Removable Prosthodontics for the Management of Severe Toothwear

Abstract

Toothwear is becoming increasingly more common for dentists to manage as the population is maintaining its teeth for longer. A large proportion of cases can be managed by means of adhesive dentistry in conjunction with preventive advice. There are, however, patients with severe toothwear alone, or toothwear in conjunction with missing teeth, which would be best served with a removable prosthodontic approach. This is particularly the case where dental implants are not indicated or appropriate. This article illustrates the use of removable prosthodontics for the management of toothwear and highlights the importance of these restorations in certain cases. It also considers the supportive programme required to ensure success of this treatment modality. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Toothwear is a prevalent dental problem that cannot always be addressed with an adhesive restorative or fixed prosthodontic approach, particularly when the toothwear is severe and or in combination with existing missing teeth.