Dental Implants, Crowns & Veneers – Jo Ann’s Case
Jo Ann’s treatment combined dental implants for missing lower back teeth with porcelain crowns and veneers as part of a coordinated restorative plan.
What Made This Case Unique?
Patient Story, Treatment & Results
The original case photographs and treatment details are preserved below and presented in a clearer, properly aligned format.
Dental Implants, Crowns & Porcelain Veneers: Patient Problem, Planning & Treatment
Jo Ann needed replacement of missing lower back teeth together with restorative treatment to improve other areas of the smile.
When missing teeth coexist with worn, discolored or structurally compromised teeth, implant treatment may need coordination with conventional restorative dentistry.
What Did This Case Require?
Patient Photographs, Treatment & Clinical Progress
The original photographs and clinical information from this published case are preserved below. Images are presented at consistent sizes to make the treatment sequence easier to review.
Jo Ann was really a happy lady, but she doesn’t look like it here. She was uncomfortable smiling because of her teeth. Some were broken. Some were discolored. And she had some old porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns that didn’t match her teeth.
You can see her problems in this photograph. Her natural teeth are a brownish color. The lateral incisors are porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Besides being opaque and unnatural in color, they are showing the dark line at the gumline that these crowns typically show. She said “I want you to fix my broken teeth, but don’t make it look like a set of white piano keys—I want them to look natural.” Dr. Thein assured her that he could do that.
Here are Jo Ann’s lower teeth. She had a bridge on her lower left (on our right), but it had come off. The span was simply too long for a bridge to hold up here. She would need either a removable partial, or if she was willing to spend more money, Dr. Thein could put in dental implants that would feel like her own natural teeth. The bridge on her lower right (our left) had broken. Some teeth were infected.
Here is how her upper arch looked before we started. Dr. Thein treated her dental infections and and removed her broken teeth and cracked bridges.
This post-operative x-ray shows her new dental work. Dr. Thein placed dental implants on the lower to replace the her missing teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and bridgework were used on her upper back teeth for strength.
“I am extremely pleased with my results and would recommend Dr. Thein to all who ask.” – Jo Ann
In the front, Dr. Thein used all-porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers. With all-porcelain crowns, not only is there natural translucency, but there is no dark line at the gumline. And the strength requirements for front crowns is not as great as on the back, where teeth are subject to heavy chewing stresses.
Dr. Thein then built a mock-up to let Jo Ann see what she could achieve with a dental makeover. This is a standard practice for Dr. Thein for dental makeovers. It’s one of the ways we make sure that you will love the looks of the final result. For more information about this, read about our beautiful smile guarantee.
Here is Jo Ann’s upper arch when we finished. Her gold crowns and silver fillings have been replaced with natural-looking ceramic restorations.
How This Type of Implant Case Is Evaluated
The plan considers implant sites, remaining natural teeth, bite, smile goals and how implant-supported teeth will integrate with crowns or veneers.
Evaluate the teeth, gums, bite and treatment area before deciding whether implant treatment is appropriate.
Assess supporting anatomy and the space required for the planned implant-supported restoration.
Implant position should support the intended restoration, bite and long-term hygiene access.
Implant care includes professional follow-up, home care and maintenance of the final restoration.
How Implant Placement and the Final Restoration Work Together
The published case combined dental implants for missing lower back teeth with porcelain crowns and veneers.
Dr. Robert Thein personally manages implant planning, surgical placement and final implant restoration at Boston Dental Care. This allows the surgical and restorative phases to be coordinated within one treatment plan.
Dental Implants, Crowns & Porcelain Veneers: Key Clinical Takeaway
Implant dentistry and cosmetic/restorative dentistry can be coordinated within one comprehensive treatment plan.
Case studies demonstrate treatment possibilities rather than guaranteed results. Bone, gums, remaining teeth, bite, health and restorative needs vary for every patient.
Discuss a Similar Implant Problem With Dr. Robert Thein
Boston Dental Care is located at 3730 Foothill Blvd in La Crescenta, California. Dr. Robert Thein provides implant-focused surgical and restorative care for patients from La Crescenta, Glendale, Montrose, Pasadena, Burbank, La Cañada, Sunland, Tujunga, Eagle Rock and nearby communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dental implants be combined with veneers?
Yes. Implants replace missing teeth while veneers treat selected natural teeth when appropriate.
Can crowns and implants be planned together?
Yes. Coordinated planning helps manage bite, tooth proportions and restorative function.
Why replace missing lower back teeth?
Posterior teeth contribute to chewing support and bite stability.
Are veneers placed on implant crowns?
No. Veneers are bonded to natural teeth. Implant restorations are fabricated separately.
Does comprehensive treatment require all work at once?
Not necessarily. Treatment can be phased according to priorities, healing and restorative needs.
How are final shades coordinated?
The plan considers visible teeth, existing restorations and desired shade to create a harmonious result.
Request an Individual Implant Evaluation
Bring your X-rays, previous treatment plan or implant records if available. Dr. Robert Thein can evaluate your current condition and discuss appropriate options.