The evaluation of direct composite restorations for the worn mandibular anterior dentition - clinical performance and patient satisfaction

summary This prospective split‐mouth clinical trial evaluated the performance and patient satisfaction of 168 Herculite XRV direct composite restorations bonded to the worn anterior dentition of 18 patients with localized anterior tooth surface loss. One hundred and six of these restorations were placed on the mandibular anterior teeth. The restorations increased the anterior occlusal vertical dimension between 0·5 and 5 mm and the posterior occlusal contacts were restored after a mean duration of 6·2 months (range: 3–13 months) in 14 out of the 15 ‘Dahl’ sub‐group patients. The restorations were evaluated after 2·5 years of service by five examiners. Four patients and 23 mandibular restorations were lost to follow‐up. Multiple clinical and restorative variables were assessed to determine their influence on restoration performance. Complete failure occurred in 6% of the restorations. Circumferential preparation and height of the restorative addition did not influence the performance of the restorations. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess the patient's opinion regarding sensitivity, aesthetics, longevity and function of the worn mandibular anterior teeth. A statistically significant difference (95% CI) was found between the pre‐operative and 1‐month review VAS responses for aesthetics and longevity and this was maintained at the 2·5‐year review. Direct composite restorations placed at an increased occlusal vertical dimension are a simple and time‐efficient method of managing the worn mandibular anterior dentition. Patient's acceptance and adaptation to the technique is good and the results are accompanied with a high level of patient satisfaction that is maintained for the medium‐term.