A patient attends surgery with significant tooth surface loss, the dentist wants to monitor the progression of the tooth wear. Which method of assessment would be most appropriate for this?

• A. Study models
• B. Radiographs
• C. Clinical photographs
• D. Intraoral scanner

Answer: (A)

When you’re tracking how much tooth wear has progressed, you need a record that can be compared precisely over time. Study models provide a stable, physical replica of the dentition from a baseline impression and subsequent visits. Because they’re exact reproductions, you can overlay or compare them to measure exact changes in wear on cusps, incisal edges, and occlusal surfaces, giving objective, quantifiable data about progression. This makes them the most reliable method for monitoring wear over time.

Radiographs can show internal tooth structure and surrounding bone but aren’t designed for measuring surface wear. Clinical photographs document appearance but are two‑dimensional and rely on angles and lighting, which limits accurate quantification. Intraoral scanners offer digital 3D models and can track changes, but traditional study models remain the standard and straightforward method for longitudinal wear assessment.