Gingival Shaping With Temporary Crowns

The patient was a 35-year-old female who visited the dentist because the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns of her upper anterior teeth affected the aesthetics, and full ceramic crown restoration was planned. Upon examination, the gingiva of the affected teeth was healthy, but the positions and shapes of the gingival margins of the bilateral upper anterior teeth were asymmetrical, which was not conducive to the aesthetics of the subsequent restorations. During the treatment, routine dental preparation was first performed on the affected teeth, and then temporary crowns were fabricated and inserted. Through fine adjustment of the edge positions and thicknesses of the temporary crowns, the gingiva was pushed and shaped by the continuous and gentle pressure exerted by the temporary crowns. Within the two weeks of wearing the temporary crowns, the patient had regular follow-up visits to observe the changes in the gingiva.The results showed that the gingiva was gradually guided to the ideal position and shape. After the restoration was completed, the bilateral gingival contours were symmetrical, the aesthetic effect was excellent, and the patient was satisfied. After continuous observation for four years, the position and shape of the gingival margin remained stable. This case indicates that gingival shaping with temporary crowns is an effective and relatively easy-to-operate method, and it has a stable long-term effect, which is of great significance for improving the restoration effect.