Objective: The purpose of the present survey was to evaluate the implementation and experience of a new method for posterior vertical bite reconstruction using direct resin composite restorations by private practitioners who attended a hands-on continuing education course on this technique.
Materials and methods: In the years 2007 and 2008, 17 1-day continuing education courses on vertical bite reconstruction in the worn dentition by using direct resin composite restorations were attended by 310 participants. A 13-item questionnaire was posted to all course participants in April 2009 seeking information on the acceptance, implementation and experience of the presented technique in the private practice.
Results: A total of 97 (31%) questionnaires were returned, whereas 67% of the respondents had used the presented technique. Analysis of the overall experience and satisfaction with the placed resin composite restorations using visual analog scale (VAS) revealed a mean VAS score of 7.2 ± 1.7 (0 = maximal unsatisfied, 10 = maximal satisfied). The direct resin composite restorations were predominantly rated 'good' within the assessed criteria surface texture, anatomical form, marginal integrity, marginal discoloration and color match. Ninety-eight percent of the private practitioners stated that they would continue to carry out vertical bite reconstructions according to this technique. The three most frequently observed clinical problems were related to marginal discolorations, bulk fractures and adhesive failures.
Conclusion: The presented restoration method was well accepted by private practitioners who used this treatment approach at least once after course participation, even though some clinical problems were observed.