Smile Design Cases
Transforming a Life Through Cosmetic Dentistry: Achieving a Perfect Smile with Porcelain Veneers, Dental Crowns, and Dental Implants
Case 70
Cosmetic Dentistry in Toronto
Before Smile Transformation
At Toronto Smile Design Yorkville Dental, we had the privilege of treating a remarkable patient who traveled a considerable distance—over a two to three-hour drive—to seek our expertise in cosmetic dentistry. As a medical professional herself, she understood the complexities of her situation, making our consultations and explanations for the dental treatment both engaging and deeply insightful. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of a beautiful smile.
When she arrived at our dental office, she presented with a multitude of functional and cosmetic concerns. These issues went beyond mere aesthetics; they represented significant threats to her oral health and quality of life. Let’s take a closer look at each problem she faced and how we carefully approached her smile makeover.
Digital Smile Design Planning of the Smile Transformation
The Initial Assessment: Comprehensive Documentation
From the first moment we examined her, it was clear that her case was complex. Her teeth were malaligned, and she had a deep bite, which exacerbated the pressure on certain teeth and put her at a higher risk for TMJ disorders. Malaligned teeth can prematurely wear down the enamel, cause jaw pain, and even lead to bone loss over time due to improper bite forces. The irregular incisal edges and several broken teeth created areas where bacteria could easily enter, increasing the risk of deep cavities and potential infections that could jeopardize the surrounding teeth.
In some areas, these cavities had reached the tooth root, posing a high risk of infection and necessitating a thorough, comprehensive plan to save or replace these compromised teeth. Beyond the decay and structural damage, the patient had polydiastema on the lower teeth, creating irregular spacing that made it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene. Food particles and plaque would easily get trapped in these gaps, significantly increasing the risk of gum disease and decay.
The irregular contacts between her upper and lower teeth caused ongoing trauma to her gums, resulting in inflammation, recession, and even damage to the bone structure. The trauma from the intermaxillary misalignment also led to discomfort and uneven wear, further complicating her overall dental health. Given the extent and severity of these concerns, our approach had to be both comprehensive and meticulously tailored to her needs.
Intraoral Picture of the patient before Smile Makeover
Designing the Smile Makeover
Our first step was to initiate full documentation of her case using state-of-the-art digital technology. This included taking 3D scans, X-rays, and comprehensive photographs of her teeth and smile. These records allowed us to develop a precise and detailed cosmetic dentistry treatment plan. We then shared this documentation with our partner, RDT Dental Lab, renowned for creating lifelike and functional dental restorations.
RDT Dental Lab transformed our documentation into a detailed 3D design. We used this design to create temporary restorations that we placed in our patient’s mouth. This step was invaluable. It allowed her to visualize and experience her future perfect smile before any permanent work was done. The temporary porcelain veneers and crowns gave her an opportunity to provide feedback, and when she saw her new look in the mirror, her eyes lit up. Seeing her joy was a moment our team will always cherish.
The Role of TMJ Deprogramming in Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Before diving into the restorative phase, we had to address her TMJ issues. We used a Kois Deprogrammer to relax her jaw muscles and deprogram her temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. This process is crucial because it allows the muscles of the jaw to settle into a neutral and relaxed position. The Kois Deprogrammer ensures that the jaw is not influenced by any past habits or muscle memory, giving us a blank slate to work from.
The importance of deprogramming the TMJ cannot be overstated. Many patients with complex bite issues experience muscle tension and jaw pain due to discrepancies between centric relation (the optimal, relaxed position of the jaw joint) and centric occlusion (the way the teeth come together when you bite down). By aligning these two aspects, we create a stable and harmonious bite, which is especially critical in full-mouth rehabilitations. The Kois Deprogrammer and subsequent splint therapy provide long-term benefits, reducing the risk of future TMJ disorders and ensuring that the final restorations last.
Preparing for the Final Restorations
After three weeks of successful TMJ deprogramming, we were ready to move forward. We prepped her teeth for a combination of crowns, veneers, and a dental bridge. Each tooth was carefully prepared to ensure optimal fit and function. In this case, we also had to extract several hopeless teeth that were beyond saving. The extensive decay and deep infections around these teeth meant that immediate implant placement was not an option.
To ensure her smile remained functional and aesthetically pleasing, we crafted long-term temporary bridges using PMMA material. These bridges served as placeholders, maintaining the integrity of her bite and preventing any shifting of the surrounding teeth during the healing phase. PMMA is an ideal choice for long-term temporary bridges because it is durable, biocompatible, and provides a good aesthetic result until the final restorations are ready.
Before
After
Implant Placement and Osseointegration
Once the extraction sites had fully healed, we proceeded to place dental implants in the upper jaw. Implants are an ideal solution for replacing missing teeth because they act as artificial tooth roots, integrating with the jawbone and preventing bone loss. The osseointegration process, which took about three to four months, allowed the implants to fuse securely with the bone, creating a strong and stable foundation for the final restorations.
The choice between screw-retained crowns and cement-retained crowns is often debated in cosmetic dentistry, but in our experience, screw-retained crowns offer several advantages. They are easier to remove if any maintenance or adjustments are needed, which is especially important for long-term care. Unlike cement-retained crowns, which can leave behind excess cement and cause inflammation or peri-implantitis, screw-retained restorations are more hygienic and reduce the risk of complications. This choice ensures that the implants remain healthy and functional for many years to come.
Achieving the Desired Aesthetic
Our patient had a very specific vision for her perfect smile. She requested extremely white restorations—a look that is not necessarily aligned with the natural shades we typically prefer. As a cosmetic dentist, I appreciate natural teeth that reflect light, have a nuanced translucency, and display lifelike surface textures. However, our duty is to honor our patients’ wishes while ensuring their new smile is both beautiful and functional.
Her final restorations, which included porcelain veneers, crowns, and dental bridges, were crafted to her exact specifications. The extreme whiteness of the restorations brought her immense happiness, and seeing her smile confidently was the ultimate reward. It’s a reminder that each patient’s journey is personal, and our role is to make that journey as fulfilling as possible.
The Importance of Long-Term Care and Maintenance
We emphasized the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene to protect her new dental crowns, dental veneers, and implants. Long-term success varies depending on how well a patient cares for their restorations. Regular dental visits, consistent brushing and flossing, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or using teeth as tools are essential.
Our patient understands that outcomes can vary depending on the level of care and diligence. With our ongoing support, she is committed to keeping her beautiful smile radiant for years to come. Our dental office will continue to monitor her progress and ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.
Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Cosmetic Dentistry
This journey highlights the profound impact that a thoughtful, well-executed approach to cosmetic dentistry can have. From addressing severe functional issues to creating a custom smile design that reflects our patient’s dreams, every step of the process was a testament to the artistry and precision involved in modern dentistry.
If you, too, are struggling with missing teeth, failing restorations, or simply want to achieve the perfect smile, we are here to help. Our expertise in porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and dental implants ensures that we can restore not only your teeth but also your confidence and quality of life. Whether you need to replace a missing tooth with a bridge to replace a missing tooth or are looking for a complete smile makeover, Toronto Smile Design Yorkville Dental is your destination for beautiful smiles.
Contact our dental office today to explore your options. Remember, the path to a radiant, confident smile begins with the right care, a dedicated team, and a commitment to achieving your dream smile.
Before
After
“Change is the end result of all true learning.”
― Leo Buscaglia
Comprehensive Smile Transformation: A Journey with Porcelain Veneers, Dental Crowns, and Dental Implants at Toronto Smile Design—Yorkville Dental
At Toronto Smile Design—Yorkville Dental, we understand that every smile tells a unique story. Dr. Johnson Ozgur combines the precision of dental science with the artistry of cosmetic dentistry to deliver not only a stunning smile makeover but also long-term oral health.
Choosing Dr. Johnson as your cosmetic dentist means putting your trust in a professional dedicated to creating customized and transformative results. A recent case showcases our holistic approach to smile design, where a patient traveled over two hours to receive care for significant functional and aesthetic concerns. As a medical professional, she knew she needed expert intervention for her malaligned teeth, deep bite, and structurally compromised teeth.
Her journey began with a comprehensive consultation, during which Dr. Johnson meticulously documented her case using advanced digital technology. We identified multiple issues, including broken teeth with deep cavities, irregular incisal edges, and significant gaps (polydiastema) between the lower teeth. Her upper and lower arches had irregular contacts, causing trauma to the gums and leading to bone and tissue damage. Addressing these concerns required a combination of dental veneers, porcelain crowns, and dental implants.
The treatment plan included a TMJ deprogramming phase using the Kois Deprogrammer to relax her jaw and align her bite, setting a solid foundation for restorative work. After three weeks of deprogramming, we prepared her teeth for restorations and removed several hopeless teeth. Because of the infection, immediate implant placement was not an option, so we created long-term temporary bridges using durable PMMA material to maintain her smile and bite functionality during healing.
Once her extraction sites had healed, we placed dental implants in the upper jaw, allowing three to four months for osseointegration. These implants provided a stable base for her final restorations. The choice of screw-retained crowns over cemented options ensured easy maintenance and optimal oral health.
Before finalizing the case, we collaborated with RDT Dental Lab, where our patient’s porcelain veneers and crowns were crafted based on the approved 3D design. The result was a perfect smile that not only corrected her bite and restored her teeth but also matched her vision of bright, white aesthetics. While she preferred an extremely white shade, we respected her wishes, delivering a result that combined her desired look with functional excellence.
At Toronto Smile Design—Yorkville Dental, our mission is to create beautiful smiles while ensuring the health and integrity of your teeth. Whether your needs involve complex dental treatment for structural concerns or a simple cosmetic enhancement, our team is ready to tailor a plan to your unique situation. Contact us today to experience the transformative power of expert cosmetic dentistry and start your journey to the smile of your dreams!
