A Fantastic Start to Composite Veneering Brilliance

Day 1 of the Composite Veneering Brilliance Workshop! Explore case studies, tips, and insights into mastering 6-tooth composite veneers. Transform smiles with confidence!
Dr. Dennis Hartlieb
What a fantastic start to our Composite Veneering Brilliance: The Ultimate 6 Tooth Veneer Workshop! Day 1 was packed with knowledge, hands-on practice, and an incredible sense of community as we embarked on this journey together to elevate our cosmetic dentistry skills.
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Exploring Composite Veneers

We began the day by diving straight into the world of composite veneers. From discussing single-tooth restorations to the complexities of going beyond the canines and including bicuspids, we explored the versatility of composite veneers. Each scenario highlighted unique challenges, but also demonstrated the incredible outcomes we can achieve with proper planning and technique.

Real-World Case Studies

Kristina’s Case: Addressing Minimal Prepping Needs

Kristina presented with a desire for a smile transformation without invasive procedures. Her case underscored the advantages of composite veneers—minimal to no drilling, preserving her natural tooth structure while achieving a stunning esthetic outcome.
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Oana’s Case: Veneering within the Canines

Oana’s treatment to enhance her smile required veneering only four teeth - from lateral incisor to lateral incisor, minimizing the teeth needing to be treated. This showcased the versatility of composites and the importance of carefully matching shade and translucency to achieve natural harmony in the smile design.
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Louis’ Case: Immediate Results for a Busy Professional

Louis, presented with small lateral incisors with spacing in the anterior esthetic zone.. Composite veneers allowed us to deliver immediate results, with minimal tooth preparation, and without compromising the quality of the esthetic outcome.
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William’s Case: Repairability and Flexibility

William presented with wear of his natural teeth and multiple spaces affecting his smile. Composite veneers proved invaluable for his treatment - minimal tooth preparation to maintain his natural tooth structure utilizing a material that is easily repairable if fractures occur in the future.
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Amanda’s Case: Embracing Esthetic Control

Amanda’s case emphasized the level of control composite veneers offer dentists. Amanda’s treatment was challenging due to the dark nature of her teeth due to Tetracyline usage as a child, and her desire to have a bright, naturally appearing smile. Precise layering was critical to achieving a natural translucency while masking the darkness of the underlying tooth structure. 
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Advantages of Composite Veneers

Key Takeaways

  • Minimally invasive: Commonly little to no drilling required, preserving tooth structure.
  • Immediate results: No need for temporaries or lab wait times.
  • Greater control: Easier esthetic adjustments and modifications.
  • Repair-friendly: Simplifies the process of making changes compared to porcelain.
  • Financially better: Lower cost due to no laboratory fees
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Durability Insights

Porcelain veneers offer superior strength, especially lithium disilicate materials like Emax or Lisi (350-450 MPa flexural strength) compared to composites (150-170 MPa). However, composites bring unmatched flexibility in repairs and esthetic adjustments.

Trade-Offs
Porcelain: Stronger and more durable.
Composite: Easier to repair and modify.

Smile Design

We reviewed some of the key smile design ingredients to create a natural and beautiful smile. 

  • Inicsal edges of the maxillary anterior teeth to follow the contour of the lower lip
  • Gingival margins level between the canines and central incisors with the lateral incisors ideally about 1.0 mm coronal 
  • Incisal embrasures to open and enlarge from midline to the lateral-canine
  • Midline straight
  • Buccal corridors supported
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Hands-on Magic

Key Activities

  • Created silicone matrix as guide for palatal wall build-up
  • Prepared the maxillary anterior teeth for composite veneers using depth cutting burs for guidance
  • Rebuilt lingual incisal wall with translucent microhybrid composites.

The hands-on portion of the day brought theory to life. Seeing everyone’s creativity and progress during the practical exercises was incredibly rewarding.

Yours for better dentistry,
Dennis Hartlieb, DDS, AAACD
Co-Founder, Dental Online Training