What is one of the indications for using provisional coverage after tooth preparation?

The use of provisional coverage after tooth preparation serves several important functions, and maintaining the alignment of teeth while optimizing aesthetics is certainly one of them. After a tooth is prepared for a restoration, a provisional crown or bridge can be placed to protect the prepared tooth structure and ensure that the surrounding teeth remain stable.

This is especially crucial because once a tooth is prepared, the adjacent teeth may begin to shift or erupt into the space left by the prepared tooth. This shift can complicate the fit of the final restoration and affect the overall dental alignment. Additionally, provisional coverage helps to maintain the appearance of the patient’s smile during the interim period, which is important for both psychological reasons and the patient's self-image. Thus, using provisional coverage effectively prevents tooth shifting, maintains proper aesthetics, and ultimately supports a smoother transition to the final restoration.