The Challenge
Our patient felt held back by two main concerns: mild crowding that made her smile look uneven and a persistent dullness in the color of her teeth.
She desired a perfectly aligned, brighter, and more feminine-shaped smile, but she wanted to achieve it without aggressive tooth reduction.
The Approach: The “Less is More” Protocol
After reviewing her 3D digital scans and facial symmetry, our clinical team determined that a highly conservative approach was the best path forward.
Because the crowding was mild, we were able to plan for Micro-prep Zirconia Veneers.
By utilizing 20 units (10 upper and 10 lower), we could unify the color and shape across her entire “smile zone,” ensuring that her upper and lower teeth matched perfectly in brilliance and translucency.
The Itinerary: A Multi-Phase Aesthetic Journey
- Day 1 & 2: Digital Visualization. We began with a Digital Smile Design (DSD) and fitted a 3D-printed plastic mock-up. This “test drive” allowed the patient to approve the new tooth shapes and alignment before any permanent changes were made.
- The Preparation: Following her approval, we prepared the teeth conservatively and provided a high-quality temporary set in accordance with the approved design.
- Day 4: Prototype Verification. We tested a second set of functional prototypes. This step is unique to the Meza protocol; it ensures that the final Zirconia restorations will function perfectly with the patient’s natural bite.
- Day 11 & 12: Final Integration. The 20 custom Zirconia veneers were seated. After the patient’s final approval, they were permanently bonded. We concluded the treatment with a 24-hour “real-life” functional test and delivered a custom mouthguard to protect her new, radiant smile.
The Result
The patient achieved a total smile transformation that looks entirely natural.
The crowding was eliminated, the color was significantly brightened, and the structural integrity of her natural teeth was preserved through our conservative preparation technique.
Total Cost
The cost of this case, including clinical exam, digital smile, design x-rays, and mouthguard, was $8500
