A Bite Reborn: Full-Mouth Rehabilitation of a Severely Worn Dentition Using a Staged Approach

Severe tooth wear can result in loss of occlusal morphology, reduced vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO), compromised esthetics, and impaired function. Rehabilitation of such cases requires a systematic and reversible approach to ensure patient adaptation before definitive treatment. This report describes the rehabilitation of a 54-year-old male patient presenting with generalized attrition and reduced VDO. Following periodontal and endodontic stabilization, diagnostic mounting and wax-up were performed to establish an increase in VDO of approximately 3-4 mm. Heat-polymerized acrylic resin was used to fabricate temporary restorations (DPI Heat Cure, Dental Products of India Ltd., Mumbai, India) and maintained for six weeks to evaluate neuromuscular adaptation. Definitive restorations were fabricated using nickel-chromium alloy (Wiron 99, BEGO GmbH & Co. KG, Bremen, Germany) and veneered with feldspathic porcelain (VITA VMK Master, VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany). Glass ionomer luting cement (GC Gold Label Type I, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was used for the final cementation. Follow-up demonstrated stable occlusion, improved esthetics, and satisfactory functional outcomes. A staged rehabilitation approach with prolonged provisionalization provides a predictable, reversible method for evaluating VDO and occlusal stability, thereby improving the long-term prognosis.