Dr. Meni Chatzinikolau
• She graduated from the Dental School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2008 with excellency and continued her postgraduate studies in prosthodontics at the same institute.
• Dr. Chatzinikolaou is the Owner and Director of Charismatics Dental Clinic in Piraeus Greece that opened its doors at 2009.
• Dr. Chatzinikolaou is a member of the Board of the Greek Prosthodontic Society (GrProS), Founder of The Digital Prosthodontic Club (DPC) of Greece and member of the European Association of Osteointegration (EAO) and of the European Prosthodontic Association (EPA). Recently she became
a member of the Digital Dentistry Society (DDS).
• She also collaborates with distinguished companies in the dental field such as DMG, Bredent Medical and Sprintray Inc, as a Key Opinion Leader.
Dr. Theodoros Gonidis
introduction
introduction
Cancer therapy, especially that involving the head and neck region, can have devastating long-term oral health consequences. Xerostomia, mucositis, and hyposalivation are common complications that severely impair dental integrity and patient well-being.
This report demonstrates the use of additive manufacturing (3-dimensional [3D] printing) in restoring a complex case of dental erosion with SprintRay ceramic crown veneers using a fully digital workflow.
PATIENT HISTORY
PATIENT HISTORY
A 28-year-old female presented with severe anterior dental erosion and compromised aesthetics, exacerbated by multiple oncological treatments, including:
- Diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, treated with autologous bone marrow
transplantation. - Squamous cell carcinoma of the left lateral tongue, managed through surgical
resection and removal of affected cervical lymph nodes, followed by radiotherapy. - Post-radiotherapy sequelae included irreversible salivary gland damage, manifesting as mucositis, xerostomia, and chronic hypo-salivation.
These oral complications led to significant dental demineralization and erosion, particularly in the anterior teeth, which affected both function and appearance.
Chief Complaint
Chief Complaint
The patient reported increasing translucency and fragility of her anterior teeth, leading to esthetic dissatisfaction and frequent soft tissue trauma. She expressed a desire for a cost-conscious, non-invasive solution to restore her smile.
Treatment Planning and Patient Considerations
Treatment Planning and Patient Considerations
Given her medical and financial constraints, traditional full-ceramic restorations were infeasible. After careful evaluation, the team proposed 3D-printed ceramic crown veneers using the SprintRay system as an affordable and minimally invasive alternative. The patient was enthusiastic about the novel approach and approved the proposed treatment.
Materials and Methods
Materials and Methods
A completely digital workflow was employed to streamline treatment and minimize clinical chair time.
Diagnostic Phase:
- Intraoral and extraoral photography.
- Intraoral scanning using a Dexis IS 3800 intraoral scanner for full-arch impressions and bite registration.
- Digital wax-up (DWU) designed in Exocad software to simulate the final restoration.
Mock-Up and Functional Analysis:
- A 3D-printed model of the DWU was used to create a silicone index for intraoral mock-up.
- The mock-up was trialed intraorally for esthetic validation and patient approval.
Tooth Preparation:
- The veneers were conservatively prepared through the mock-up using a Zeiss Pico microscope to preserve enamel and optimize bonding.
Restorative Design and Fabrication:
- Intraoral scanning of the prepared teeth was repeated.
- Final veneer designs were completed in Exocad software.
- The veneers were printed using SprintRay Pro S 95 with Ceramic Crown Material (Shade A1).
- The surface was characterized using the GC Optiglaze color system for natural esthetics.
Cementation:
- Adhesive bonding of the veneers using Ivoclar Variolink LC Neutral resin cement.
“SprintRay’s ceramic crown material offers a biocompatible, esthetic, and financially accessible solution for patients unable to pursue traditional ceramic systems.”
results
results
The patient experienced immediate aesthetic and psychological benefits. The 3D-printed ceramic veneers provided a natural appearance, restored function, and improved lip support. The precise fit and conservative preparation helped maintain pulp vitality and maximize long-term prognosis, which was especially important given the patient’s post-radiotherapy vulnerability.
discussion
discussion
This case highlights the value of integrating digital dentistry and 3D printing in restorative care for cancer survivors. SprintRay’s ceramic crown material offers a biocompatible, aesthetically pleasing, and financially accessible solution for patients who are unable to pursue traditional ceramic systems. The digital workflow ensures precision, reduces chairside time, and enhances patient satisfaction.
conclusion
conclusion
The successful rehabilitation of a cancer survivor using SprintRay ceramic crown veneers exemplifies the transformative potential of digital dentistry. Three-dimensional printing provides a practical, aesthetic, and cost-effective pathway to restoring dental health in medically compromised individuals.
