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Very Short Central Incisors with Dark Shadows at the Gum
Diagnosis
Patient #12 had her lower partial for many, many years. The partial teeth had worn and the upper teeth came down into the space created by the wear. The span was too long for a fixed bridge, so the ideal treatment was implants. However, the bone looked unacceptable to the surgeon, so we were limited to a new partial.
Treatment
We shortened the upper teeth by crowning the first molar, and adjusting the enamel on the tooth in front and behind that tooth. We rebuilt the partial, moving the clasps back and down as far as possible. They were no longer visible when she talked. We bleached all of her teeth and placed two porcelain veneers on her central incisors. 
Post Treatment
This patient has been completed for over 10 years now. Everything is very stable. She has remarkably very little wear on her new partial. The average life expectancy of the partial is 5 years, of the veneers is 7 to 9 years, of the metal ceramic crown is 12 to 14 years.
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