Occlusal rehabilitation of posterior fixed prostheses: A clinical report

Abstract

Masticatory function is more important than esthetics in posterior fixed restoration. The usual technique-mounting the casts on a semi-adjustable articulator, etc. -cannot make all patients satisfied with their restorations. For example, functionally generated path technique can be an easier and more satisfactory method in the restoration of group function. These clinical reports describe various approaches for occlusal restoration of relatively simple posterior fixed protheses according to patients occlusal patterns. The 3-unit bridge restoration is one of the most popular treatment options in prosthodontics. Because dentists have much experiences of it, they restore a missing span of one tooth mechanically, that is, without special consideration. While esthetics is important in making an anterior 3-unit fixed prostheses, mastication is more focused on in posterior 3-unit bridge restoration. Many dentists are concerned about various aspects in esthetics, such as morphology of the tooth, value, chroma, hue, translucency, surface texture, etc. But they do not usually consider various methods to restore occlusion. They treat one-tooth-missing area in a similar way in spite of patients having variety of occlusal patterns. Three cases are presented here in 3 or 4-unit bridge restoration. They show some methods to restore patients' occlusal patterns.