Steven Hernandez Happens all the time. You complete a single-central and feel you've done a great job. Then, as many others on here do, you photograph your stellar work only to find that your "A" is more like a C+. Statements such as, "The patient was thrilled..." can be found all throughout this site. And while that's important, we (I feel I can speak for many here) know it's not the only factor...nor is it the most important. Here are 2 such cases where 'the patient was thrilled' but my efforts were less than ideal. Hopefully you'll see something that can help you in your next case and avoid these pitfalls.
CASE 1:
Gentleman fractures #9, implant placed. The surgery isn't the point of this post, so we'll skip to the restorative portion.
Healing abutment. I've set myself up for success. Now I just have to not F it up.
Notice how 'bulbous' the restoration is? Way too round. I didn't take my time and contour in the mouth before delivering. Incisal edge has no characterization and the distal incisal edge is too short.
Again, he's happy with it but with minor corrections, this case could have turned out much better.
CASE 2:
PFM #8. Pt not happy with appearance.
What I found as soon as I removed the crown. Prepare tooth, blockout with Cosmedent Pink Opaque.
Shade, texture are ok but the distal line angle/incisal edge are too short. Also, I could have closed the incisal embrasure a bit more btwn #8/9. I also missed the incisal translucency present on #9; could have been corrected with some blue on the lingual of the restoration.
Overall, small items...but items that were missed/are lacking nonetheless. Thanks to those who post cases from which I have learned a lot...my hope is that I can do the same for someone else. And if you haven't, make your way to AZ or NC for hands-on courses...you will cover this in depth.
Enjoy the Holiday weekend!!!
