[The surface of ceramics covered bridges]

The gingival surfaces of bridge bodies and routinely baked ceramic samples were examined under the microscope with top illumination, the scanning electron miscroscope, and by means of a surface testing device (caliper). The findings correspond more or less to the results found by other authors. Furthermore they confirm the clinically well-founded suspicion that the dull glow, which is preferred for esthetical reasons, does not provide a desirable surface quality. Therefore it is requested that the mucosal surfaces of the bridge bodies be glazed. The defective spots in the ceramic surface frequently found in the transitional area to the metal give rise to the recommendation that these regions should not be brought into contact with the gingiva and that the transitional zone between bridge body and bridge abutment should be prepared in line with hygienical considerations.