Versatile Provisional Material Generates Durable, Highly Esthetic Results

Jack Ringer, DDS

The placement of anterior and posterior provisional restorations presents two very different challenges for dentists. With dentistry becoming increasingly specialized, having to use different materials for different procedures can create inventory and financial management challenges as well. Fortunately, the author has found a bis-acrylic provisional material that works exceptionally well for both anterior and posterior restorations. Luxatemp^® Ultra (DMG America, dmg-america.com) is not only versatile but capable of generating beautiful, stable esthetics, is durable and long lasting, and allows provisional restorations to be produced in an efficient and predictable manner. A key advantage of Luxatemp Ultra, particularly in anterior restorations, is that it facilitates extremely lifelike esthetics and color stability. The material is significantly less porous and much smoother than other provisional materials and polishes exceptionally well to deliver superb fluorescence. The case presented demonstrates an anterior provisional restoration in which the practitioner was able to create an accurate esthetic preview of the patient's desired final outcome while still being stable, efficiently constructed, and comfortable for the patient. This was readily accomplished utilizing an armamentarium of materials that included impression putty, a non-etching adhesive, Luxatemp Ultra bis-acrylic provisional material, and a flowable composite.

Versatile provisional material-Luxatemp Ultra meets all criteria for provisional restorations, featuring excellent flexural strength for stability, break resistance, and long-term durability, as well as remarkably lifelike esthetics and color stability.

Benefits for both anterior and posterior-Featuring unique nanotechnology, Luxatemp Ultra can be used in both anterior and posterior provisional restorations, delivering precise fit, fast curing, easy cutting and handling, and greater clinician control.

Natural-appearing provisionals-The material's fluorescence is similar to that of a natural tooth, and six different shades afford dentists ample options to create a harmonious, particularly beautiful, natural-looking provisional restoration.

Jack Ringer, DDS
Private Practice
Anaheim Hills, California
Fellow
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Figures and Images

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Figure 1

Fig 1. Preoperative full-face view of patient who presented with old, failing, highly unesthetic restorations on her upper and lower anterior arches. Her request was to phase her therapy and replace the restorations for teeth Nos. 5 through 12 initially, and at a later date correct the lower arch.

Figure 2

Fig 2. Close-up preoperative smile view.

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Fig 3. Preoperative retracted view.

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Fig 4. A wax-up of the desired smile was developed.

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Fig 5. Putty stint made with Honigum (DMG America) impression material was molded onto the waxed-up teeth Nos. 5 through 12 and extended to one to two teeth on either side.mm of tooth and incisal papillae.

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Fig 6. Prepared teeth, retracted view. After the teeth were prepared, a thin layer of adhesive (LuxaBond Total Etch, DMG) was placed on them and light-cured. Fig 7. Next, the putty stint was tried-in intraorally.

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Fig 7. Next, the putty stint was tried-in intraorally.

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Fig 8. Then, the desired shade of Luxatemp Ultra provisional material was placed into the stint.

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Fig 9. The stint was then placed onto the prepared teeth, as shown. Before the Luxatemp Ultra material sets, all excess material will be wiped away to expose the 1 mm to 2 mm of teeth and incisal papillae.

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Fig 10. After the Luxatemp Ultra material had set, the stint was removed. Except for the gingivally exposed areas, the provisional should look just like the design.

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Fig 11. At this point a lower value of flowable composite (LuxaFlow, DMG) was painted onto the gingival areas of the exposed teeth, light-cured, then trimmed and polished. This allowed the provisional to have a polychromatic appearance. Also, because the LuxaFlow can be easily and accurately painted, it can be kept away from the soft tissue, helping to prevent unnecessary trauma to the tissue during the final clean-up and polishing.

Figure 12

Fig 12. Final provisional after finishing, smile view.

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Fig 13. Final provisional after finishing, full-face view. The technique was efficient and inexpensive and generated an extremely pleasing esthetic result.