Digital Occlusal Transfer For Precise Reconstruction In Severe Tooth Wear

While digital technology is increasingly integrated into dentistry, precise occlusal transfer remains a critical hurdle for clinicians during occlusal reconstruction. This case report details the complete occlusal reconstruction process for a patient with severe tooth wear. A personalized matching bow was developed for occlusal transfer, achieving successful reconstruction of the patient's vertical dimension and excellent functional and esthetic outcomes. We presented a 64-year-old male patient with severe generalized tooth wear attributed to parafunctional habits. After periodontal and endodontic treatment, occlusal reconstruction started with a 3-month occlusal plate period, with reviews every two weeks, preceding the diagnostic provisional restorations. A two-stage segmented silicone guide plate technique was utilized for intraoral fabrication of provisional restorations in segments, preventing guide plate subsidence. 1 month later, a personalized matching bow was designed based on the dentition after anterior teeth preparation. Utilizing this bow, a precise, step-wise matching process was performed. The matching bow was used to sequentially match models of: provisional restorations, the anterior teeth prepared dentition, and the fully prepared dentition. This process enabled the accurate transfer of vertical dimension of occlusion. Combining precisely recorded occlusal parameters with minimally invasive preparation and adhesive restoration, the final restorations achieved satisfactory esthetic and functional reconstruction. Severe tooth wear necessitated restorative treatment under minimally invasive principles. The matching bow innovatively ensured precise occlusal transfer, mitigating potential inaccuracies of traditional articulator cross-mounting. Precise occlusal transfer in full-arch reconstruction is achieved by digital matching bow technology, improving accuracy significantly.