Maxillary esthetics, mandibular function: a rationale for predictable treatment of the moderately worn dentition

Area of Science:

• Dental Restorations
• Geriatric Dentistry
• Occlusal Rehabilitation

Background:

• Tooth wear is a common concern in older patients, impacting both esthetics and function.
• Comprehensive evaluation is crucial to identify the multifactorial etiology of tooth wear.
• Treatment planning must prioritize patient-specific risk factors, including esthetic and functional demands.

Observation:

• An older patient presented with concerns regarding moderate tooth wear.
• The patient's primary concerns were related to esthetics and functional deficits.
• A comprehensive dental evaluation was performed to determine the causes of the tooth wear.

Findings:

• A treatment plan was developed prioritizing esthetics and function.
• Treatment goals included lengthening maxillary teeth and leveling posterior occlusal planes.
• The vertical dimension of occlusion was opened, and bilateral simultaneous posterior occlusion was established.
• Maxillary arch treatment focused on esthetic parameters, followed by functional rehabilitation of the mandibular arch.

Implications:

• This case highlights a systematic approach to managing moderate tooth wear in geriatric patients.
• Restoring esthetics and function through a phased treatment plan can significantly improve patient outcomes.
• Addressing occlusal parameters is essential for long-term dental health and patient satisfaction.