At International Plus in Istanbul, every case combines clinical precision with patient centered care. This case study follows Diana, a 56 year old patient who arrived at our clinic with a challenging combination of crossbite (a condition where upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly), tooth mobility, recurring infections, and deteriorating restorations. Her rehabilitation demonstrates how experienced clinicians, 100 percent digital dentistry, and the artistic precision of our Dental Art laboratory can address even the most complex cases with lasting results.
Overcoming Crossbite and Dental Infections
Diana had been living with crossbite correction needs for years, combined with increasing discomfort from tooth mobility (loosening of teeth from their natural position) and episodes of severe dental infection. Her bite had never functioned properly, and recent months had brought new concerns as some of her teeth began to feel unstable while infections appeared intermittently around older dental work.
One of the most significant findings during her evaluation was a pattern common to patients with aging restorations: lesions (areas of tissue damage or decay) developing underneath old dental crowns. These hidden problems are particularly dangerous because they progress silently beneath the existing restoration. By the time they become visible or painful, the underlying tooth structure has often deteriorated beyond simple repair. For Diana, this meant that two teeth in the posterior region could no longer be saved through restorative methods alone.
Diana’s case resonates with many international patients who arrive at International Plus with similar histories. Crossbite problems that were never fully corrected, old restorations reaching the end of their functional life, and infections that signal deeper issues, these are the clinical realities that require comprehensive rather than piecemeal solutions. Her decision to travel to Istanbul reflected her determination to address all these concerns through a unified treatment approach.
Precision Dental Implant Surgery
Diana’s dental implant surgery was planned with careful attention to preserving every millimeter of healthy bone and tissue. Her treatment began with the extraction of the infected tooth, followed in the same session by atraumatic tooth extraction (a gentle extraction technique designed to minimize damage to surrounding bone) of the two lesioned teeth carrying old crowns in the posterior region.
Once healing conditions were evaluated and deemed favorable, implants were placed in the prepared sites. For Diana’s case, Straumann brand implants were selected, one of the premium systems we regularly work with at International Plus alongside Megagen, BEGO, Implant Swiss, Implance, Nobel Biocare, and Nucleoss. Straumann implants are internationally recognized for their consistent performance and research backing. All implants achieved appropriate primary stability (the initial secure fit of an implant within the bone) immediately after placement.
The post surgical phase progressed smoothly, and Diana entered a three month osseointegration process (the biological fusion of the implant surface with the surrounding bone). This healing period is the foundation of long term implant success. At International Plus, our use of 3D tomography imaging during surgical planning allows our experienced surgical team to position implants with precision that minimizes any risk of placement error, which is particularly important in cases involving compromised anatomy.
Digital Face Scanning and Smile Design
When Diana returned after her healing period, her treatment entered the most technologically advanced phase of the journey. International Plus applies 100 percent digital dentistry to every complex rehabilitation, and Diana’s case showcased the full capability of our digital dentistry workflow.
Her digital impressions were captured using the Trios 5 intraoral scanner (a high precision optical scanning device that creates accurate 3D models of the mouth without traditional impression materials). Simultaneously, the Shining Face 3D face scanner was used to analyze her facial structure, capturing the subtle proportions and dynamics that would guide her aesthetic planning. International Plus is among a very limited number of clinics in Turkey offering facial scanning integrated with intraoral scanning for comprehensive smile design.
This integration is what sets our approach apart. Rather than designing restorations based only on the mouth in isolation, our team can match Diana’s new smile to her unique facial features, lip dynamics, and overall proportions. The proposed design was presented to her on a tablet, where she could review every detail and approve the aesthetic plan before any permanent work began.
Functional Root Canal Treatments for Bite Correction
A full mouth rehabilitation at International Plus is never purely an aesthetic exercise. Function and long term stability guide every decision, and Diana’s case demonstrated this principle clearly. Her crossbite correction required strategic repositioning of several teeth, and in certain positions this repositioning made root canal treatment (a procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth) clinically necessary.
During occlusion adjustment (the process of refining how upper and lower teeth meet), our prosthetic team carefully identified which teeth would require endodontic treatment to support the new bite relationship. These root canals were performed with precision to establish a solid foundation for the future restorations. The result was a balanced bite architecture that would support Diana’s new smile for decades, rather than a purely cosmetic change that might compromise long term dental health.
3D Printed Mock-ups for Patient Approval
Before Diana’s final restorations were produced, her new smile was first realized as a temporary dental mock-up (a trial version of the restorations). Our team used the Asiga 3D printer paired with ARMA resin (a specialized dental resin for preview restorations) to create these temporary restorations. Diana was able to wear her mock-ups, evaluate her bite, speech, and aesthetics in her daily life, and provide meaningful feedback before any permanent work was finalized.
This step eliminates the anxiety of committing to a final outcome without first experiencing it. For a patient like Diana, whose bite had been problematic for years, this preview phase was particularly important. Small refinements were identified during this testing period and incorporated into the final design, ensuring her definitive restorations would deliver exactly the outcome she had approved.
Ivoclar Zirconium Crowns: The Final Results
Diana’s final restorations were crafted from Ivoclar zirconium (a premium high strength ceramic material used for top tier dental restorations). At International Plus, Ivoclar zirconium is our standard choice for final restorations because of its proven longevity, exceptional aesthetic properties, and consistent quality. The full coverage dental crowns were produced using the Redon milling system for micron level precision, followed by controlled sintering (a high temperature treatment that gives zirconium its final strength and stability).
When Diana’s final crowns were placed, the transformation was complete. Her crossbite had been successfully corrected, every remaining at risk tooth had been protected with full coverage, and all infection sources had been fully eliminated. The stable occlusion that had eluded her for years was finally achieved.
Diana’s smile makeover results reflect everything that distinguishes a case study from a routine treatment. The aesthetic outcome was striking, but the functional success was equally important. For the first time in decades, her bite functioned as it should, her infection concerns were resolved, and she could look forward to a dental future built on a solid clinical foundation rather than fragile temporary fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can full mouth restoration correct a crossbite?
Yes. By strategically adjusting the occlusion, performing necessary root canals, and placing precise restorations, a crossbite can be successfully corrected. At International Plus, our multidisciplinary team plans these corrections through integrated digital smile design.
What happens to failing teeth under old dental crowns?
Teeth with poor prognosis and underlying lesions are typically extracted using atraumatic techniques to preserve bone. Dental implants are then placed to create a stable foundation for new restorations, eliminating both the infection and the underlying structural problem.
How long is the healing time for dental implants?
The osseointegration period generally takes about three months, allowing the implants to securely fuse with the jawbone before final crowns are placed. In cases involving bone grafting or complex anatomy, this period may extend to six months.
Why do dentists use a 3D face scanner?
Tools like the Shining Face scanner analyze the patient’s facial structure to ensure aesthetic dental planning perfectly matches their natural features. This integration of facial analysis with intraoral scanning defines the comprehensive digital workflow at International Plus.
What are Ivoclar zirconium crowns used for?
Ivoclar zirconium crowns are high quality, durable materials used for final restorations. They provide optimal aesthetics, protect compromised teeth, and establish a stable bite. At International Plus, they are our standard choice for permanent full coverage restorations.
Struggling with a crossbite or failing old crowns? Contact International Plus today for a comprehensive evaluation and start your journey to a balanced, healthy smile.
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This content is written, reviewed, and approved by the International Plus Medical Review Board to ensure clinical accuracy and adherence to strict editorial standards. All medical information is regularly monitored, audited and updated in light of the latest scientific advancements.
However the information provided here is for general informational purposes only and cannot be used for self diagnosis or making individual health interpretations. Results of medical treatments depend on individual anatomy and the unique healing process of each patient. This information should not replace a personal consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. To understand the best options for your specific needs and to receive a personalized treatment plan, we invite you to book a free consultation with the expert medical team at International Plus.
