Introduction
Creating a beautiful smile for a patient is extremely rewarding for the dentist as well as for the team, and this should never be taken for granted. We are blessed with the ability to change someone’s self esteem, confidence and, possibly, the course of their life.

The case presented here was featured on the cover of the Spring 2008 issue of The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry. While it was quite challenging, I will never forget this case,, as it changed the life of a recovering bulimia patient. Eating disorders affect approximately seven million people in the United States. Although I have seen the effects of bulimia on the dentition previously, never have I witnessed it to this extent.

The patient was diagnosed with loss of vertical dimension as a direct result of bulimia and bruxism.

Patient History
The patient, a 30-year-old female, wanted to improve her smile and to address the constant fracturing of her teeth. Although it was difficult for her to discuss, she told me about her history of bulimia and that after a long struggle, she is now recovered. She was ready not only to change her smile, but also to see what could be done about her “collapsing” face, as she put it. She confessed that her unwillingness to smile was affecting her socially and that she always covered her mouth when she laughed (Fig 1).

Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis
After performing a thorough clinical examination, I noted a severely worn dentition, widespread abfraction lesions, and multiple fractured teeth and restorations. The palatal surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth were completely eroded and devoid of enamel, as is typically seen with bulimic patients (Figs 2 & 3). As expected, the patient’s teeth were very sensitive to temperature changes. Tooth #5 had been extracted due to a fractured root, and in its place was a successfully osseointegrated implant (Straumann USA; Andover, MA) that had been placed one year earlier. She had lost approximately 30% of the length of her central incisors due to attrition. Upon radiographic examination, no severe decay or pulpal pathology was evident. Periodontal probing depths were within normal limits.

The patient suffered f r o m many typical symptoms of temporomandibular disease (TMD), such as joint pain, severe headaches, tinnitus, and orofacial muscle pain with spasms.¹These symptoms were not surprising, as craniomandibular dysfunction is often seen with loss of vertical dimension. She was also a severe bruxer and said this provided her with relief. Due to this vertical loss, the lower third of her face was collapsed and disproportionate. The patient was diagnosed with loss of vertical dimension as a direct result of bulimia and bruxism; this was accompanied by multiple fractured, eroded teeth, and worn restorations. Additionally, the patient had facial asymmetry and multiple TMD symptoms due to craniomandibular dysfunction.²

She tolerated the orthotic well and felt much better with it in place.

Treatment Plan
Initially this case was overwhelming, as there were so many factors necessary to achieve a successful treatment outcome. After mounting and studying the casts, it was obvious that the patient’s vertical dimension had to be increased to a proper, comfortable position, which has been called the physiologic neuromuscular position.³ Once this position was determined, an orthotic appliance would be worn to verify that this proposed position was in fact well tolerated and that the TMD symptoms had decreased significantly. During the orthotic therapy phase, this appliance would be worn for a minimum of three months (for a minimum of 22 hours a day), to determine whether it would help before any permanent alteration of the patient’s teeth.

During this time, her condition would be evaluated for elimination of symptoms, proper occlusion, improvement in facial symmetry, esthetics, and acceptable phonetics. If we had not seen improvements during the orthotic phase, the first thing we would have looked at was compliance. If it had been determined that the patient was not wearing the appliance as instructed, or if the therapy had had to be extended beyond three months (due to inconsistent symptoms or an unstable bite position), we would have used a fixed orthotic appliance, which would have been fabricated to the same vertical dimension as the removable orthotic.⁴

The goal, for any clinician, is to find a position in which the patient’s symptoms are eliminated, or at least decreased significantly. The facial and dental esthetics also must be greatly enhanced. Although there is more than one way to find this physiologic position, in this case I objectively measured muscle activity by using electromyography (EMG) instrumentation (Myotronics-Noromed; Kent WA). This enabled me to locate the correct resting position for the mandible where the muscles are at rest, as well as the correct opening and closing trajectory.5 During the course of orthotic phase therapy, which can last several months to a year, the patient returns to verify the bite and evaluate symptoms several times. Once it is determined that the patient is comfortable, facial esthetics are improved, and the EMG muscle activity is verified to be physiologic, then the restoration phase can begin.^6,7

Treatment Discussion
The first step in this case was to determine how much to increase the patient’s vertical dimension. Once this position was determined, it was imperative to test and verify it; and, most importantly, to maintain it throughout the different phases of treatment. The treatment phases were as follows: Orthotic, preparation, temporization, and cementation.

Finding the Bite
To evaluate the state of the patient’s habitual bite position, we had to record and evaluate EMG readings of several muscle groups bilaterally (K7 instrumentation, Myotronics-Noromed). The muscle groups measured were the anterior and posterior temporalis muscles, the masseters, and the anterior digastrics. Electrodes were placed over these muscle groups and electromyographic recordings were made. High EMG readings represented a state of muscle hypertonicity and unrest. The goal was to find the occlusion where the muscles that control jaw position are in a relaxed state, and therefore are at their ideal resting length for optimal function and comfort.^8,9

To find a more optimal bite position, a series of diagnostic tests were performed. These included electrosonography to record and analyze joint sounds, electromyography to record and analyze muscle activity, and computerized mandibular scanning (CMS) to track and analyze jaw movements. It was determined that the patient’s habitual occlusion was in a muscular state of hyperactivity when at rest and in light centric occlusion (Fig 4). In order to relax her muscles, which were in a chronic spasmodic state, ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS) was applied using a myomonitor (Myotronics). The myomonitor stimulates cranial nerves V, VII, and XI to relieve hypertonicity, restore normal blood flow, and wash away toxic wastes such as lactic acid. This restores the muscles temporarily to a relaxed and normal resting length (Fig 5). These muscles become “deprogrammed,” and, by measuring their pre- and post-relaxation status, we are provided with precise and objective comparative data.^10,11 The details of all the tests performed during the three-hour diagnostic appointment are beyond the scope of this article.

The position at which this patient’s muscles were in their most relaxed state was captured by using a polyvinyl siloxane bite registration material (Regisil, Dentsply Caulk; Milford, DE). Impressions were then taken (Aquasil Ultra, Ivoclar Vivadent; Amherst, NY) and sent to the laboratory with the bite to fabricate a lower removable orthotic. Upon delivery of this appliance, I explained to the patient that it must be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day. Each follow-up visit always consisted of 45 minutes of TENS, followed by any necessary occlusal adjustments to the orthotic. The patient was seen at one-, two-, three-, four-, and sixweek intervals. She tolerated the orthotic well and felt much better with it in place; therefore, compliance was not an issue.^12,13

Once it was determined that the bite was stable and that symptoms were significantly reduced, EMG recordings were taken again to verify that the muscles were not hypertonic in this new position. In this case the EMG readings were more than satisfactory, and the patient’s headaches and other symptoms were reduced significantly. Therefore, I had great confidence as to where to restore her occlusion.¹⁴ Her bite was opened 4 mm. The next phase of treatment was the restorative phase.

Bite Management
(Laboratory Phase) Much effort was spent determining the proper physiologic position for this patient, and much care had to be taken in managing and maintaining this position throughout the course of treatment. Prior to the preparation appointment, new impressions were taken and sent to the laboratory, along with the actual adjusted orthotic to mount the case. In addition, three measurements were provided so that the laboratory could verify that the case was properly mounted. These measurements were taken with a digital Boley gauge. The areas measured were where the most apical areas of tooth surface intersect with the gingiva between teeth #8 and #25, #14 and #19, and #3 and #30 (Figs 6 & 7). In this situation, the dentist and the laboratory must measure in the exact same three locations throughout the course of treatment, so as to ensure accuracy and precision in maintaining the new vertical (Figs 8 & 9).

Once the laboratory mounted the casts with the adjusted orthotic in place and the three measurements were verified, a bite stent (Sil-Tech, Ivoclar Vivadent) was made, to be utilized during the preparation appointment to ensure accuracy in maintaining the new vertical dimension. The appliance was then immediately returned to the patient so that she could continue to wear it. The laboratory also was provided with detailed instructions concerning the smile design, including widths and lengths of anterior teeth, shapes, and proportions.¹⁵

Because the patient’s maxillary anterior teeth were short, it was determined that crown lengthening was necessary to support the restorations. Therefore, the proposed amount of hard and soft tissue removal was relayed to the laboratory so that they could compensate for the change in measurement in this area. With this information in hand, they waxed up the 28 teeth in the new position, taking into consideration the hard and soft tissue reduc-tion in the anterior; and once again verified the three measurements (Fig 10). From this wax-up, they prepared a temporization stent made f r o m Sil-Tech putty and relined with a light-body wash material (Aquasil XLV, Dentsply Caulk). This would be used to fabricate the 28 temporaries after tooth preparation, with the same vertical dimension and occlusion as the orthotic.

Bite Management
(Preparation Phase) Prior to the preparation appointment, I ensured that I received everything necessary f r o m the laboratory. First, I verified that the waxed-up models were consistent with the three measurements I had provided to the laboratory, by measuring the teeth in the exact same three locations. Second, I verified that I was satisfied with the smile design and occlusion. As this was to be a lengthy appointment, the clinical team met and reviewed procedures.

After the patient was seated, I verified the bite stent that had been made on her unprepared, mounted models by placing it in her mouth and having her close down on it. I again measured the same three locations and verified that those measurements were the same as they were with the orthotic in place (Fig 11). I was confident that all of my numbers were accurate, so it was time to begin preparing the teeth.

It was imperative not to lose control of the bite at any time during the preparation.

After anesthetizing the patient, the first step was to perform the soft and hard tissue crown lengthening in the maxillary anterior region to improve the length of her short clinical crowns. To accomplish this, I used an Er,Cr:YSGG hard/soft tissue laser (Waterlase, Biolase Technologies; Irvine, CA) and at the same time performed a frenectomy between the maxillary central incisors. Using this laser provided a predictable result and gave me a clean field within which to work. I removed 1.2 mm of tissue and therefore changed the location of my uppermost point for measurement after the crown lengthening. I had to adjust my number for verification f r o m this point on, in this area only¹⁶ (Fig 12).

It was imperative not to lose control of the bite at any time during the preparation. To help in maintaining this vertical dimension, I used the bite stent provided by the laboratory to sequentially reline it while I prepared one quadrant at a time. Beginning with the upper right quadrant, I prepared ##3-8, while leaving #2 unprepared to provide extra stability while I relined the bite stent. To register the bite, I sat the patient upright and placed a small amount of fast-setting bite registration material (Regisil Rigid) in the bite stent, being careful not to overfill it and to reline only the prepared teeth. This was then placed in the mouth with the patient biting into it. While the stent was in her mouth, the same three locations were measured again, remembering that the anterior area had a new measurement. If the measurements had not matched those taken previously it would have been necessary to repeat the reline, as the patient might have been biting incorrectly or the bite stent might not have been seated over the teeth properly.

Once it was determined that the measurements were correct, the stent was removed, trimmed, and set aside for the next quadrant. The same procedure was repeated for the upper left quadrant, preparing ##9-14 and leaving tooth #15 unprepared. This quadrant was then relined the same way. After the measurements were verified, I prepared #2 and #15 (Fig 13). This procedure was repeated for the bottom right quadrant and then the bottom left. A final check of the measurements was made and the bite stent was set aside to send to the laboratory along with final impressions. For these, I used a PVS heavy-body material and an extra-low viscosity wash material (Aquasil Ultra-heavy and XLV). A symmetry bite was also taken, indicating to the laboratory the proper occlusal plane and midline. Photographs of the preparations, which showed the measurements with the final bite stent seated and with the symmetry bite in place, were provided for the laboratory.

Temporization
The provisional restorations were fabricated using the temporary stents made f r o m the wax-up. The stents were filled with temporary material (Luxatemp shade B1, Zenith/DMG; Englewood, NJ) and placed over the maxillary prepared teeth. After three minutes the stent was removed, as was a small amount of flash. This procedure was repeated for the bottom teeth. Once the provisionals were in place, all three measurements were once again verified; at this time we evaluated esthetics and occlusion. To properly maintain the health of the gingival tissue during the four-week provisional phase, the patient was given a sonic toothbrush (Sonicare, Philips Healthcare; Andover, MA), as well as instructions on how to use rubber tips to massage her tissue. A follow-up visit was scheduled for the next day to confirm that the occlusion was comfortable and that we were both satisfied with the smile design.

Laboratory Communication
Proper communication with the laboratory is crucial for a successful outcome in each and every case sent to our ceramist. In this case, it was important to send as much information as possible with regard to maintenance of the patient’s vertical dimension, as well as esthetics. Photographs showing all three measurements in the final bite stent, as well as in the provisionals, were sent to the laboratory. In addition, retracted frontal and lateral views of the preparations were provided, as well as a picture showing the prepared shade (Vita A3, Vident; Brea, CA).¹⁷ When the laboratory received the case, the first step was to verify the measurements after mounting the prepared models. This was accomplished by using the relined bite stent and verifying the accuracy of the vertical dimension in the same three locations.

For the smile design, we decided on a “soft” look with square oval central incisors and slightly rounded laterals and canines, with the lateral incisors 0.5 mm shorter than the centrals. The requested width of the central incisors was 8.25 mm and the length was 10.75 mm. The lateral incisors were approximately 10.25 mm long. Golden proportion rules and smile design principles were adhered to, which provided the patient with a very soft and esthetically pleasing smile. Our final shade choice was OM2 body with a cervical blend to OM3 (Vita 3D Master shade guide), with the canines blending f r o m OM2 to 1M1 cervically. We selected Authentic pressable ceramic (Jensen Indus-tries; North Haven, CT) for all anterior teeth and bicuspids, using an OP1+ ingot with cutback technique and adding intense opaque modifiers to increase vitality and a natural appearance (Fig 14).¹⁸All of the molars were restored with Noritake CZR pressable ceramic (Zahn Dental, Henry Schein; Melville, NY) over zirconia copings.¹⁹ The #5 implant was restored with a custom abutment with Creation porcelain (Jensen Industries). Prior to the fabrication of the restorations, the models were mounted using the preparation bite stent, and all the measurements were verified by the laboratory (Figs 15-18).

Cementation
After we received the case f r o m the laboratory, I checked the restorations on the models for proper margins and contacts, and to ensure that the smile design had been followed. Once all the restorations were mounted on the models, the three areas were measured to verify that the laboratory maintained the vertical dimension. Once the patient was anesthetized, the provisional restorations were removed. The prepared teeth were cleaned with pumice, followed by hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine (Consepsis, Ultradent; South Jordan, UT). Each restoration was tried on with water and inspected individually. Contacts and margins were examined, as was the overall smile design.

Once we were satisfied with restorations, they were cleaned with 37% phosphoric acid, rinsed, dried, and set aside. The molars were cemented first using Multilink (Ivoclar Vivadent), a self-etching universal resin cement, with the inside of the restorations coated with the metal/zirconia primer (Ivoclar Vivadent). Then all of the remaining upper teeth except #5 were etched with 37% phosphoric acid and rinsed, after which a wetting agent was applied (Super Seal, Phoenix Dental; Fenton, MI).²⁰ Then the bonding agent (Excite, Ivoclar Vivadent) was placed on the teeth according to manufacturer’s directions and light-cured. The restorations, which had previously been etched with hydrofluoric acid, were coated with Silane primer (Kerr; Orange, CA). The luting resin used for cementation was Variolink Veneer +2 (Ivoclar Vivadent). All of the restorations were placed simultaneously and spot-cured. The excess was then removed, followed by the final light-cure. Tooth #5 was cemented with implant cement (Premier Dental; Plymouth Meeting, PA).²¹ The same technique used on the maxillary teeth was applied to the lowers. Once all teeth were cemented, the three measurements were once again verified to confirm maintenance of the vertical dimension (Fig 19). The patient returned for follow-up appointments to make sure her bite was stable and that she remained symptom-free.

Conclusion and Discussion
This patient’s case involved many of the challenges we face daily in our practices. Just a few years ago, however, I would not have known in which direction to take her treatment. Perhaps I simply would have provided her with a bruxism appliance, while “patching up” some of her fractured restorations and attempting to improve her smile by restoring some of her anterior teeth with direct resins. These would have failed repeatedly, causing us both much frustration.

I conducted a series of diagnostic tests using computerized instrumentation, which provided me with objective data that I was able to use in my treatment planning.

The key point is that this patient initially exhibited severe occlusal disharmony and craniomandibular dysfunction. This can be the case in many of our patients, and much effort should be spent in proper diagnosis and treatment planning.²² I did not prepare 28 teeth in one visit and deliver them a few weeks later. Instead, I conducted a series of diagnostic tests using computerized instrumentation, which provided me with objective data that I was able to use in my treatment planning. Not until the patient’s new vertical dimension position was tested for several months did I dare touch a single tooth with a handpiece. Once I did, however, it was with great confidence, because I knew in which direction I was headed (Figs 20 & 21).

It is well accepted that there is more than one philosophy or method that can be utilized to arrive at a physiologic bite position. A discussion of these different philosophies— whether centric relation, centric occlusion, or neuromuscular—is beyond the scope of this article.²³ However, as responsible clinicians, we should study the different treatment modalities available to our profession before making a decision as to which one suits us. Whichever method you apply in your practice, the most important factor is that it must be in your patients’ best interests.²⁴ Before proceeding to final restorations, it is imperative to establish a comfortable, stable bite derived f r o m verifiable, objective clinical data (Figs 22-29).

Acknowledgments
The author thanks Duckee Lee, CDT (Protech Dental Studio, Sterling, VA), for his passion, talent, and technical excellence in creating the beautiful restorations in this case. A debt of gratitude also goes to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry for 13 years of excellent continuing education, camaraderie, and a remarkable credentialing program, in which he learned during his Accreditation journey that, “your hand can only perform what your eyes have been trained to see and comprehend”; and to the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies for its dedication to postgraduate education. Finally, thanks, appreciation, and best wishes goto Erica, the patient in this case, for her patience, kind spirit, and courage.

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