The use of a diagnostic wax set-up in aesthetic cases involving crown lengthening--a case report.

UNLABELLED

Crown-lengthening surgery (CLS) consists of recontouring and repositioning the gingival margin as well as the alveolar crest. This technique results in the increase of the clinical crown height of teeth, which can consequently be advantageous in terms of improving retention and resistance, as well as aesthetics.The aim of this article is to demonstrate the uses of the diagnostic wax set-up and the subsequent production of surgical stents and templates to provide the patient with an initial intra-oral diagnostic mock-up for the process of obtaining consent, as well as acting as a useful guide for gingival and osseous recontouring in order to achieve a predictable, healthy and stable dento-gingival complex with pleasing aesthetics.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of a well made diagnostic wax-up can provide valuable information to the dentist, laboratory, and patient which can be otherwise difficult to communicate.