An indirect repair technique for fractured metal-ceramic restorations: a clinical report

Metal-ceramic crowns and fixed partial dentures have the potential for fracture of the ceramic veneer. Fractured porcelain poses a serious cosmetic and clinical problem. It may be desirable to repair a broken retainer of a fixed prosthesis rather than to remove the prosthesis and risk the possibility of destroying the entire restoration or damaging the abutment teeth. This article presents an indirect method that may be used to repair metal-ceramic restorations that are otherwise clinically and radiographically acceptable. With this technique, a new metal-ceramic crown is fabricated and is cemented on the prepared fractured retainer of the prosthesis.