A case of improvement by occlusal reconstruction for esthetic and masticatory disorders caused by dental erosion

Patient: An 87-year-old man presented with difficulty in mastication and problems related to dental esthetics. Intraoral examination revealed a decreased occlusal vertical dimension due to dental erosion, which was thought to be caused by reflux esophagitis. After an occlusal appliance and provisional restorations were provided and adjusted, the final prosthesis was fabricated in harmony with jaw movement based on information obtained from the provisional restorations, and occlusal reconstruction was successfully performed.Discussion: Since the morphology and occlusal relation of the provisional restorations were reproduced in the final prosthesis, the final crown prosthesis was in harmony with jaw movement.Conclusion: This case of occlusal reconstruction in a patient with masticatory and esthetic disorders suggests that occlusal appliances and provisional restorations are effective for determining the morphology of the final prosthesis.