The functional and aesthetic reconstruction of tetracycline stained teeth with a virtual articulator in a CAD/CAM system

To investigate the reliability of using virtual articulator in the fabrication of zirconia crowns for tetracycline discolored teeth.

To treat the patient with serious tetracycline stained teeth, we use zirconia crowns to shield the stained abutment teeth. To retain the characteristics of patient′s original occlusal contacts, meanwhile, to establish a stable and evenly distributed occlusal contacts, we recorded the functional movements of the patient′s jaw before preparing the teeth and transferred this relations to a physical articulator. Afterwards, relationship of the upper and lower arches was scanned through a specified fixature. Then we can customized the fabrication of the occlusal contacts of the restorations conveniently and efficiently with virtual articulator in CAD/CAM system.

When the final restorations were inserted , a charming smile was achieved on patient′s face with satisfactory esthetics. With the application of virtual articulator in designing process, we made evenly distributed and stable bilateral occlusal contacting spots, smooth protrusive and lateral guidance on the lingual aspects of the upper anteriors. One year follow-up, this patient was observed in good oral hygiene, and was satisfied with her esthetic and functional outcome. The soft tissue around the restorations was assessed to be healthy and no signs of inflammation.

Applying the virtual articulator kits in CAD/CAM system in designing and fabricating the function-driven restorations could be an efficient way to obtain an satisfactory long-term outcome.