Temporary But Dependable

Provisional materials are key in the fabrication of temporary fixed restorations to produce a variety of crowns, bridges, and veneers. Although CAD/CAM technology allows for the placement of final restorations in a single visit, provisional materials are still necessary in many circumstances.

No matter which material a clinician decides to use, all provisional materials must preserve and protect the underlying dentition.¹ A provisional restoration should seal a tooth while protecting the pulp from bacteria and reducing sensitivity.¹ It also maintains the occlusal space and contact points.¹

Temporary materials also help seal against bacteria, prevent seepage of intracanal medicaments, insulate pulpal tissue, and reproduce tooth contours.¹ Biocompatibility, esthetics, fracture resistance, ease of fabrication, shape and polishability, and a short setting time are all desirable characteristics for provisional materials.²

Traditional temporary materials were manufactured using methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, or vinyl ethyl methacrylate.² More modern provisionals are fabricated using bis-acryl materials and CAD/CAM-generated restorations.³ No matter which is used, clinicians have a variety of materials at their disposal. Here, we highlight some of the industry’s provisional materials.

References

1. Warrier D, A review on temporary restorative materials. International Journal of Pharma Sciences and Research. 2016;7(7):315-319. http://www.ijpsr.info/docs/IJPSR16-07-07-009.pdf.
2. Bakeman EM. Chairside fabricated long-term provisional restorations. Dentistry Today. February 1, 2019. Accessed October 10, 2021. https://www.dentistrytoday.com/chairside-fabricated-long-term-provisional-restorations/
3. Perry R, Magnuson B.Provisional materials. Inside Dentistry. 2014;10(4). Accessed October 11, 2021. https://www.aegisdentalnetwork.com/id/2014/04/provisional-materials