What is the most common type of provisional coverage used for crown and bridge preparations?

The most common type of provisional coverage used for crown and bridge preparations is custom made crowns. This approach is favored for several reasons. Custom made crowns are designed to fit the specific contours of a patient's tooth, providing a better fit and more natural appearance compared to other types of provisional crowns.

When a dental professional fabricates a custom provisional crown, they can accurately replicate the anatomy of the tooth, which helps in maintaining proper occlusion and function during the healing period or until the final restoration is placed. This level of customization makes custom crowns more comfortable for the patient and reduces the potential for any shading or shape discrepancies that might be present with prefabricated options.

In contrast, while prefabricated crowns are quicker and easier to use, they may not provide the same fit or esthetics and are typically reserved for more temporary situations. Stainless steel crowns are often used in pediatric dentistry or specific scenarios where durability is necessary, but they are not typically the first choice for provisional coverage in adult crown and bridge procedures. All resin crowns can be used, but they might not offer the same durability as custom-made options, especially in high-stress areas. Thus, for cases requiring both function and aesthetics, custom made crowns stand out as the preferred provisional solution.