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cosmetic dentistry_ beauty & science

22 I I industry report _ TMJ QuickSplint Fig. 1_Immediately post-delivery of ten restorations. Fig. 2_The TMJ QuickSplint device before use. Fig. 3_The TMJ QuickSplint with impression and trimming. cosmeticdentistry 1_2013 _Any clinician who practises aesthetic or reconstructive dentistry knows the challenges of predictably executing multi-unit anterior den- tal cases. From acquiring proper and repeatable bite records to protecting provisional and final restorations, anterior bite plane devices (depro- grammers) are a useful tool when integrated into your protocol. Research has shown that when posterior teeth are prevented from contact, the overall mastica- tion forces are reduced by up to 70 per cent. This protectivefeedbackmechanismisbothbeneficial to teeth and can relieve uncomfortable muscle pain resulting from overuse and spasms caused by excessive contraction. Forthisreason,someprovidersregardanterior bite plane devices as the perfect first-line treat- ment for acute temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction. Most of the time, patients present for anterior reconstruction due to worn anterior incisal edges and/or abraded posterior dentition. This condi- tion is most commonly associated with night- time bruxing habits (sleep bruxism). Over time, sleep bruxism can cause aesthetically displeasing results, with loss of anterior guidance, occlusal Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Improving success with your cosmetic cases using theTMJ QuickSplint Author_Dr John F. Weston, USA Fig. 1