Provisional Replacement of Anterior Teeth: A Review of Clinical Techniques and Case Report in a Dental School Training Experience.

Abstract

Upon the premature loss of permanent anterior teeth from unanticipated trauma or by ongoing patient neglect requiring surgery, patient requisites of functional and esthetic considerations must be addressed. Interim management can be achieved through the use of several diverse fixed and/or removable treatment modalities. The purposes of this report are to provide a review of traditional and unconventional techniques for interim replacement of missing anterior teeth and to present a clinical report demonstrating the fabrication of a removable, thermoplastic (vacuum-formed) EssixTM prosthesis, utilizing composite resin as the surrogate material of choice for the absent teeth. This measure proved to be an immediate, esthetic, and transitional treatment solution prior to a permanent resolution for the patient's long-term dental requirements.