08/06/2026
The most important full arch restoration is often the one the patient never keeps.
We call provisionals “temporary restorations,” but that description doesn’t really capture their purpose.
A provisional is a prototype.
It’s the stage where assumptions become reality.
It’s where we learn:
• How the patient speaks
• How they chew
• Whether lip support is correct
• Whether tooth position feels natural
• Whether aesthetics work in the real world, not just on a screen
In product design, prototypes exist to reduce risk before final production.
Full arch dentistry is no different.
The more information we gather during the provisional phase, the fewer compromises we make when manufacturing the definitive restoration.
The final prosthesis may be the destination.
But the provisional is where the roadmap is created.
Save this for your next full arch case.
implantworkflow prostheticallydriven dentallabuk digitalworkflow fullarchimplants