Preoperative Intraoral Evaluation of Planned Fixed Partial Denture Pontics Using Silicone Putty

A preoperative visualization and evaluation of fixed partial denture (FPD) pontics in the anterior dentition is necessary for both the patient and the dentist. Such an evaluation allows patients to decide whether the esthetic and functional parameters of the restoration meet their requirements and expectations. To facilitate such an assessment, a method that allows stable intraoral positioning of the pontics is required. This article describes a technique to achieve this in a simple and effective way before the abutments are prepared. In addition, it also allows the operator to modify the pontics intraorally for esthetics and later incorporate the same pontics into the interim prosthesis. The integration of this pretreatment pontic evaluation procedure into FPD restorations assures better results and patient satisfaction.