Ceramic fracture in metal-ceramic restorations: the aetiology

Abstract

All dental restorations are liable to failure during function. Failure could be biologic, aesthetic, mechanical or a combination. Ceramic restorations in particular, including metal-ceramics, are prone to mechanical fracture, especially the fracture of veneering porcelain. Fracture of a metal-ceramic restoration jeopardizes function as well as aesthetics. It is equally onerous to manage for both patient and dentist. Optimal management of such cases requires a detailed knowledge of the aetiology behind this phenomenon. The current paper aims to highlight possible causative factors involved in the mechanical failures of metal-ceramic restorations. Clinical relevance: Ceramic fracture in metal-ceramic crowns and fixed partial dentures is routinely encountered in dental clinics. Knowledge of the aetiology is required to diagnose and manage such cases accurately as well as to avoid these errors in future.

Dental Prosthesis

“…Despite advances in dentistry and availability of newer materials, fixed dental prosthesis especially those of metal -ceramic are still the "gold standard" in prosthodontics. 1,13 Failure of such restorations is a complex phenomenon and can be simplified by the use of a simple classification system. A clinician must be familiar with all possible factors affecting a restoration's success.…”

“…Rehabilitation of oral function using fixed prosthesis has greatly increased over the last thirty years. 1 Fixed prosthodontic treatment involves replacement of lost natural teeth using fixed artificial substitutes with an aim to restore function, esthetics and comfort. 2 Although the preparation of healthy abutment teeth makes them less desirable 3 , fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) are still preferred because of their strength, esthetics, less cost, satisfactory retention and lack of any surgical preparation.…”

“…FDP failures are a multi-factorial phenomenon and the failure can be attributed to several different factors. 1 Complications can be categorized as biological such as caries, pulpal pathologies and periodontal issues or technical problems like decementation, ceramic chip-off, aesthetic failures or fractures. 7 A few authors attribute these failures to a lack of clinician's skill, faulty technique or poor material choice.…”

Retrospective Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Feldspathic Ceramic Veneers

“…All dental restorations are liable to failure; even in metal–ceramic prosthetic restorations, fractures can jeopardize function and esthetics [ 1 ].…”

Stereomicroscopic evaluation of marginal fit of E.Max press and E.Max computer-aided design and computer-assisted manufacturing lithium disilicate ceramic crowns: An in vitro study

“…Porcelain fused to metal restorations are contemplated as the gold standard restorations because of their excellent mechanical properties of flawless fit, high strength, marginal integrity, and longer duration. [1] However, some problems such as periodontitis, cracks, debonding of ceramics, and lack of enamel-like appearance restricts their use. [23] For many years, full coverage crown restorations have become the commonly utilized type of prosthetic replacement to restore function and aesthetic.…”