Introduction: Bruxism is a repetitive activity of the jaw muscles, characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth through tightening or pushing of the lower jaw. Bruxism has two different manifestations: it can occur during sleep (referred to as sleep bruxism) or while awake (referred to as awake bruxism). Bruxism, which can be considered an umbrella term for clenching and grinding of the teeth, is the most common of the many parafunctional activities of the masticatory system. Opinions on the cause of bruxism are numerous and varied. Current reviews suggest that the etiology is not entirely known but is likely multifactorial. Although occasional clenching and grinding are extremely common and usually do not result in serious consequences for the wear of oral structures, severe bruxism can cause issues that are equally troubling for the patient and the therapeutic treatment planner. The consequences of bruxism include tooth wear, signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), headaches, toothaches, tooth mobility, and various challenges in restoring worn tooth structures, which involve both fixed and removable prosthetics. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to present the characteristics of bruxism and its impact on the temporomandibular system. The focus will be on the rehabilitation of worn dentin and the increase in vertical dimension of occlusion, which is necessary in most prosthetic rehabilitations for advanced bruxism, as well as to discuss the effects of increasing the bite on the masticatory system. Methods: The thesis will be based on a review of literature, including scientific articles, journals, and professional books. We will use a descriptive method for the research. Literature will be sourced from libraries, online search engines, and professional databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Google, Google Scholar, etc. Due to the scarcity of domestic literature, we will primarily rely on foreign sources. Based on a case study, we will create a dental replacement in a dental laboratory for a patient prone to bruxism, incorporating an increase in the vertical dimension of occlusion. We will assist in this process by creating a diagnostic wax-up and using the CAD/CAM system. Results: In our case, we presented the process of comprehensive rehabilitation for a patient with significantly reduced bite as a consequence of bruxism. We described the procedure for creating a bruxism splint, which serves as a temporary safeguard against further enamel wear. This was followed by the complete process of registration using a facebow. Additionally, we detailed the digital wax-up or mock-up procedure, the printing of models, and the creation of templates for transferring the new occlusal state. Discussion and conclusion: The results showed that proper prosthetic rehabilitation, which includes raising the vertical dimension of occlusion and using CAD/CAM technology, can significantly improve the condition of patients with bruxism. Properly performed therapy has been found to not only improve aesthetic appearance, but also improve chewing efficiency and reduce symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches and tooth wear. Close cooperation with laboratory operators and the therapist is crucial. Both must be well-versed in the latest technologies and methods to offer their patients the most advanced treatment options.
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