The Sandwich Technique
In case of severe dental erosion, the palatal aspect of the maxillary anterior teeth is severely affected by the destructive combination of erosion and attrition, which leads to a substantial loss of tooth structure.
After the loss of enamel, the exposed dentin is subject to accelerated wear, which leads to a pronounced concave morphology, and frequently, to weakening and fracturing the incisal edges.
Patients often are unaware of this palatal destruction, and they remark only the shortening of the incisal egdes. Preparing such teeth for crowns will complete the destruction initiated by the erosive process. Not infrequently, elective endodontic treatment will be necessary, and posts will then be used to assure retention of the final crowns.
To avoid aggressive treatments on the one hand and to keep teeth vital on the other hand, an innovative approach is offered in our clinic.
This minimally invasive treatment concept consists of reconstructing the palatal aspect with resin composite (palatal veneers) first, and restoring the facial aspect with ceramic veneers in a second moment.
The final outcome is reached by the most conservative approach possible, as the remaining tooth structure is preserved and located in the center between two different restorations. That is why is caused "the Sandwich Technique".
