Dental fluorosis is an enamel hypomineralization caused by excessive fluoride intake during tooth development. It appears as white spots and, in severe cases, causes structural defects that affect both the aesthetics and function of teeth. When combined with a gummy smile, where the gums are overly visible when smiling, the impact on appearance increases, lowering the patient’s self-esteem.
Clinical Case: A 27-year-old male patient with moderate dental fluorosis and a gummy smile sought to improve his smile without invasive procedures. After a clinical and radiographic evaluation, a treatment plan was devised using lithium disilicate veneers to improve dental aesthetics, along with a gingivoplasty to reduce gum exposure.A digital smile design was performed to plan the final outcome using a dental mock-up. A minimally invasive gingivoplasty was then performed to achieve a balanced tooth-to-gum ratio. The dental surfaces were prepared minimally to remove only the affected enamel. An intraoral scan was conducted to fabricate custom lithium disilicate veneers, selecting a natural shade and optimal translucency. After trial and final adjustments, the veneers were cemented with a high-aesthetic adhesive resin. The result was a harmonious, natural smile with well-proportioned teeth and reduced gum display.
This case demonstrates that lithium disilicate veneers are an excellent alternative for patients with dental fluorosis and gummy smiles, offering an aesthetic, functional, and durable solution with minimal invasiveness.Overall, this treatment approach achieved improvements for the patient.