[Technique of direct vertical bite reconstruction with composite and a splint as template]

Excessive loss of dental hard tissues caused by mechanical, chemical or traumatic influences--or a combination of these factors--poses difficulties for subsequent prosthetic tooth restorations. Traditionally reconstructive treatment to restore affected teeth has been provided using rather invasive methods like porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns or ceramic overlays. For patients with a tooth substance loss caused by an acidic diet, where a payment of the costs by the social insurance cannot be expected, a less expensive treatment modality would be of interest. The presented case report describes an alternative treatment modality of vertical tooth substance loss by using direct adhesive composite restorations. To establish a simple and controlled build-up, a mini-plast splint based on an ideal wax-up was used.