Objective: The loss of posterior teeth resulting in a lack of stability may lead to excessive mandibular load on some points of occlusion of the remaining teeth, causing wear. The rehabilitation of these cases must be carefully planned and the treatment requires a period of adaptation with a new vertical dimension.
Background: This case report describes the treatment of a patient with a loss of almost all posterior inferior teeth and a consequential loss of occlusal vertical dimension and accentuated wear of anterior elements.
Materials and methods: Provisional removable partial dentures were manufactured and the patient used them for a period of adaptation prior to restoration of the anterior teeth. After the patient's adaptation with the new occlusal dimension, anterior restorations were made using a mycrohibrid resin composite with different color aspects for an optimal stratification.
Results: The restorations achieved an aesthetic configuration with ideal function as the final result and the occlusion showed a satisfactory stability for a provisional removable partial dentures.
Conclusion: This article presents an anterior direct rehabilitation approach not only as an alternative option, but also as viable and less expensive treatment option with an optimally aesthetic and functional result.
© 2012 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.