CATEGORY AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST91 CLINICAL Figs. 23–25 present the completed restorations on the master model and on their own. As shown, the veneers are extremely thin, with partial veneers on the central incisors, and therefore demand particular care throughout both the laboratory and clinical stages. Handling, finishing and cementation all require a meticulous approach to avoid fracture or distortion. Although an alternative material such as lithium disilicate would have offered greater flexural strength and a more straightforward fabrication process, it would likely have required additional tooth reduction, particularly on the central incisors. This would have compromised the core principle of the case: maximum preservation of natural tooth structure. Post-op and outcome: Although often considered an “old-school” method, refractory veneers continue to hold irreplaceable value in minimally invasive dentistry. The significance of this case was later recognised in Labline Magazine (2016), where it appeared in the material-selection section of the article Smile Bible. Case Study 3: Dentistry by Dr Knox Kim (Dental Clinic @ World Tower, Sydney NSW Australia) Pre-op and Case Planning: Figure 26: Immediate postoperative retracted frontal view. Figure 32: Preoperative smile. Figure 28: Postoperative frontal view with a black contraster. Figure 34: Preoperative retracted view with contraster (upper). Figure 36: Preoperative retracted view with contraster (right). Figure 23: Working solid master stone model. Figure 25: Completed restorations. Figure 27: Retracted frontal view at the two-week follow-up. Figure 33: Preoperative retracted frontal view. Figure 29: Postoperative palatal view with a black contraster. Figure 35: Preoperative retracted view with contraster (lower). Figure 37: Preoperative retracted view with contraster (left). Figure 24: Completed restorations on the master model. Fabrication of final restorations: Figs. 26 and 27 show the immediate result following adhesive cementation and at the two-week follow-up. The close-up views further demonstrate the aesthetic integration achieved (Figs. 28 and 29). In this case, refractory feldspathic veneers provided the desired combination of ultrathin restorations, precise shade characterisation and conservative preparation. The result highlights both their clinical value in carefully selected cases and the high level of technical skill required to fabricate and manage them successfully. Before and after: The transformation is clearly evident when comparing the pre- and postoperative smiles (Figs. 30 and 31). Beyond the obvious aesthetic improvement, the case reinforces a fundamental principle: material selection should never follow trends alone, but instead be guided by the unique demands of each patient. Figure 30: Before. Figure 31: After Case 3 involves a local patient from Sydney, where I was fortunate to be directly involved from the preoperative stage (Figs. 32–37). I was asked to advise on the most suitable treatment approach, with a particular focus on preparation design and material selection. The patient presented with a history of trauma to tooth 21 (the maxillary left central incisor). Our priority was to remain as conservative as possible, recognising that the tooth could become non-vital in the future. For this reason, I recommended a refractory feldspathic veneer with an ultraconservative facial preparation, while also restoring the missing incisal edge. Both the patient and treating clinician agreed with this approach. Cases such as this often present several treatment options. Some clinicians may suggest a full crown on 21, while others may recommend treating both central incisors because of the difficulty involved in matching a single tooth. In my view, these approaches can sometimes prioritise technical convenience over the patient’s long-term biological interests. This is where clinical and technical philosophy becomes critical.
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