A preliminary diagnostic and treatment protocol.

The objectives of the preliminary diagnostic and treatment protocol are 1. To reveal retention or resistance form deficiencies. 2. To reveal need for augmentive periodontal crown-lengthening surgical procedures. 3. To evaluate pontic form for the existing space. 4. To preplan occlusal plane deficiencies and methods of corrective treatment to establish Curve of Spee. 5. To preplan occlusal scheme, i.e., canine guidance, group function, mutually protected occlusion, and cross-bite conditions. 6. To aid in preplanning sequence of treatment and method of preservation of occlusal vertical dimension. 7. To serve as a visual aid for discussion of treatment recommendations with patient prior to actual treatment. 8. To act as a medicolegal record to document the clinician's pretreatment planning in complex treatment situations for possible use in peer review or litigation. 9. To aid in fabrication of an elastomer reduction guide for use during crown preparation. 10. To aid in fabrication of a vacuum-formed template for provisional restoration of crown and abutment teeth after preparation.