Dr. Enrico Zara
Dr. Enrico Zara is a dentist based in Sassari, Italy.
He earned his DDS in Dentistry and Prosthodontics at Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio (Madrid) in 2014.
His clinical work focuses on esthetic dentistry (veneers, crowns and complex anterior rehabilitations), fixed/adhesive prosthodontics, implant prosthodontics including All-on-4 protocols, periodontology and reconstructive surgery.
He works with a fully digital workflow from intraoral scanning to final restoration, using CAD design (Exocad, Medit ClinicCAD, Shining 3D AccuDesign), DSD planning and 3D printing (SprintRay Pro 2, Shining 3D, Formlabs), including guides, mock- ups and DVPI-based guided cementation.
He is a member of the Massironi Study Club and the Digital Dentistry Society.
introduction
introduction
The fabrication of handmade feldspathic veneers represents the highest expression of dental artistry, requiring meticulous control of tooth preparation, restoration fit, and adhesive cementation. Rather than replacing traditional craftsmanship, 3D printing enhances and supports the analog workflow, improving predictability, precision, and clinical efficiency.
This clinical case illustrates how additive manufacturing can be seamlessly integrated into a conventional feldspathic veneer approach.
3D-Printed Mock-Up for Visualization and Guided Preparation
3D-Printed Mock-Up for Visualization and Guided Preparation
The diagnostic mock-up is digitally designed and 3D-printed using high-esthetic resins, such as Apex Teeth or OnX Tough 2 (SprintRay).
The printed mock-up allows accurate previsualization of the final outcome and serves as a reliable reference for minimally invasive, additive-driven tooth preparation, ensuring that enamel reduction is strictly guided by the planned restoration.
“The printed mock-up allows accurate pre-visualization of the final outcome and serves as a reliable reference for minimally invasive, additive-driven tooth preparation.”
3D-Printed Preparation Guides
3D-Printed Preparation Guides
To achieve controlled and repeatable tooth reduction, rigid preparation guides are fabricated using SprintRay Surgical Guide 3 resin. Compared with conventional silicone indices, printed guides provide superior stability, dimensional accuracy, and visibility, allowing the precise transfer of the digital plan to the clinical setting and reducing operator‑dependent variability.
“Compared with conventional silicone indices, printed guides provide superior stability, dimensional accuracy, and visibility.”
High-Accuracy Printed Models for Fit and Contact Verification
High-Accuracy Printed Models for Fit and Contact Verification
The feldspathic veneers are fabricated using a conventional hand-layering technique on a traditional refractory model, preserving the biological and optical advantages of classic ceramic craftsmanship. High-accuracy 3D-printed models are not used for ceramic stratification but serve as a valuable adjunct for verifying marginal adaptation and interproximal contacts before clinical delivery.
This hybrid approach allows the clinician and technician to combine artisanal ceramic excellence with the precision and repeatability offered by digital manufacturing.
CAD-Designed and 3D-Printed Digital Bite
CAD-Designed and 3D-Printed Digital Bite
Following veneer cementation, a digital night guard is designed in CAD and printed using SprintRay NightGuard Flex.
The fully digital guard enables the precise control of thickness, occlusal contacts, and comfort, ensuring functional protection of the new restorations while maintaining reproducibility and rapid fabrication.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The integration of 3D printing into the handmade feldspathic veneer workflow does not compromise traditional craftsmanship; instead, it enhances precision, predictability, and clinical control. By combining digital tools with analog ceramic artistry, clinicians can achieve highly esthetic outcomes while maintaining a minimally invasive and fully guided restorative approach.
“By combining digital tools
with analog ceramic artistry,
clinicians can achieve highly
esthetic outcomes.”
