LONG-TERM REINFORCED FIXED PROVISIONAL RESTORATIONS

Extensive prosthodontic treatment often requires fabrication of long-t erm provisional restorations. Numerous materials and techniques have b een described for prolonged insertion of interim restorations. This ar ticle describes a procedure for fabrication of long-term reinforced he at-processed provisional restorations based on a diagnostic wax-up. Re inforced heat-processed provisional restorations reduced flexure, whic h minimizes progressive loss of cement and diminished the possibility of recurrent decay. Occlusal stability and vertical dimension were mai ntained because of greater wear resistance. Occlusion, tooth contours, and pontic design developed in the provisional restoration were dupli cated in the definitive restoration. The use of a matrix from a diagno stic wax-up facilitated fabrication of the prosthesis, and made the pr ocedure less time-consuming and more predictable.