Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
Why would you place a provisional restoration for this anterior bridge case?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Esthetics (the patient cannot be left without anterior teeth)
- A. Correct. For an ANTERIOR case, esthetics is a leading reason for a provisional — the patient cannot go without visible front teeth while the lab fabricates the definitive bridge. (Provisionals also protect the prepared/pulpal tissue, maintain tooth position, and preserve gingival contours/periodontal health — all legitimate functions.)
- B. Provisionals are designed to MAINTAIN tooth position and prevent drift, not to extrude teeth.
- C. A provisional is interim only; it never replaces the definitive restoration.
- D. Provisionals are cemented with TEMPORARY cement so they can be removed; they are not permanently cemented.
Note: Multiple provisional functions are defensible (pulp protection, periodontal/positional maintenance). For an anterior case the patient-facing reason emphasized is esthetics.
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