The aetiology of the non-carious cervical lesion

Erosion and abrasion have been widely reported as causes of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL). However, more recently, tooth flexure has been implicated in the formation of these lesions generating renewed interest in the pathogenesis of the non-carious loss of cervical tooth substance. This paper considers the causes of erosion and abrasion, related to modern lifestyles, and reviews the literature concerning tooth flexure as a cause of NCCL. A description of different types of NCCL is given, as an aid to determining the aetiology, yet at the same time accepting that the causation and pathogenesis of NCCL is probably multi-factorial resulting in many different clinical presentations. Consideration is given to the indications for treatment of NCCL and to the selection of materials for restoring such defects.