CAD/CAM-generated high-density polymer restorations for the pretreatment of complex cases: A case report

Complex rehabilitations represent a particular challenge for the restorative team, especially if the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) needs to be reconstructed or redefined. The use of provisional acrylic or composite materials allows clinicians to evaluate the treatment objective over a certain period of time and therefore generates a high predictability of the definitive rehabilitation in terms of esthetics and function. CAD/CAM technology enables the use of prefabricated polymer materials, which are fabricated under industrial conditions to form a highly homogeneous structure compared with those of direct fabrication. This increases long-term stability, biocompatibility, and resistance to wear. Furthermore, they offer more suitable CAD/CAM processing characteristics and can be used in thinner thicknesses than ceramic restorative materials. Also, based on the improved long-term stability, the transfer into the definitive restoration can be divided into multiple treatment steps. This article presents different clinical cases with minimally invasive indications for CAD/CAM-fabricated temporary restorations for the pretreatment of complex cases. Keywords: CAD/CAM manufacturing, complex rehabilitations, esthetic evaluation, functional evaluation, high-density polymers, provisional restorations, vertical dimension of occlusion