Etched metal prostheses to retain severely traumatized teeth in function

Acid-etch retained appliances of the Rochette and Maryland designs have proved valuable for the replacement of permanent anterior teeth in adolescents and adults. This article describes 2 patients for whom traumatized teeth of poor or "hopeless" prognosis were retained by splinting them to their neighbours with a Maryland-type etched cast framework. Appearance and function have been maintained over several years, while the need for extraction and the provision of a conventional fixed prosthesis has been delayed or avoided.