Full Mouth Reconstruction
This is a rare picture where I am smiling really big showing my teeth back in 2003, Those are my babies. One will be 25 this year and the other will turn 23 next year. I was still a young man but already I was experiencing collapse of my vertical dimension of occlusion due to an edge to edge relationship between my upper and lower jaws. I never had braces and my teeth were silently wearing down as my knowledge of teeth and dentistry was increasing at The University of Southern California school of dentistry.
Fast forward to 2018 and I was experiencing sensitivity when I would brush the facial surfaces of my upper canines due to abfraction lesions that were forming. I basically had no cusps left on my lower posterior teeth and I knew something had to be done.
This is the only detailed photo that I can find of my teeth. The hygiene is embarassing to me but I remember taking this photo and it was a moment where I'd had enough of being embarassed of my teeth and I had been drinking some wine. This was the first step of my full mouth reconstruction (FMR). It is difficult to see but if you look up by my gums you can see the abfraction lesions where basically there is no enamel left and The sensitive dentin is exposed. We rarely had soda when I was little so I place most of this to clenching and grinding on teeth that never lined up properly. My canines were working overtime, and the effects are clearly seen in two or so mm of enamel wore clean off.
A wax up was made over my existing teeth to provide a guide for where my new bite would be or another way of saying that is my predicted vertical dimension. My upper and lower jaws were replicated onto casts and mounted on an adjustable articulator so I could see if I liked the aesthetics and evaluated for lots of other things too. Like for instance, the relationship between my front teeth top and bottom and what that looks like when I will be chewing. I did not like the aesthetics but I trusted my abilities to adjust the looks of my temporary.
Then by taking an impression of my wax up I fabricated my temporary teeth and adjusted my bite. This is a critical time in this process where patients may or may not respond well to the restored or enhanced vertical dimension. In some cases (older patients) I am restoring the vertical dimension back to where it was approximately when they were 14 and in my case where it was before I clenched and grinded all my enamel off.
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I had quite a few temps while I worked on perfecting the preparations for my crowns. I will show you a few of them below. As you can see I had some fun with it.
Once in my temps I could change the vertical dimension and also change the shapes and sizes of the teeth to see what I liked, Once I had what I wanted I did a digital scan and had them made in zirconia and cemented them permanently. Even in the temps I noticed a change in my confidence. I look through the pictures in my phone and I am rarely smiling big where my teeth can be seen. I used to be paranoid people would notice my teeth or the camera would show how yellow and worn they were. Now I smile and show my teeth with confidence. I learned to smile at the age of 46.
Full mouth reconstruction is a complex dental procedure that should not be underestimated, as it entails both a substantial financial investment and a significant amount of time spent in the dental chair. However, despite the potential drawbacks, the benefits that this procedure offers to those who truly need it are unparalleled and deserve further exploration.
- In my dental office the first step is a very careful evaluation of every patient for potential risks. This is a careful evaluation of the patients teeth wear, diet, health history, oral anatomy, maxilla and mandible and very important is a careful evaluation of the Temperomandibular Joint (TMJ) for disfunction or destruction of the articular disk. Are you bored yet?
Full mouth reconstruction can help prevent further dental complications in the future. By addressing existing problems comprehensively, this procedure minimizes the risk of developing additional oral issues down the line. It serves as a proactive approach to dental care, ensuring that patients can maintain their oral health and avoid more invasive and costly treatments in the future.
First and foremost, full mouth reconstruction is a comprehensive treatment that aims to address various dental issues simultaneously. Whether it's missing teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, or misaligned jaws, this procedure tackles all of these concerns in one go. By doing so, it not only improves the aesthetic appearance of the patient's smile but also enhances their overall oral health, leading to a better quality of life.
Moreover, full mouth reconstruction provides individuals with a renewed sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. Dental problems can greatly impact a person's self-image, causing them to feel embarrassed or insecure about their smile. However, through this transformative procedure, patients can regain their ability to smile freely and without reservation, ultimately boosting their self-assurance and allowing them to fully engage in social interactions.
Furthermore, full mouth reconstruction can significantly improve a person's oral functionality. Issues such as missing teeth or misaligned jaws can make it difficult to chew properly, leading to discomfort and even malnutrition. By addressing these concerns, this procedure allows individuals to enjoy a wider range of food choices and ensures that they can properly nourish their bodies, thus promoting overall health and well-being.
Lastly, although full mouth reconstruction may require a significant investment of time and money, it is important to remember that the benefits it provides are long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, the results of this procedure can endure for many years to come, allowing individuals to enjoy the positive effects of their restored oral health and improved smile for an extended period.
In conclusion, while full mouth reconstruction may come with its fair share of challenges, the advantages it offers to those in need are vast and undeniable. From addressing multiple dental issues at once to enhancing aesthetics, boosting self-confidence, improving oral functionality, preventing future complications, and providing long-lasting results, this transformative procedure truly has a profound impact on the lives of individuals. So, if you are ready to change your life by addressing your smile give me a call or text and lets make a plan. 818 881 2333
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas Rennaker