A crown reconstructing method for resin-embedded transparent teeth.

OBJECTIVE

Resin-embedded transparent teeth are devoid of the original crown morphology, because enamel is lost by demineralization. This study was designed to reproduce artificial enamel and to reconstruct the original crown morphology for resin-embedded transparent teeth.

METHODS

The impression of the coronal portion of human permanent teeth was taken with a silicone impression material. After demineralization, drawing ink was injected into the pulp cavities. The ink-infiltrated teeth were made transparent with methyl salicylate and embedded with polyester resin. Urethane prepolymer was injected into the impression, and the resin-embedded teeth were reinserted into the impression. After polymerization of the urethane resin, the specimens and the urethane resin were removed from the impression.

RESULTS

The original crown morphology of the resin-embedded transparent teeth could be precisely reconstructed with artificial and removable enamel. The resin-embedded teeth showed morphologic details of the black-stained pulp cavities through the transparent dentin and cementum.

CONCLUSIONS

This study established a crown reconstructing method for resin-embedded transparent teeth. The specimens will be useful for demonstration of morphology of teeth and pulp cavities.