Pre-orthodontic Provisionalization (POP): A 3-D Blueprint for Communication

One of the most common interdisciplinary cases that presents to the dentist’s/orthodontist’s office is a patient who has experienced wear of their dentition. Historically, dentists have referred these patients to orthodontists requesting intrusion of the worn teeth so that vertical space for restorations can be created. In this traditional method, pure intrusion forces are required, and a guessing game exists regarding the precise amount intrusion of the maxillary and mandibular teeth that is ideal for that patient. This creates a nebulous orthodontic goal, and neither the orthodontist nor the dentist is confident that the ideal amount of intrusion has been accomplished in each arch. Furthermore, if wear is present on the anterior dentition, then the patient must experience an anterior open bite as teeth are intruded, resulting in compromised esthetics, chewing, and enunciation.