Tooth wear is a frequent pathology with multifactorial origins. Behavioral changes, unbalanced diet, various medications or medical conditions inducing acid regurgitation trigger tooth erosion. Awake and sleep bruxism, widely spread parafunctional disorders, induce attrition. The growing incidence of aforementioned pathologies mandates early diagnosis of tooth wear so that proper preventive or at least interceptive measures are taken. Without proper decisional process, patients risk to remain untreated until they suffer from more severe tooth wear and need to undergo complex, expensive and potentially more invasive rehabilitation. 

The concept of “Interceptive Treatment of Tooth Wear” aims to the same objectives as traditional prosthetic rehabilitations (i.e.: increasing VDO, improving anterior guidance and esthetics) but reducing or even avoiding any additional tooth preparation. Resin composites are chiefly used (although not exclusively) for such treatments, applying various clinical protocols, depending on each patient and tooth specific bio-functional & mechanical status. Based on the new Smile Line and Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) as defined by a diagnostic waxup made on articulated casts, combinations of direct (free-hand or partial or full molding), shell technique (molding in the laboratory) and also sometimes indirect restorations (using composite resins or monolithic high-strength ceramics) will allow us to re-establish proper anatomy, function and aesthetics following a highly selective and detailed treatment approach.   

1.   Learn how to build up and manage a clear index made from a waxup that will be used for the restorative molding protocol, following a no prep approach 

2. Discuss the pros & cons of a direct technique in building the functional surfaces of anterior & posterior worn teeth 

3. Present clinical data and evidences about the medium and long-term use of composite to treat tooth wear using true no-prep/minimally invasive approach