CATEGORY 122 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST LABS Case Study: Digital workflow delivers seamless fixed zirconia restoration Ian Feigen By Ian Feigen, Technical Services Director, Avant Dental Ian Feigen is Technical Services Director at full-service dental lab, Avant Dental. Ian qualified as a Dental Technician in 1981, and developed new implant and ceramics techniques that shaped the industry. Ian operated his own lab for 25 years, before joining the Avant Dental team in 2014. Initial Diagnosis A patient presented to Dr Frances Ershad at Dental Garden with severe anterior wear, multiple decayed roots, and several teeth broken down to the gumline. The remaining dentition showed advanced attrition and localised infection but was considered suitable for a fixed restorative approach. The goal was to rebuild the worn dentition, restore aesthetics and function, and avoid the need for removable dentures. To achieve this, Dr Ershad partnered with Avant Dental to plan a digital workflow focused on precision, aesthetics, and longterm stability. Treatment Plan The case was completed through a streamlined digital workflow designed to maximise accuracy and communication between clinic and lab: 1. Scan capture: Following extractions and deep cleaning, full-arch digital scans were taken to record tissue contours and occlusal relationships. The bite was opened using a bite gauge to re-establish a natural vertical dimension and facial harmony. 2. Lab coordination: Digital records, photographs, and occlusal data were shared with Avant Dental for a streamlined workflow. 3. CAD design: Avant Dental produced a detailed digital mock-up for review before manufacturing. The design was collaboratively refined online to confirm bite height, contour, and shade. 4. Try-in and adjustment: The provisional phase confirmed aesthetics, phonetics, and occlusion at the new vertical dimension. Minor refinements were made chairside before final temp scan, final manufacture and cementation. 5. Manufacturing: A multi-layer zirconia was selected to ensure both strength and translucency for the anterior region. Avant Dental fabricated a fiveunit zirconia bridge supported by rootcanal-treated abutments and matching zirconia crowns on adjacent teeth. Avant Dental also supplied a clear stent for injection-moulded composite on the lower anterior to restore proportion and alignment. 6. Final delivery: The final zirconia bridge and crowns were issued with occlusion adjusted for balanced function. A custom night splint was provided to protect against parafunctional wear, and hygiene protocols were reinforced. Treatment Summary This case demonstrated the efficiency and precision of a fully digital restorative workflow with the full restoration completed within one month of Dr Ershad’s first contact with Avant Dental: X Full-arch scans enabled precise CAD design and rapid communication. X Digital mock-ups were reviewed and approved before production. X Multi-layer zirconia delivered lifelike translucency and long-term durability. X Injection-moulded composite harmonised lower incisal height and symmetry. X A protective splint safeguarded the occlusion at the increased vertical dimension. Final Outcome The final zirconia restorations provided a fixed, aesthetic, and functional result. The improved vertical dimension enhanced facial proportion, while the new anterior guidance restored clear speech and confident mastication. The patient reported a dramatic increase in comfort and social confidence, and described the transformation as life-changing. The close partnership between Dental Garden and Avant Dental ensured every stage, from planning to delivery, was precise, efficient, and fully aligned with the clinical vision. X Want to discover how Avant Dental’s digital workflows and high-end lab support can help you deliver predictable, aesthetic fixed restorations? Visit www.avantdental.com.au or call 1800 287 336 to explore what’s possible for your patients.
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