Dentaltown August 2022 - 51

Fig. 4a
Fig. 4b
analyzer was taken of them as well, and
occlusal records were made in MIP using
a Blue-Mousse bite registration. This gives
the lab enough information to create fi nal
restorations that mimic the appearance
and function of the approved provisionals.
Furthermore, the patient demanded no
characterization of the restorations. After
showing her case photos of heavy, little and
no staining, she maintained her position.
Nothing but white it is!
Fig. 4c
Fig. 4d
Fig. 4e
The fi nal result
I used Arrowhead Laboratory to complete
this case and provided all the records
with a detailed lab script. I always request
photographs of the wax-up, including occlusal
markings, before moving forward
with the restorations for fi nal approval
(Figs. 3a-3e, p. 49). The entire case was
done in medium translucency E.max,
Shade 0M1 from the Vita Shade guide. We
bonded the restorations over the course of
two mornings, one arch at a time, using
Surpass bonding agent, Interface Ceramic
Dental Primer (Vista Apex), and NX3
Nexus Third Generation white light-cured
resin cement (Kerr). Equilibration was
once again performed via a leaf gauge, but
because there was no VDO change and
the case had been accurately mounted,
only minor adjustment was necessary. One
more small occlusal adjustment was performed
a week later at the patient's request,
and she reported no additional TMJ comfort
after delivery. I could fi nally breathe a
sigh of relief.
Hugs were shared after fi nishing this
case (Figs. 4a-4e), and of course I acted as
if this had been all in a day's work. But the
reality is a combination of planning, skill,
50 AUGUST 2022 // dentaltown.com
freestyle jazz and a bit of luck allowed this
case to come together. Whenever I fi nish a
case I feel went well, I always take an extra
beat to let the gratifi cation wash over me.
I'll chat with the patient a bit longer and
relish in how much joy my work gave him
or her.
Our job is often a series of compromises,
half measures and Band-Aids. It's
very easy to focus on what went wrong and
mentally skip right over a case that went
right. Taking the time to enjoy the little
moments of positivity in the offi ce is the
fuel that I need to handle that next dental
zag, which is inevitably waiting one operatory
over. ■
Scan here to learn more
about restorative dentistry
and earn 1.5 CE credits!
" Principles of Visual Perception, Smile Display
and Functional Longevity, " Dr. Lane Ochi's latest
online CE course for Dentaltown, focuses on a
systematic approach using classic concepts to make
restorations aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting.
To take the course for the chance to earn 1.5 CE
credits, scan the QR code above. The course is
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Dentaltown August 2022

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