Clinical dentistry by Michael C. DiTolla, DDS, FAGD
-
IntroductionPreoperative impressions and bite registration are taken and sent to the laboratory. The lab carefully prepares the selected abutments on the model using a standard preparation of 1 mm. The crowns are completed to the prescribed shade and returned for final preparation and cementation.Figure #1This 43-year-old male presented with multiple complaints about his smile. He has white spots on teeth #7-8. Tooth #9 is shorter than #8 and is tipped out to the facial. Tooth #10 is positioned too far to the lingual. Because of these alignment issues in the faciolingual plane, and the white spots on the teeth, he is not a candidate for no-prep veneers. -
Figure #2Standard PFM preparation with chamfer-margin design. At the preparation appointment, prepare the teeth using 1.7 mm reduction on all surfaces with a standard chamfer-margin. -
Figure #3To verify adequate reduction of the teeth for future PFM restorations, use a transparent preparation stent. -
Figure #4The crowns are tried in to evaluate fit. Make necessary adjustments with a carbide bur. -
Figure #5After adjustments are made, re-evaluate fit of the Transition Crowns & Bridges -
Figure #6The margins are optimized if necessary. -
Figure #7Trim the excess and finish the restoration using basic composite polishing techniques. -
Figure #8Seat the restorations using Temp-Bond (Kerr Corporation) for easy removal when the final PFM restorations are prescribed. This figure shows the post-operative case, with the completed Transition Crowns & Bridges provisional restoration.
