3D-printed reduction guide with hinge and window. Design for conservative veneer preparations.
Kiarash Karimi, Carlos A Jurado, Toshiki Nagai et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 36-year-old woman sought improvement of her smile. Existing ceramic veneers from the maxillary right to left canine showed staining and crack lines, with mild gingival recession around the restored teeth. She accepted replacement with layered lithium disilicate veneers and use of a digitally designed, 3D-printed reduction guide. Following a diagnostic wax-up and approved intraoral mock-up, conservative preparations were made using the guide, which incorporated facial windows and a lingual template showing the planned restoration contours. The veneers were handcrafted and bonded under rubber dam isolation; the treatment met her esthetic expectations.
What made this case unusual
The guide combined a hinge and facial windows that allowed preparation of one horizontal third while securing the guide over another, with a lingual template for comparing preparations against planned restoration contours.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
A reduction guide that exposes facial thirds sequentially and displays planned restoration contours lingually can help assess conservative veneer preparations against the intended final shape.