Clinical and technical aspects of occlusal reconstruction in oral rehabilitation

Abstract

Two basic occlusion schemes that can be used for the oral rehabilitation of patients following extensive tooth tissue loss are discussed. Irrespective of using a conformative or a reorganised occlusion approach, accurate and reproducible jaw registrations and the correct transfer of the occlusal records to the working casts for mounting on a semi-adjustable articulator are essential. In patients who require oral rehabilitation at a re-established occlusal vertical dimension, a multidisciplinary approach is often advisable. Adjunctive orthodontic treatment can facilitate the subsequent prosthodontic treatments and also allow a more minimally invasive approach to be considered, such as the use of adhesive retainers for fixed partial dentures. Conservation of sound tooth tissue by using dental implants can also optimise the functional and aesthetic results. Careful sequential occlusal reconstruction procedures are required for successful oral rehabilitation. This is a review article.