Refractory Veneer Archives

Before and After 2026: Bridging the Gap – Redefining the Temporary Stage in Aesthetic Dentistry: AI-Assisted Visualisation to Enhance Patient–Clinician–Ceramist Communication

Aug 21. 2026

Introduction: In aesthetic dentistry, considerable attention is given to the beginning and end of treatment: the initial smile design and the final restorations. Between these two points lies the temporary stage—an essential but often underutilised phase that is commonly treated as little more than a functional transition. Temporary restorations are typically used to evaluate broad parameters such as tooth shape, proportion, length and phonetics. Yet many of the qualities that ultimately determine whether a smile appears natural—or whether it genuinely reflects the patient’s preferences—are still deferred until the final ceramic restorations are produced. These may include brightness, enamel translucency, incisal effects and the subtle characteristics that give teeth their individual appearance. This creates a significant gap in the decision-making process. Patients are often...

Technical/Clinical Tips & Tricks

Refractory Veneers – Preserving the Art of Hand-Made Aesthetics

Sep 07. 2025

Introduction: While zirconia has rapidly become the leading material for strength, predictability, and CAD/CAM efficiency, refractory feldspathic veneers continue to offer unique advantages in specific situations. They are most valuable in the aesthetic zone, where preserving natural tooth structure and achieving the highest level of colour control are paramount. This technique is particularly suited to cases requiring ultra-thin restorations, minimal preparation, or where stump shade plays a critical role in the final outcome. It is also considered when the treating clinician’s philosophy favours conservative approaches that respect the original tooth anatomy. Unlike modern digital workflows, refractory feldspathic veneers are fabricated entirely by hand. Every layer is carefully built and customised, requiring a high degree of skill and artistry. For this reason, the technique...

BEFORE AND AFTER

Before and After 2008: Welcoming my Inaugural Patient at Smile by Yugo

Jan 01. 2021

A Caucasian male in his 30s presented with a trauma case on the (patient’s) right central incisor (11) – had an accident while playing football. He was also concerned about the appearance of the (patient’s) right lateral incisor (12) – it appears too short and narrow in his words. 11 is a non-vital tooth with minor discolouration in the stump (c.f., Fig 1); thus, we selected a zirconia restoration. The opacity of Lava Zirconia was suitable for slight masking, and its aesthetic advantage in complex colour matching. 12 is a healthy, vital tooth clinically speaking (c.f., Fig 1), thus we required only a minor conservative prep to proceed with the refractory veneer. Additionally, bleaching was completed two weeks before the shade taking...