reversible diagnostic method for occlusal, esthetic and functional evaluation of full arch re-construction: a novel approach using thermoplastic retainers

ABSTRACT

Patients presented for extensive tooth wear frequently need elaborated case study and analysis for all occlusal, muscular and TMJ factors before final and definitive treatment is commenced. This includes thorough and comprehensive assessment of the occlusal scheme. A preoperative visualization of the final esthetic results in vivo is essential before deciding to go for a particular treatment option, especially when tooth preparation is part of the treatment plan. The two major factors that concern patients with extensive tooth surface loss are increasing occlusal vertical dimension and esthetic modification to the present situation, where some patients cannot visualize the new situation even when seen on animated software or modified photographs for illustrated purposes In this paper the authors have discussed a reversible and versatile method for esthetic and occlusal assessment for cases of sever tooth wear, which would allow patients to "practice" their new treatment in reality, and allow them to evaluate its functional and esthetic merits before deciding to choose that particular treatment option. In this diagnostic method, the masticatory system is allowed to adapt to the new treatment approach easily with the option of modifications at all levels or even cancelling the whole treatment without any adverse effect on the teeth or the masticatory apparatus