Simplified occlusal replica adapted technique with glass ionomer cement for molar-incisor hypomineralization-affected molars: An 18-month follow-up

Abstract

Background and overview: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative developmental defect of enamel, which has been a daily concern in clinical practice owing to its difficult treatment.

Case description: An 11-year-old girl was admitted to the pediatric dental clinic with a symptom of severe hypersensitivity in the permanent molars owing to MIH. The treatment consisted of a simplified occlusal replica adapted technique with conventional glass ionomer cement in the MIH-affected molars, which involved laboratory and clinical stages. The patient was reexamined every 3 months, and after 18 months there was no additional tooth structure loss, restoration failure, or pain. This technique may be considered a feasible alternative to restore hypomineralized teeth owing to its reduced procedure time and good performance in the follow-up period of 18 months.

Conclusions and practical implications: The technique successfully restored the function and shape of the affected teeth, decreasing the sensitivity by means of covering the demarcated MIH opacities.

Keywords: Dental restoration; enamel; glass ionomer cements.