Provisional Crowns and Bridges Crystal Lake Dental Associates
What are Provisionals?
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Provisionals
Provisional crowns and bridges also called prototype or long term temporary crowns and bridges are used to test a change in the smile, bite or both for a patient. . This is standard practice when making significant changes to a patient’s smile or bite. We can change the color, size, position and shape of teeth. With provisionals, a patient has an opportunity to wear them for them weeks or months and determine if the new teeth look good, are comfortable and function properly during speech and eating. Patients can check with friends and family to make sure the new smile is great as well. We call this the “test drive”. Provisionals can be modified as needed during this trial time. Once the patient and dentist are satisfied, the provisionals, are used as a template for the final restorations.
How are Provisionals made?
Depending on the situation. there are a few different ways that provisionals can be made. The first method is where the dentist does a mock-up directly on the teeth with a tooth colored composite. This shows a patient the proposed changes immediately. A second method is to make models of the patient’s teeth and have the lab make the proposed changes in wax on the models and view them. Once approved, the lab creates plastic provisionals from the model to be cemented on the prepared teeth. One additional method is a variation where the new waxed model is used to create a form that is used by the dentist to fill with composite and bond over the teeth. In the end, the patient will be either wearing bonded on composite material, or cemented on plastic provisionals. If it is anticipated the provisionals will be in place for a long time, they can be made out of a special long lasting plastic or reinforced.
Are there other uses for Provisionals?
Provisional have many other uses and are quite versatile. They can be used to stabilize loose teeth while healing, and stabilize orthodontic appliances
Dr. Neal answers all of your questions about smile make-overs and provisional restorations at Crystal Lake Dental Associates.
