Clinical technique for an in-office porcelain modification

All porcelain restorations, especially intra- and extracoronal restorations, have become an accepted treatment modality for the esthetic restoration of posterior teeth. One problem with these restorations is the limited ability to modify the porcelain when a proximal contact is not present or there is an open margin. Using a low-fusing porcelain in a glazing oven, practitioners can easily accomplish such modifications during the try-in and cementation appointment for porcelain inlays. This technique eliminates the need for returning the porcelain inlay to the laboratory for modification and a second patient visit to complete the restoration. This paper describes an in-office procedure for modifying porcelain restorations and a scanning electron micrographic evaluation of the etched porcelain surface after using this modification technique.