward over the years due to the absence of lower back teeth, causing a "reverse smile" and a loss of facial height.
Treatment:
We initiated the treatment by performing tooth whitening to address the patient's dissatisfaction with the tooth color. Additionally, we replaced all discolored white fillings on the lower front teeth.
Subsequently, we extracted several upper teeth and devised a plan for both upper and lower dentures to correct the smile and restore facial height. Once this initial phase was successful, we planned for the placement of four implants in the most optimal positions on the upper jaw. On the day of surgery, Sam (the implant surgeon) extracted most of the remaining teeth, leaving just one tooth on either side of the upper jaw to support the denture temporarily until we could fabricate a definitive upper implant full arch bridge in six months' time. Due to compromised bone in some areas, we decided not to load the implants immediately, as is our usual practice.
After the implants had fully integrated, we replaced the upper denture with a full arch implant bridge supported by four implants and introduced a lower partial chrome denture to replace the missing lower teeth.
Outcome:
Needless to say, the patient was overjoyed with the outcome, experiencing a more relaxed facial appearance and a pleasing smile that no longer appeared over-closed. This transformation took a decade off the patient's appearance.
Lab Credit
Patient Background:
This incredibly chic patient, who barely seemed her age, was exceptionally conscientious about her smile. She had previously been advised that she didn't have enough bone for implants and was eager to bid farewell to her dentures.
This case posed a significant challenge as the patient's upper back teeth had shifted downward over the years due to the absence of lower back teeth, causing a "reverse smile" and a loss of facial height.
Treatment:
We initiated the treatment by performing tooth whitening to address the patient's dissatisfaction with the tooth color. Additionally, we replaced all discolored white fillings on the lower front teeth.
Subsequently, we extracted several upper teeth and devised a plan for both upper and lower dentures to correct the smile and restore facial height. Once this initial phase was successful, we planned for the placement of four implants in the most optimal positions on the upper jaw. On the day of surgery, Sam (the implant surgeon) extracted most of the remaining teeth, leaving just one tooth on either side of the upper jaw to support the denture temporarily until we could fabricate a definitive upper implant full arch bridge in six months' time. Due to compromised bone in some areas, we decided not to load the implants immediately, as is our usual practice.
After the implants had fully integrated, we replaced the upper denture with a full arch implant bridge supported by four implants and introduced a lower partial chrome denture to replace the missing lower teeth.
Outcome:
Needless to say, the patient was overjoyed with the outcome, experiencing a more relaxed facial appearance and a pleasing smile that no longer appeared over-closed. This transformation took a decade off the patient's appearance.
Lab Credit
Patient Background:
This incredibly chic patient, who barely seemed her age, was exceptionally conscientious about her smile. She had previously been advised that she didn't have enough bone for implants and was eager to bid farewell to her dentures.
This case posed a significant challenge as the patient's upper back teeth had shifted downward over the years due to the absence of lower back teeth, causing a "reverse smile" and a loss of facial height.
Treatment:
We initiated the treatment by performing tooth whitening to address the patient's dissatisfaction with the tooth color. Additionally, we replaced all discolored white fillings on the lower front teeth.
Subsequently, we extracted several upper teeth and devised a plan for both upper and lower dentures to correct the smile and restore facial height. Once this initial phase was successful, we planned for the placement of four implants in the most optimal positions on the upper jaw. On the day of surgery, Sam (the implant surgeon) extracted most of the remaining teeth, leaving just one tooth on either side of the upper jaw to support the denture temporarily until we could fabricate a definitive upper implant full arch bridge in six months' time. Due to compromised bone in some areas, we decided not to load the implants immediately, as is our usual practice.
After the implants had fully integrated, we replaced the upper denture with a full arch implant bridge supported by four implants and introduced a lower partial chrome denture to replace the missing lower teeth.
Outcome:
Needless to say, the patient was overjoyed with the outcome, experiencing a more relaxed facial appearance and a pleasing smile that no longer appeared over-closed. This transformation took a decade off the patient's appearance.
Lab Credit