Presenting Clinical Problem

A patient from the Mulgrave area presented with significant restorative challenges, including tooth wear, bite collapse, and a missing tooth.

• Advanced Tooth Wear: Several anterior teeth exhibited substantial incisal loss and reduced crown height.
• Collapsed Bite: Occlusion had vertically collapsed, limiting function and reducing available restorative space.
• Tooth Loss: A lower tooth was absent, contributing to difficulty in chewing and diminished smile aesthetics.
• Functional Limitation: The combination of wear and tooth loss led to compromised mastication and instability.

The primary clinical objective was to restore vertical dimension, replace the missing tooth, and provide durable, aesthetic anterior and posterior restorations.

Treatment Plan & Clinical Process

A carefully structured plan was developed to manage the complex restorative requirements.

• Phase 1: Diagnostic & Planning
  Digital Smile Design and intraoral scanning were used to record baseline conditions, assess restorative space, and preview the proposed smile design.
• Phase 2: Bite Opening
  The vertical dimension of occlusion was increased to allow for stable restorative placement. This step was critical in re-establishing proper function and providing space for definitive restorations.
• Phase 3: Provisional Restorations
  Provisional crowns and veneers were placed to confirm patient tolerance to the new bite position, protect tooth structure, and guide functional adaptation.
• Phase 4: Definitive Restorations
  • Porcelain Veneers and Crowns: Handcrafted veneers and crowns restored tooth form, strength, and natural proportions.
  • Zirconia Bridge: A zirconia bridge replaced the missing lower tooth, restoring functional occlusion and stability.

The full treatment was completed in seven visits over two months, ensuring both efficiency and clinical predictability.

Clinical Outcome

The treatment plan successfully addressed the presenting concerns.

• Restored vertical bite dimension improved functional efficiency and stability.
• Porcelain veneers and crowns rebuilt worn teeth to their natural length and contour.
• The zirconia bridge replaced the missing tooth, enhancing occlusion and mastication.
• Restorations achieved seamless integration with existing dentition, delivering a balanced and natural result.

This case demonstrates how a combined restorative approach using crowns, veneers, and bridges can provide predictable outcomes for patients presenting with advanced wear, tooth loss, and collapsed occlusion.