Fixed provisional restorations for extended prosthodontic treatment

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Complex prosthodontic treatments require durable, aesthetic provisional restorations.
• Underestimated strength needs can lead to treatment failures and unpredictable results.
• Provisional restorations must accommodate esthetic, occlusal, and surgical modifications during treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a method for fabricating reinforced acrylic provisional restorations for extended treatment durations.
• To present an indirect technique utilizing an internal cast metal support system for enhanced strength and rigidity.
• To provide a cost-effective and easily modifiable solution for complex prosthodontic cases.

Main Methods:

• Indirect fabrication technique for extended-treatment acrylic provisional restorations.
• Incorporation of an internal cast metal support system (bands/copings with extensions).
• Opaquing the metal support to mask color and using a vinyl polysiloxane matrix from diagnostic wax-up.

Main Results:

• The described technique yields a strong, rigid, yet aesthetic provisional restoration.
• Reinforced acrylic restorations provide necessary durability and support during interim healing and treatment phases.
• The method simplifies construction while ensuring adequate retention and cementation.

Conclusions:

• Reinforced acrylic provisional restorations with internal metal support are suitable for complex and extended prosthodontic treatments.
• This approach addresses challenges related to strength, esthetics, phonetics, and patient acceptance.
• The technique offers a predictable and manageable solution for interim tooth replacement and treatment guidance.