Case3DB
C is a working professional in his early 40s. He grinds his teeth unconsciously. This has resulted in wearing and shortening of all his teeth. One of his molar teeth was so worn that nerve was exposed. He needed root canal treatment to relieve pain. As he travels frequently for work, all treatment had to be well coordinated. The goal of his treatment is to restore his teeth to normal length and to protect worn teeth and to design a bite that is not damaging. Treatment sequence: Crown all upper teeth and selected lower teeth Treatment duration: 1 month
DB001
Patient smile line showed short lower face and strong cheek muscle indicative of overactive chewing or bruxing.
DB002
Upper front teeth are much shorter than lower front teeth. They are in
DB002A
Bruxism is a term used to describe hyperactivity of the jaw muscles which bring teeth together at times other than eating and chewing.
DB002B
During normal function, upper and lower teeth only come into contact for 15 minutes in 24 hours.
DB003
The upper front teeth are so worn that dentine was exposed. During bruxing, teeth come together for hours. In
DB004
The lower front teeth were mildly affected. However, the molars had repeated history of lost fillings---another signs of bruxism.
DB005
Patient facial proportion was restored.
DB006
The upper front teeth now overlap the lower front teeth so that they are protected from the bruxing forces.
DB006A
Natural appearance of crowns
DB006B
Side view of bite
DB007
The molar teeth were replaced with gold crowns because gold being a soft metal, can adapt to changes in bite. It can be worked to very fine thickness.
DB008
Lower molars were restored with gold onlays.
DB009
Upper front teeth were replaced with porcelain fused to high-precious metal crowns for cosmetic results
