Restoring Confidence Through GuidedSMILE: A Dual Arch FP3 Case Study by Dr Nik Patel

The patient was referred to Dr Nik Patel with a severely compromised dentition, presenting with extensive caries, multiple broken-down teeth and dental infection across both arches.

In addition to the clinical concerns, the patient was unhappy with the appearance of their smile, which had affected their confidence in both professional and personal settings.

Following assessment, a comprehensive implant rehabilitation was planned to replace the failing dentition with fixed prostheses.

Assessment and treatment planning

The treatment objectives were to eliminate the existing dental infections, extract the remaining compromised teeth and rehabilitate both arches with implant-supported restorations.

GuidedSMILE was selected to facilitate a restoratively led approach, incorporating digital planning and guided implant placement.

Digital planning and workflow

The case was planned prosthetically, with the intended FP3 restorative outcome guiding implant positioning across both arches.

Careful consideration was given to the available bone, restorative space, implant distribution and emergence profiles to establish a suitable foundation for the definitive zirconia bridges.

The digital workflow enabled the surgical and restorative stages to be coordinated from the outset, with the planned implant positions accurately transferred to the guided surgical procedure.

This provided continuity between the surgical plan, provisional restorations and definitive fixed bridges.

Planner's perspective | Lola Welch

“ It was a privilege to be involved in the planning of this case and to see how precise digital planning, guided surgery and a clear prosthetic vision contributed to the final outcome. Seeing the patient's confidence develop throughout treatment was particularly rewarding. This case demonstrates the impact that carefully planned full arch rehabilitation can have, not only on the clinical result but also on the patient's quality of life.

Guided surgery and immediate conversion

Treatment was carried out under sedation, with Dr Patel using RAPID appliances in both arches.

Following extraction of the compromised teeth, implants were placed in accordance with the planned surgical workflow. RAPID conversion was subsequently completed to provide provisional fixed restorations.

The procedure was completed without significant reported complications. Postoperative bruising and swelling were reported during the initial healing period, with the patient largely recovered within two weeks.

Definitive restorations

Following the provisional phase, the patient progressed directly to the definitive FP3 zirconia bridges.

Both restorations were fitted without the need for occlusal adjustments, with Dr Patel reporting a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result.

Patient outcome

At the six-month review, the patient reported a substantial improvement in confidence following treatment.

Initially reluctant to share their experience, the patient subsequently consented to sharing their case, describing the personal significance of their new smile:

“ If it wasn’t for my new smile, I would not have had the confidence to be who I’ve always wanted to be.

For Dr Patel, precision and time efficiency remain key advantages of the GuidedSMILE workflow.

In this case, the rehabilitation of both arches was accompanied by a meaningful improvement in the patient's confidence and quality of life.