New paradigms in prosthodontic treatment planning: a literature review.

New treatment modalities have expanded the choices available to prosthodontists and their patients. At the same time, an explosion of data has called into question the validity and efficacy of certain forms of traditional prosthodontic treatment. Together, these factors have greatly complicated the treatment-planning process. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for the prosthodontic treatment-planning process that incorporates the latest evidence-based information available. A review of the literature was undertaken through a Medline search. Articles published in English from 1975 through 2001 were evaluated; selected articles were chosen for review on the basis of a subjective judgment of their relevancy and significance to the clinician.