Presenting Clinical Problem
A patient presented to Greenvale Dental House seeking a long-term solution after living with a missing tooth for some years. The concerns recorded at assessment were:
- A missing front tooth following an accident
- Worn and misaligned front teeth affecting the appearance of the smile
The clinical objective was to replace the missing tooth and improve the appearance of the worn, misaligned front teeth.
Treatment Approach
- A dental implant to replace the missing tooth
- Three porcelain veneers for the worn and misaligned front teeth
- Teeth whitening to address tooth colour
Treatment was staged over several appointments so that healing, fabrication and placement could each be completed in sequence.
Clinical Outcome
The treatment spanned just under ten months. The dental implant was placed to restore chewing function and fill the space left by the missing tooth, three custom-made porcelain veneers addressed the worn enamel and misalignment, and the whitening treatment worked to lighten the tooth colour. Clinical assessment recorded an improvement in both appearance and function.
Individual outcomes vary. Implant success, veneer durability and the degree of colour change each depend on different factors, and whitening results are not permanent and may need periodic maintenance. Veneers involve irreversible tooth preparation and may chip or debond over time. Results vary between individuals, and suitability for this combination of treatments can only be determined at a clinical consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an implant, veneers and whitening be combined in one plan?
Yes. Different aesthetic and functional concerns can be addressed within a single staged plan, sequenced so that implant healing, veneer fabrication and whitening each happen at the right time. A consultation determines whether this combination is appropriate for a particular patient.
Should whitening be done before or after veneers?
Whitening is usually completed before veneers are made, because veneer shade is matched to the surrounding teeth at their final colour. Porcelain veneers themselves do not respond to whitening, so the sequence matters.
How long does this kind of treatment take?
Timeframes vary with the number of teeth involved and implant healing. A combined implant, veneer and whitening plan can span several months, as it did in this case. A treatment plan sets out an estimated timeframe for each stage.
