THE DENTIN-BONDED CERAMIC CROWN - AN IDEAL RESTORATION

The principles used in the bonding of porcelain veneers map also be ap plied to full-coverage restorations, with such crowns luted using resi n-based materials. For these full coverage restorations, dentine bondi ng agents, preferably of low film thickness, may be used to treat area s of exposed dentine prior to placement. These 'dentine-bonded' all-ce ramic crowns may exhibit many favourable characteristics, including th ose of good aesthetics and peripheral blend with gingival tissues and the potential for placement on conservative preparations which may min imise the risk of pulpal damage. Indications include cases in which co nventional crowns require replacement, those in which minimal preparat ion techniques are appropriate, and those in which there has been toot h surface loss. Contraindications include sub gingival margins, extrem e occlusal interferences and insufficient tooth substance for bonding. However, the longevity of these restorations is, as yet, unknown, in the absence of long-term clinical data.