ORTHODONTIC RETAINER MODIFIED AS PROVISIONAL RESTORATION

Tribal people constitute 8.3% of nation's total population, which is over 84 million according to 2001 census. Due to many factors these people face many problems including illiteracy, isolation and inadequate health facilities. By reviewing the literature it was observed that these people are characterised by dental caries as well as unmet treatment needs. Accessibility to healthcare and socioeconomic status could be the reason for these unmet needs. This study describes a means of replacing a missing teeth immediately until the patient can place a permanent prosthesis. Vacuum formed retainers are extensively used in Orthodontics after xed Orthodontic treatment. Patients with a history of traumatic tooth loss and the desire to improve esthetics often undergo multidisciplinary treatment. Loss of teeth especially in the anterior region is an unesthetic condition which can also alter pronunciation making the patient uncomfortable in social situations. Replacement of missing teeth immediately is not always possible due to local, systemic and economical factors. Variety of options for provisional replacement of teeth are available which may require tooth preparation of adjacent teeth. One method to replace the missing tooth without any need of preparation is by using the Vacuum formed retainer. This article describes a patient rehabilitated with the help of Vacuum formed retainer after xed orthodontic treatment before placement of implant.