OUTCOMES At the 6-month review , the posterior occlusion had re-established , there were no fractures to the restorations and the patient was functioning well . As posterior contacts had been re-established , a lower soft splint was made to protect from further damage from her bruxism . She was happy with the improved aesthetic appearance of the teeth , and reported that her husband and family are also happy with the result . ( Figs . 12,13 and 14 )
The major advantage of this technique when compared to conventional prosthodontic techniques is that it is purely additive apart from removing the old composite restorations and therefore has a lower biological cost . The composite restorations may wear and chip over time but , if the restorations fail it is not likely to involve the underlying tooth and so the restoration can often be simply replaced . The wax-up and stent can be kept and used to repair and replace the restorations as and when this becomes necessary .
Prior to the FGDP Restorative Diploma , I would not have undertaken this case , but with the clinical teaching and treatment planning sessions , treating cases similar to this becomes relatively routine and predictable . When planned properly , the treatment itself is generally simple , and can easily be carried out in a general practice setting .
Fig . 12 : Retracted frontal view showing new composite restorations at 6 month review
THIS PHOTO : Fig . 13 : Frontal smiling view showing new composite restorations at 6 month review ; LEFT : Fig . 14 : Upper occlusal view at 6 month review showing re-established posterior occlusal contacts
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