Presenting Clinical Problem

A patient from the Wantirna South area presented with significant restorative issues caused by parafunctional habits and prior restorative failures.

• Tooth Wear and Fracture: Chronic grinding had led to structural breakdown of multiple teeth.
• Restorative Failure: Existing plastic fillings were worn and no longer provided effective support.
• Functional Concerns: Ongoing breakdown created difficulty maintaining occlusal stability.
• Durability Requirement: The patient required a solution that would provide long-term reinforcement and reduce the need for ongoing repairs.

The primary clinical objective was to restore strength to compromised teeth, improve anterior symmetry, and provide a stable, durable solution to counter the effects of bruxism.

Treatment Plan & Clinical Process

A multi-phase restorative plan was developed with emphasis on strength, aesthetics, and predictability.

• Phase 1: Diagnostic & Planning
  Clinical examination, radiographs, and intraoral scans were undertaken to evaluate damage and occlusal forces. Digital Smile Design was applied to visualise tooth proportions and restorative outcomes.
• Phase 2: Tooth Preparation
  • Severely compromised teeth were prepared for full-coverage zirconia crowns to provide functional durability.
  • Teeth with milder damage were conservatively prepared for porcelain veneers, ensuring enamel preservation while improving proportion and shade.
• Phase 3: Provisional Restorations
  Interim crowns and veneers were placed to assess occlusion and patient tolerance to the adjusted bite. This stage ensured the final design would maintain comfort under functional load.
• Phase 4: Definitive Restorations
  • Zirconia Crowns: Delivered on heavily damaged teeth for strength and fracture resistance.
  • Porcelain Veneers: Bonded to adjacent teeth to refine symmetry and harmonise appearance.
  • The treatment was completed across six visits over three months, staged to allow progressive adaptation.

Clinical Outcome

The restorative plan successfully addressed the presenting problems.

• Zirconia crowns provided long-term strength and stability for structurally compromised teeth.
• Porcelain veneers improved balance and alignment, integrating seamlessly with the natural dentition.
• Functional occlusion was re-established, reducing the risk of further breakdown from grinding.
• The final outcome was a stable, natural-looking reconstruction designed for both durability and aesthetics.

This case demonstrates how combining zirconia crowns with porcelain veneers can provide a predictable restorative solution for patients experiencing damage from parafunctional habits and failing restorations.