The artistry involved in the development of natural-looking, aesthetic restorations has been recognized by dental professionals and patients alike, increasing the role of the laboratory technician in the overall treatment planning phase. While it is rare for patients to first present to the laboratory for treatment, proactive technicians can actively seek out patients and assist them in identifying the type of restorative care desired and provide a reference to a qualified clinician once a modality has been identified. The following case presentation details the laboratory sequence used in the fabrication of a low-fusing pressed ceramic restoration for a patient who presented to the laboratory for initial consultation and treatment planning.

While the concept of minimally invasive dentistry has long been considered a rational, viable approach to restorative care, preparation design, material science, and long-term evidentiary support have only recently begun to provide the foundation necessary to support such treatment in the everyday practice. This article reviews the fundamental paradigm shift evidenced in contemporary prosthodontics as required to facilitate the emerging interest in delivering conservative restorative alternatives.

The care of endodontically treated teeth has been one of the greatest challenges in restorative dentistry. Left unrestored, endodontically treated teeth have complications that include coronal leakage and subsequent reinfection of the root canal system. These teeth are at risk for fracture, since they become predisposed to structural compromise when compared to their properly restored counterparts. As demonstrated herein, caries, previous restorations, fractures, wear, erosion, and endodontic procedures each require careful consideration and timely tooth reconstruction to ensure a favorable prognosis.

In recent orthodontic literature, the term "temporary anchorage devices (TADs)" has been used interchangeably with mini-implants for orthodontic anchorage. This article describes the use of TADs in conjunction with a tooth-borne segmental distraction osteogenesis device to treat mandibular anterior crowding with skeletal Class II and molar Class I relationships. The use of TADs prevents the rotation of the distracted segment, whereas the maxillary occlusal splint protects the distracted segment from anterior occlusal prematurities. The surgical and orthodontic rationales are also discussed.