Minimally Invasive Replacement of a Missing Lateral Incisor With a Zirconia One-Retainer Bridge Using a Fully Digital Workflow: A Case Report

Replacing a missing anterior tooth in young patients presents both esthetic and functional challenges, particularly when skeletal growth is not yet complete. Among conservative treatment options, zirconia cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) have demonstrated excellent outcomes with minimal biological cost. This case report describes the rehabilitation of a 20-year-old female patient who was missing the maxillary left lateral incisor, using a layered zirconia cantilever RBFDP fabricated through a fully digital workflow. The procedure involved intraoral scanning, computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. Minimal palatal enamel preparation was performed on the abutment tooth, incorporating macro-retentive features to improve bonding. The prosthesis was cemented with a dual-cure resin cement following a strict zirconia surface-treatment protocol. At the 12-month follow-up, the restoration demonstrated excellent esthetic integration, functional stability, and high patient satisfaction. This case highlights the effectiveness and minimal invasiveness of zirconia cantilever RBFDPs for anterior single-tooth replacement in carefully selected patients and emphasizes the value of digital workflows in enhancing precision and clinical predictability.