Treatment of a case of serious occlusal instability associated with TMDs through a modern mini-invasive approach.

BACKGROUND: The latest trends in restorative dentistry are guided both by esthetic and mini-invasive procedures. New ceramic materials, such as lithium disilicate, allow the clinician to obtain invisible restorations with a minimum preparation thickness.

SUMMARY: A young female patient presented at our practice with left temporomandibular closed locking and uncomfortable occlusal instability. After manual reduction, medical therapy, and reversible treatment with a stabilization splint, a mini-invasive lithium disilicate occlusal inferior posterior rehabilitation was conceived and performed. The esthetic integration of the onlay restorations was excellent, no fractures had occurred by the time of the 1-year follow-up, and the patient perceived the dental occlusion as comfortable.

CONCLUSION: We strongly believe that a careful approach to esthetics is mandatory nowadays, including in the case of posterior teeth. New ceramic materials and the latest adhesive techniques make it possible to resort to mini-invasive and esthetic approaches, even in cases of restorations that are difficult in terms of functionality.