Digital workflow for ten upper veneers: a case report

Abstract

Aim and objectives: The purpose of this article is to present the case of ten upper veneers using a full digital protocol in the interest of evaluating the results both estethically and functionally, duration of the whole process, overall cost, the efficiency of the workflow and patient’s satisfaction. Material and Methods: The digital workflow consisted of a previsualization of the final result by using the Smile Cloud application, therefore creating a digital wax-up and printing a model for the mock-up. The ten upper preparations from first molar to first molar were performed. In the end, after the intraoral scanning of the preparations, the restorations were milled from ceramic ingots in CAD-CAM 5-axis milling unit and tried-in in order to verify the integration and adaptation, finally ten upper monolithic veneers being cemented. Results: The digital workflow allows to have a predictible final result – especially esthetically, offering a natural final touch thanks to micro and macro textures, alongside with color choice and shade integration, improving the whole facial aspect. Conclusions: In terms of time and predictability, the digital workflow offers a better time-management and faster results, alongside with an improved esthetic outcome. The duration of the entire clinical process was shorter compared to the average time for conventional protocol, increasing patient’s satisfaction for the whole treatment. Overall cost can surpass the usual one of traditional workflow, as the CAD-CAM system used, the software updates and the special-created materials for digital protocol require significant financial investment.