Direct technique for the fabrication of acrylic provisional restorations

Provisional restorations are fabricated to protect the prepared tooth structure during the period between tooth preparation and insertion of the definitive restoration. These restorations are also referred to in the literature as interim, temporary, or provisional restorations (prostheses). Such restorations should be uncomplicated and inexpensive to fabricate in a short period of time. Several laboratory and clinical techniques for the fabrication of provisional restorations have been described in the literature, such as the indirect technique, direct technique, and indirect-direct techniques for both single and multiple unit restorations. This article describes a step by step clinical technique for the fabrication of a direct provisional restoration to satisfy the issues of esthetics, patient comfort, speech and function, maintenance of periodontal health, and maxillomandibular relationships while wearing the restoration.