Retreatment of an Anterior Aesthetic Prosthesis Considering Both Aesthetics and Function

Retreatment of an Anterior Aesthetic Prosthesis - Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

Hello! This is Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu.

Today, we would like to talk about the case of a female patient in her 60s who visited us from Germany because she wanted to replace a front tooth prosthesis that had been in place for more than 20 years.

First-visit panoramic image, January 2026 - Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

The existing prosthesis itself was relatively in good condition, but as time passed, the gums gradually receded, exposing the tooth roots. As wear progressed on the exposed roots, crown retreatment seemed necessary not only for aesthetic reasons but also for the health of the teeth.

First-visit intraoral photos, January 2026 - Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

In this treatment, a prosthesis covering a wider tooth area than before was needed. In particular, wear patterns were observed on the inner side of the central incisor prosthesis, so after removing the crown, additional tooth reduction might have been unavoidable. Accordingly, before treatment, we fully explained the possibility of root canal treatment and then began treatment. Also, when removing such old prostheses, secondary caries is often found inside, so we informed the patient in advance about the possibility of additional resin treatment as well.

When multiple anterior prostheses need to be replaced like this, it is very important not only to explain the current condition but also to communicate and consult thoroughly with the patient about the design of the final prosthesis. In this patient’s case, she felt that the existing front teeth were overall too large and gave a "masculine" impression, and she also wanted them replaced with a brighter shade.

First-visit smile photo - Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

As a result of the smile line analysis, the anterior tooth line was somewhat flatter than the patient’s actual smile, and even in the 45-degree and 90-degree side photos, the anterior tooth surfaces were generally flat and the anatomical form of the teeth had been greatly lost. Despite being prosthetic teeth, they gave a somewhat aged impression.

3D-printed model - Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

For more accurate consultation, a 3D oral scan was performed before treatment. After digitally wax-up designing the final prosthesis shape, a 3D-printed model was made and a second consultation was conducted with the patient. The patient was initially satisfied with the design, so on the same day we removed the existing prosthesis and provided temporary teeth with the same design.

During this process, the left premolar, which had gingival recession and periodontal disease, became severely sensitive as expected, and according to the explanation provided in advance, additional root canal treatment was performed. Also, with the patient’s consent, about 1 mm of the over-erupted lower anterior teeth was reduced to improve the smile line and achieve overall harmony. There was a limit to reducing the absolute size of the teeth, but we adjusted the shape as much as possible to create a softer, more “feminine” narrowing effect.

Extensive anterior prosthetic treatment can affect a patient’s pronunciation and eating. To check and adjust this, we asked the patient to use the temporary teeth for several days. In fact, the patient gave feedback that pronunciation was somewhat difficult, so we reflected that in the temporary teeth stage and adjusted it. We also reflected the request to make the front teeth slightly shorter.

Photos after completion of treatment, February 2026 - Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

When the design is sufficiently adjusted during the temporary teeth stage and consultation is completed, the refined design can be communicated more accurately to the dental lab, greatly increasing satisfaction with the final prosthesis. Because the prosthetic front teeth are visible when smiling or speaking, and the lower front teeth were also scheduled for prosthetic treatment later, the prosthetic shade was made as bright as the patient wanted rather than matching the other prostheses.

Smile photo after treatment completion - Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

Anterior prosthetic treatment is not simply a procedure to make a new crown. It is comprehensive treatment that must consider the condition of the gums, tooth wear and position, the smile line, and even pronunciation and eating. In particular, when replacing old prostheses, there are many cases where hidden problems are discovered as well, so step-by-step planning and a verification process using temporary prostheses become important factors that determine the accuracy and stability of the final treatment outcome. Through this approach, it is possible to achieve results that satisfy both aesthetics and function, while also greatly improving long-term maintenance and patient satisfaction.

In this case, because we sufficiently communicated with the patient and adjusted the design during the temporary teeth stage, we were able to proceed in a way that satisfied both function and aesthetics. In particular, the front teeth are an area that is almost always visible when smiling or speaking, so even a small mismatch in shape or color can greatly change the impression. Therefore, to create a prosthesis that harmonizes with the entire face and smile, we were able to make detailed design adjustments and perform step-by-step verification through thorough communication with the patient.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

"At Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, Director Ahn Ji-ho, a prosthodontic specialist and visiting professor at Seoul National University School of Dentistry, provides high-quality care based on diverse clinical experience, and we conduct only thoroughly evidence-based treatment."

Director Ahn Ji-ho, Prosthodontic Specialist - Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

During consultations, we also provide detailed explanations about implant types such as single implants, bridges, and full-arch implants, as well as suitable brands and grades such as Osstem and Straumann, and we establish a systematic treatment plan through digital examinations. Unlike many Gangnam dental clinics, you will not have to go through a consultation that lasts only a few minutes with the doctor and then be unable to ask what you want to know while discussing treatment with the manager, so please feel free to visit us with peace of mind.

Perhaps those considering implants have already gathered a lot of information through searches for nearby Gangnam implant clinics. Even so, listening to detailed explanations through an actual consultation with a specialist will be very helpful in making your decision.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic is conveniently located near Samseong Station, Hakyeoul Station, Daechi Station, and Hanti Station, making it very convenient to visit from areas in Gangnam such as Samseong-dong, Daechi-dong, Gaepo-dong, Dogok-dong, Ilwon-dong, Yeoksam-dong, and Jamsil.

Next to BMW at the Woosung Apartment intersection in Daechi-dong

(Across from Starbucks/Samsung store)

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic in Daechi-dong

Parking is convenient and free.

Consultation and inquiries: 02-501-2879

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