Full-mouth rehabilitation can be challenging due to the complexity of restoring the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and replacing missing teeth. In partially edentulous patients, the concept of a bonded composite resin prototype for increasing the VDO has previously been applied through the use of an overlay removable partial denture (RPD) with acrylic resin covering the existing dentition. Unfortunately, this type of prosthesis does not always accurately model the function and phonetics intended for the definitive prostheses, and the esthetic result often is less than ideal.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEndosseous root-form implants are the most popular type of implant used today. However, patients may present with subperiosteal implants that need treatment with a removable prosthesis. This case report describes the fabrication of a new set of overdentures for 30-year-old subperiosteal implants using the patient's current dentures as a guide to establish a proper vertical dimension of occlusion and occlusal scheme.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnduring glass-ceramic restorations greatly depend on the quality of adhesion of the crown to enamel and dentin. Proper isolation is vital to the success of bonded ceramic restorations. The rubber dam has long been considered the primary method of preventing contamination of the operating field, a crucial requisite for adhesion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDental fluorosis and hypocalcification manifest as white spot lesions and/or brown discolorations. With dental fluorosis, mottled layers in enamel can also be present depending on severity. Treatment options have varied in such situations, depending on severity, and can range from conservative to more invasive.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTraumatic dental injuries most commonly occur to the maxillary central incisors, occasionally resulting in tooth discoloration and prompting affected patients to seek dental treatment. Other negative sequelae of trauma to teeth include root resorption that can complicate definitive treatment planning to manage discoloration. This article describes the conservative esthetic management of discolored traumatized teeth through the inside/outside bleaching technique after endodontic therapy for external inflammatory root resorption.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDental fluorosis is a condition that produces unesthetic coloration of enamel because of excessive fluoride ingestion during enamel formation. Its appearance can range in severity from mildly white and opaque to dark brown and can lead a patient to seek dental treatment. Historically, these lesions have been masked, either with direct or indirect restorations, but more conservative treatment options are now available, including the combination of microabrasion and bleaching.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA maxillary midline diastema (MMD) is a common complaint of dental patients. An MMD can be closed with treatment from different disciplines, including operative dentistry and orthodontics. A comprehensive smile analysis is also a necessity before beginning treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDue to the increased predictability of current bonding procedures and the improved properties of today's composite materials, large Class II and cuspal build-up direct composite resin restorations are routinely performed. Biological considerations and the stress associated with polymerization shrinkage are key factors that need to be considered during the treatment planning phase. This article demonstrates a combination of concepts and techniques to reduce the stress associated with polymerization shrinkage in large restorations, thus potentially improving the longevity of the restoration.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRestoration of anterior tooth fractures is a common dental procedure. Both direct and indirect options are clinically acceptable to repair fractured teeth. For a large class IV fracture, treatment planning is time consuming, and the artistic skills necessary to achieve optimal results can be daunting.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProsthetic rehabilitation of edentulous patients can sometimes pose many clinical challenges for the clinician. The importance of correct vertical and horizontal positioning of the anterior teeth so that the completed denture is esthetically pleasing while being functionally correct has been well documented in the literature. Different techniques have been proposed whereby a conventional occlusal rim is used.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChildren and young adults often present to a dental practice after accidents that affect their anterior teeth. In many situations, only 1 tooth is affected by the trauma, and choosing the right treatment option can be complex. Esthetic restoration of the maxillary anterior dentition can be accomplished by using direct or indirect techniques.
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