Clint Conner

Dr. Clint Conner


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
19 March 2025 in Biomimetics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SRSilvia Rojas Rueda
Silvia Rojas Rueda
JVJose Villalobos
Jose Villalobos
CCClint Conner
Clint Conner
SCStaley Colvert
Staley Colvert
Hamid NurrohmanHamid Nurrohman
Hamid Nurrohman
Carlos Alberto JuradoCarlos Alberto Jurado
Carlos Alberto Jurado
Background: The bonding protocol for lithium disilicate veneers in the esthetic zone plays a crucial role in modern dental restoration techniques, focusing on the replication of natural tooth properties and esthetics. This process involves several meticulous steps on both ceramic and tooth surfaces to optimize material performance and bond strength. Methods: The objective of this article is to provide an updated review of the literature on the clinical steps for bonding lithium disilicate veneers in the anterior dentition and to document a clinical case where these advanced restorative techniques were applied to treat a female patient seeking to improve her smile. A preliminary review was conducted on the existing literature regarding the clinical protocols for bonding lithium disilicate veneers in the esthetic zone. The main advantage of careful bonding procedures is that they maximize the full potential of the materials’ properties. Results: A review of the literature reveals some minor differences in cleaning the veneers prior to cementation and in the number of steps involved when combining certain materials in a single application process. However, well-executed bonding procedures, following the manufacturer’s recommendations, can maximize the adhesion between the ceramic and the tooth, allowing the restorations to meet the patient’s esthetic demands. Conclusions: Effective bonding of lithium disilicate veneers in the esthetic zone requires multiple treatments on both the ceramic and tooth surfaces. When procedures are followed carefully, long-term esthetic and functional outcomes can be achieved. It is essential that clinicians are familiar with these steps. Proper patient selection, thoughtful treatment planning, and methodical execution of the case can lead to highly esthetic results that satisfy the patient’s demands and ensure long-term success.

18 March 2025 in Clinics and Practice
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JVJose Villalobos
Jose Villalobos
FFFranciele Floriani
Franciele Floriani
SRSilvia Rojas Rueda
Silvia Rojas Rueda
SMSalwa Mekled
Salwa Mekled
CCClint Conner
Clint Conner
Carlos Alberto JuradoCarlos Alberto Jurado
Carlos Alberto Jurado
Background: Lithium disilicate ceramic veneers are considered the gold standard in aesthetic dentistry due to their translucency, strength, and adhesive bonding properties. This clinical case report details the aesthetic rehabilitation of a patient through the use of pressed lithium disilicate veneers, highlighting the treatment workflow, material selection rationale, and the long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes achieved. Methods: A review was conducted to evaluate the long-term success of lithium disilicate. A case study is presented that involves a 32-year-old female patient with anterior tooth discoloration, minor morphological discrepancies, and a desire for smile enhancement. A conservative approach using pressed lithium disilicate was chosen to restore harmony and enhance natural aesthetics. The treatment involved minimally invasive tooth preparation, digital smile design, and adhesive cementation using a total-etch technique with light-cured resin cement. High-resolution intra-oral and extra-oral photographs documented the case, capturing the preoperative, preparation, and final restoration stages. These images highlight shade matching, margin adaptation, and smile transformation after veneering. Results: Postoperative evaluation showed excellent aesthetic outcomes, color integration, and marginal adaptation, with the patient expressing high satisfaction. The veneers exhibited optimal translucency and strength, ensuring long-term durability. A one-year follow-up revealed no debonding, marginal discoloration, or surface degradation, confirming the clinical reliability of lithium disilicate veneers. Conclusions: Lithium disilicate provides predictability, durability, and high aesthetic results, making it an ideal choice for minimally invasive smile enhancement. The use of photographic documentation emphasizes the importance of case planning, precise preparation, and adhesive bonding for successful outcomes. Future research should focus on long-term survival rates and complication prevention to further refine material selection and bonding protocols.

19 June 2025 in Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CCClint Conner
Clint Conner
Fabio AndrettiFabio Andretti
Fabio Andretti
Alfredo I HernandezAlfredo I Hernandez
Alfredo I Hernandez
SRSilvia Rojas Rueda
Silvia Rojas Rueda
Francisco X. Azpiazu-FloresFrancisco X. Azpiazu-Flores
Francisco X. Azpiazu-Flores
AAAbdulrahman Alshabib
Abdulrahman Alshabib
The current investigation evaluated a novel acid-etching solution containing hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), nitric acid (HNO3), orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4), and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) designed for etching zirconia ceramics. Achieving reliable bonding to zirconia is challenging due to its chemical inertia, unlike lithium disilicate, which can be effectively conditioned with HF etching. One hundred and twenty specimens of zirconia and lithium disilicate underwent etching with the experimental solution for six different durations: control, 20 s, 60 s, 5 min, 30 min, and 1 h. Surface roughness was assessed using 3D optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The roughness of both materials increased with etching time; however, lithium disilicate demonstrated a significantly greater response, with Ra values rising from 0.18 µm (control) to 1.26 µm (1 h), while zirconia increased from 0.21 µm to 0.60 µm. ANOVA revealed significant effects depending on the ceramic type, time, and their interaction (p < 0.001). SEM images revealed non-selective etching of lithium disilicate, suggesting potential over-etching. The novel acid-etching solution improved surface roughness, especially in lithium disilicate ceramics. An application duration of one hour appears optimal for zirconia, improving surface characteristics while reducing damage; however, further research is required to assess its clinical safety and long-term effects on the mechanical properties of this dental ceramic.
1

6 May 2025 in Biomimetics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JVJose Villalobos
Jose Villalobos
Fabio AndrettiFabio Andretti
Fabio Andretti
CCClint Conner
Clint Conner
SRSilvia Rojas Rueda
Silvia Rojas Rueda
Nicholas G FischerNicholas G Fischer
Nicholas G Fischer
Carlos Alberto JuradoCarlos Alberto Jurado
Carlos Alberto Jurado
Background: Composite resin veneers have gained popularity due to their affordability and minimally invasive application as biomimetic restorations. However, long-term clinical challenges, such as discoloration, wear, and reduced fracture resistance, necessitate their replacement over time. Ceramic veneers, particularly feldspathic and lithium disilicate, offer superior esthetics and durability, as demonstrated by studies showing their high survival rates and enamel-preserving preparation designs. However, while ceramic veneers survive longer than composite resin veneers, ceramic veneers may need to be removed and replaced. Reports vary for using Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers for the removal of existing veneers. Methods: A review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of removing restorative materials with an Er:YAG laser. A clinical study was included, highlighting the conservative removal of aged composite resin veneers using the Er:YAG laser. This method minimizes enamel damage and facilitates efficient debonding. Following laser application, minimally invasive tooth preparation was performed, and feldspathic porcelain veneers were bonded. Results: The review showed positive outcomes whenever the Er:YAG laser was used. In the case study, after a 3-year follow-up, the restorations exhibited optimal function and esthetics. Conclusions: Laser-assisted debonding provides a safe and predictable method for replacing failing composite veneers with ceramic alternatives, aligning with contemporary biomimetic principles.

8 February 2025 in Dentistry Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FGFrancisco Garcia-Torres
Francisco Garcia-Torres
Carlos Alberto JuradoCarlos Alberto Jurado
Carlos Alberto Jurado
SRSilvia Rojas Rueda
Silvia Rojas Rueda
CCClint Conner
Clint Conner
AMAli abulkasim ali Mohamed
Ali abulkasim ali Mohamed
Francisco X. Azpiazu-FloresFrancisco X. Azpiazu-Flores
Francisco X. Azpiazu-Flores
Background: Replacing a maxillary central incisor and immediately placing an implant represents a clinical challenge. Methods: This case report demonstrates a full digital workflow to achieve a predictable implant placement and esthetically pleasing restoration for a 35-year-old male patient who suffered a horizontal root fracture after a sports accident. The patient’s treatment included digital implant planning, minimally traumatic tooth extraction, computer-guided implant placement, soft tissue augmentation, and a provisional restoration to contour the augmented gingival tissues. The process began with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation and patient consultation on treatment options, with the patient opting for implant therapy. Using a 3D-printed surgical guide, the implant was placed precisely, and a soft tissue graft was used to enhance the gingival architecture and volume. A provisional restoration was designed to support the emergence profile and condition the peri implant soft tissues. A final digital impression was made, and a screw-retained all-ceramic crown was fabricated uneventfully after healing. Results: This digital approach allowed accurate planning and allowed the efficient execution of a technique-sensitive procedure such as immediate implant placement, thus providing an esthetic and functional solution while minimizing treatment time. Conclusions: The case highlights that immediate implant therapy in the esthetic zone requires meticulous planning and execution, and that incorporating advanced digital tools and techniques is required to achieve favorable clinical outcomes.

8 August 2025 in Dental Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
DVDaranee Versluis
Daranee Versluis
JQJared Quave
Jared Quave
AHAnne E. Hill
Anne E. Hill
CCClint Conner
Clint Conner
AVAntheunis Versluis
Antheunis Versluis