Comparative Analysis of Two Esthetic Clinical Cases Treated with Lithium Disilicate and Feldspathic Ceramic Veneers: The Impact of Digital Smile Design on Preparation Planning and Esthetic Outcomes

Minimally invasive esthetic dentistry relies on accurate treatment planning and appropriate material selection to optimize biological preservation and esthetic integration. Digital Smile Design (DSD) has emerged as a valuable tool for predicting restorative outcomes and guiding tooth preparation according to restorative material requirements. This oral communication compares two esthetic clinical cases treated with different ceramic systems, focusing on DSD-guided preparation planning, reduction design, and final esthetic outcomes.

The first case involved a patient presenting a missing maxillary left canine (tooth 23) associated with multiple diastemas. Esthetic rehabilitation was achieved using lithium disilicate restorations to enable space redistribution, diastema closure, and harmonious smile integration while ensuring adequate mechanical resistance. The second case consisted of replacing pre-existing composite veneers with feldspathic ceramic veneers using a minimally invasive preparation protocol. Treatment planning considered the patient’s esthetic expectations, particularly a significant shade transition from A2 to Bleach 1 while preserving enamel structure.

For both cases, a DSD workflow was implemented to assess smile harmony, tooth proportions, restorative thickness, and the extent of dental reduction required according to the optical and mechanical characteristics of each ceramic material. Differences in preparation strategy were observed depending on the selected ceramic system. Lithium disilicate required preparation adapted to biomechanical demands and space management, whereas feldspathic veneers enabled a more conservative enamel-preserving approach due to their superior translucency and optical integration despite the challenge of substantial shade modification.

In both cases, DSD enhanced treatment predictability and communication, contributing to satisfactory esthetic integration and smile harmonization. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized material selection and digitally guided planning in optimizing preparation design and esthetic outcomes in contemporary veneer therapy.