CAD/CAM techniques help in the rebuilding of ideal marginal gingiva contours of anterior maxillary teeth: A case report.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: "Pink esthetics," which are considered to be as important as "white esthetics," have attracted increasing attention. To date, clinicians rarely have applied computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques in the rebuilding of the contour of the marginal gingiva in the esthetic zone.

CASE DESCRIPTION: In this case report, the authors describe a female patient who had gingival inflammation and an asymmetrical contour of the marginal gingiva of the anterior maxillary teeth because previously placed ceramic crowns violated the biological width. The authors used a 3-dimensional-printing surgery template to guide precise crown-lengthening surgery to expose subgingival shoulders and to obtain an ideal marginal gingival contour. Then the authors used interim CAD/CAM crowns to induce the growth of the interdental papilla by 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters. Finally, the patient had a symmetrical and well-balanced contour of the marginal gingiva. In addition, the authors reduced the patient's "black triangle" areas to the greatest possible extent.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This case report illustrates that CAD/CAM products, including 3-dimensional-printing surgery templates and CAD/CAM interim crowns, are helpful in shaping and rebuilding the ideal contour of the marginal gingiva in the esthetic zone, such as the anterior maxillary teeth.