Patient Profile: Mid-50s, Ready for Real Change
By the time she arrived at ArtSmiles, our patient had lived with this condition for years. She was:
- In her mid-50s
- Self-conscious about her smile and lip movement
- Looking for a natural result, not something that looked artificial or “overdone”
She wasn’t looking for perfection — she was looking to feel more like herself.
The Treatment Plan: Structural and Aesthetic Harmony
After a comprehensive assessment — including digital smile analysis and bite evaluation — we recommended a treatment plan focused on both function and aesthetics.
Her full plan included:
- Surgical removal of the buccal torus to reduce upper lip distortion
- Bite correction to restore proper vertical dimension and comfort
- Smile design with zirconia veneers in shade BL3 for a natural, radiant look
This wasn’t just about veneers — it was a carefully planned oral rehabilitation to enhance how she looked, felt, and functioned every day.
Step 1: Buccal Tori Removal — A Rare but Powerful Procedure
While tori are generally harmless, their location can create significant issues. In this case, the buccal torus had grown to the point that it was pushing against the underside of the upper lip, forcing it upward when the patient smiled and exposing too much gum.
We performed a minimally invasive removal procedure under local anaesthesia and sedation. During the procedure, we:
- Removed the bony growth with precision
- Contoured the surrounding area to match natural anatomy
- Created a smoother, flatter upper jaw contour to support natural lip positioning
This change immediately allowed the lip to rest and move more naturally, improving both aesthetics and comfort.
Step 2: Bite Correction — Rebuilding Facial Proportions
Next, we addressed her reduced vertical dimension — the result of years of subtle wear and possible grinding. A collapsed bite often leads to:
- A sunken appearance in the lower third of the face
- Jaw muscle strain and tension
- Premature aging of facial features
- Less space for proper dental restorations
We increased her bite slightly using our digital planning tools, which:
- Helped to rejuvenate the face naturally
- Restored balance to her smile and lips
- Improved comfort and chewing function
- Allowed room for long-lasting zirconia restorations
This foundational change made her final smile feel better and look more proportionate — without the need for injectables or surgery.
Step 3: Smile Design with Zirconia Veneers
With the structure corrected, we moved to the aesthetic phase: restoring the visible smile with custom zirconia veneers in BL3 shade.
Why zirconia?
- Unmatched strength – ideal for patients with a history of clenching or grinding
- Beautiful translucency – offers a natural light-reflecting effect
- Longevity and stability – 10–20 years of stunning results
- Biocompatibility – healthy for gums and soft tissue
Why BL3?
- A bright, yet natural tone that complements most complexions
- Creates a refreshed, youthful appearance without looking artificial
- Matches well with the patient’s age and facial features
Every veneer was crafted with precision — not only to look beautiful, but to support proper bite and lip movement.
