Rehabilitation of the facial aesthetics of a patient with an abnormal occlusal plane as a consequence of perennial bruxism.

This study aims to present a clinical case of rehabilitating facial aesthetics in a patient with a disturbed occlusal plane due to years of practicing occlusal parafunction. The patient, aged 41, came to see a dentist because of significant tooth wear and a desire to improve aesthetics. The patient's reduced occlusal height resulted in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and abnormal masticatory muscle tension. The patient's treatment was planned in two stages. The first stage was to create a Michigan relaxation splint with a recommendation to wear it for a period of 3 months. The next stage of treatment was to fix the raised occlusal height, improve the occlusal plane and the patient's appearance using Wax-up and Mock-up techniques, from which the target prosthetic restoration was created. A significant improvement in occlusal conditions and aesthetics was achieved. The final result of the work was satisfactory for the patient both functionally and aesthetically. The patient reported no more complaints from the temporomandibular joints or facial and neck muscle tension. Aesthetic rehabilitation of the patient is important not only for improving the appearance and psychological well-being of the patient but also for the proper functioning of the dental apparatus. Long-term parafunction leads to disturbances of the occlusal plane. Deconditioning of the proper muscle tone achieved by wearing a relaxation splint and restoration of the correct occlusal height prevents further complications of bruxism.