Conventional and Digital Workflow Planning for Maxillary Teeth Restoration with Porcelain Laminate Veneers: A Clinical Report

Abstract

Nowadays, media-influenced patients have the desire to “extremely rapidly” alter their teeth to “ideal” and “too bright” ones. Although some esthetically demanding cases need to be thoroughly planned and treated through prolonged phases, other cases can be handled quickly. In such cases, we can witness the impact of many computer software programs for digital smile design that have penetrated clinical practice. This clinical report describes a conventional and digital step-by-step treatment workflow for restoring anterior maxillary teeth with porcelain laminate veneers. Two digital smile design software (GPS and Nemo DSD 3D) were utilized and compared with the conventional workflow. Feldspathic veneers were chosen for their superior optical properties. Case complexity and operator’s experience played a significant role in the selection between the conventional and digital workflow. The advanced digital programs, while having many advantages, are not necessarily superior to the traditional technique. The digital smile design programs used in this case demonstrated an effective and predictable workflow. They can achieve comprehensive digital smile design with a satisfactory esthetic outcome, yet the conventional workflow gave conservative and esthetically pleasing results.