Maryam traveled to Colombia seeking to enhance the appearance of her smile. She presented with missing posterior teeth, discoloration that made her feel self-conscious, and noticeable wear on her two upper central incisors. This wear was partially due to an underlying malocclusion, which we diagnosed during her clinical evaluation. The most significant issue was a moderate crossbite, particularly pronounced in the canine area.
Our patient opted to forego orthodontic treatment and instead chose a comprehensive approach that allowed us to address both function and aesthetics. To correct her bite, we proposed a combination of anterior veneers on both upper and lower arches, tabletops, and a wrap-around veneer exclusively on the upper canine, while the rest of the veneers were conventional.
Before proceeding with the treatment, we conducted a mock-up trial, allowing Maryam to preview the proposed changes and actively participate in refining her new smile.
How Tabletops and Wrap-Around Veneers Work?
- Tabletops on Lower Premolars: These restorations help adjust vertical dimension, ensuring proper tooth alignment during jaw movement without causing bite interferences. By creating an adequate point of contact between upper and lower teeth, tabletops improve chewing efficiency and enhance occlusal stability.
- Wrap-Around Veneer on Upper Canine: This veneer was designed to improve aesthetics while also playing a functional role in occlusion. By fine-tuning the relationship between the teeth, it contributed to a more harmonious bite alignment. This approach not only enhanced Maryam’s smile but also optimized her bite by correcting misalignment during jaw movements.
It is essential to carefully evaluate each case to determine whether this method is appropriate, considering the patient’s bite, tooth positioning, and mandibular movements. Every aspect of treatment must be planned meticulously to achieve the desired outcome.
To restore posterior occlusal stability, we also placed two implant-supported crowns on teeth 46 and 36. This helped distribute bite forces evenly and provided long-term functional support.
By combining anterior veneers, lower premolar tabletops, and posterior implant-supported crowns, we successfully restored both function and aesthetics to Maryam’s smile.
This case was managed in a multidisciplinary approach with the periodontics department, led by our specialist Dr. Alicia Correa, and our aesthetic dentist Dr. Paola Zabaleta. This treatment exemplifies how strategic planning can achieve a beautiful and balanced outcome.
Case review written by Dr. Laura Bula, expert in dental and facial aesthetics