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Conclusion
Prosthetic tooth repositioning is a viable treatment option
for select malocclusions that require esthetic and functional
correction. The stability of these cases has been shown
clinically when proper guidelines have been followed. Some
specialists have editorialized that this type of treatment is a
“quick-fix cop-out,” arguing that patients should be talked
into the ortho/surgical approach for these types of cases. It
is important to note that crowded dentition is very difficult
to clean, which can pose a challenge to maintaining proper
periodontal health, so it is very common to see these patients
with chronic marginal and interproximal gingivitis and, in
later years, full-blown periodontitis when these problems
are not addressed and corrected. Therefore, it is important
to emphasize to patients that these corrections, no matter
how they are accomplished, are needed for dental health
reasons as much as they are for esthetic correction. Just ask
these patients if the sacrifice of a little more tooth structure
versus the more “conservative” surgical approach was worth
it for them. It is always best to present all of the treatment
options and let patients help decide the course of treatment
that best suits their needs. CM
Prosthetic tooth
repositioning is a viable
treatment option for select
malocclusions that require
esthetic and functional
correction. The stability
of these cases has been
shown clinically when
proper guidelines have
been followed.
Dr. Robert Lowe is in private practice in Charlotte, N.C. He also lectures internationally
and publishes on esthetic and restorative dentistry. Contact him at
boblowedds@aol.com or 704-450-3321.
Acknowledgement
The author would like to acknowledge the ceramic artistry of William “CK”
Kim, CDT, of Yes Dental Lab in Case #1; Mike Felgenhauer, CDT, of Dental Arts
Precision Laboratory in Case #2; and Nadar Hedeshi, CDT, in Case #3.
62 www.chairsidemagazine.com