A guide to managing tooth wear: the Radboud philosophy

This paper explains a conservative, pragmatic and minimally invasive intervention concept for the treatment of severe tooth wear patients based on the Radboud Tooth Wear Project in the Netherlands. Guidelines and flowcharts for management of severe tooth wear patients and rehabilitation in increased vertical dimension of occlusion are presented. We concluded that: (a) Restorative treatment is not always indicated, even for patients with severe tooth wear. (b) If the patient has no complaints, counselling and monitoring is probably the best option. (c) Minimally invasive and adhesive restorative strategies are preferred when severe tooth wear patients are to be treated in increased vertical dimension, especially when young patients are involved. (d) Clinical evidence for a suitable restorative treatment protocol is limited to five-year follow up for direct composites. This material seems to be suitable for rehabilitation in increased vertical dimension on the middle long term. Clinical results for indirect techniques are not available yet. (e) Restorations, including those that are considered 'definitive' may prove to have a limited lifetime in patients with severe tooth wear due to bruxism and erosion. Explanation of the possible treatment options and expected complications should be included in the informed consent.