Patient's Treatment in Full Mouth Rehabilitation
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In this case, the patient's treatment was part of a full mouth rehabilitation, where the overall condition of the teeth and bite needed to be addressed.Composite bonding is not my preffered choice for patients , as this is committing to a lifetime of restorative work , especially for a young person , as composite work usually last 4-5 years and will need to be redone due to discolouration /staining /chipping and fractures .The decision not to crown the lower teeth is understandable, as preparing lower teeth for crowns involves significant removal of tooth structure, and this can be a concern for long-term tooth health. Additionally, veneers are not advisable for individuals with bruxism, which is characterized by night grinding or daytime clenching, as they are more likely to experience damage to these restorations.
The chosen approach involved composite bonding, which is the use of white filling material on most of the front and sides of the teeth, often applied to multiple teeth to correct their shape and size. It's important to note that composite bonding is an irreversible procedure, and it will require regular maintenance to maintain its polish and shine. Over time, composite bonding is at risk of issues like chipping, fracture, discoloration, margin breakdown, and may need to be refurbished or redone every 4-5 years.
Composite bonding can serve as a precursor to other definitive treatments. It allows the dentist and patient to assess the aesthetics and the bite, which can be crucial in planning a comprehensive full mouth rehabilitation. In this case, the decision to use composite bonding, in conjunction with a mouthguard and a change in the patient's biting habits, represents a practical compromise to achieve the desired outcomes while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. It's a thoughtful and patient-centered approach to dental care.
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Patient's Treatment in Full Mouth Rehabilitation:
The patient's treatment was a part of a full mouth rehabilitation, implying a comprehensive approach to address dental issues affecting both the upper and lower arches.
Full mouth rehabilitation typically involves restoring or enhancing the teeth in both arches to improve functionality, appearance, and overall oral health.
Reasons for Composite Bonding:
The treatment decisions in this case were influenced by the dentist's philosophy, particularly regarding lower teeth crowns.
The dentist expressed concerns about crowning lower teeth, as preparing them for crowns involves significant reduction of tooth structure, which can compromise the long-term health of the teeth.
Veneers were not advisable for this patient due to bruxism (night grinding or daytime clenching), which can put excessive force on the restorations, increasing the risk of damage and failure.
Use of Composite Bonding:
In this case, composite bonding was chosen as a treatment option. Composite bonding typically involves using white filling material on the front and sides of the teeth to correct their shape and size.
Composite bonding is a non-reversible procedure and requires maintenance to retain its appearance and function. This maintenance includes yearly assessments to ensure the polish and shine are maintained.
Composite bonding is susceptible to several issues, including chipping, fracture, discoloration, margin breakdown, and may require refurbishing or replacement every 4-5 years.
Composite bonding can be used as a preliminary treatment to assess aesthetics and occlusion (bite) before more definitive procedures are performed.
Protection for Composite Bonding:
A mouth guard was used as part of the patient's treatment to protect the composite bondings, especially in the presence of bruxism.
Changes in the biting pattern were introduced to minimize the forces exerted on the lower teeth with composite bonding.
This case illustrates the dentist's approach to treatment, emphasizing the potential risks and long-term consequences associated with various treatment options. In this case, composite bonding was chosen as a conservative approach, and measures were taken to ensure its longevity and durability in the presence of bruxism. The dentist highlighted the importance of regular maintenance for composite bonding to address common issues that may arise over time.