Clinical technique for an in-office porcelain modification

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Restorative Dentistry
• Esthetic Dentistry

Background:

• All-porcelain restorations are widely used for esthetic restoration of posterior teeth.
• Modifying porcelain restorations, particularly porcelain inlays, can be challenging when proximal contacts are missing or margins are open.
• Current limitations often necessitate laboratory adjustments and additional patient visits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an in-office procedure for modifying all-porcelain restorations, specifically porcelain inlays.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using a low-fusing porcelain for chairside adjustments.
• To assess the etched porcelain surface after in-office modification using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Methods:

• A technique utilizing low-fusing porcelain in a glazing oven for chairside modifications of porcelain inlays was employed.
• Adjustments were performed during the try-in and cementation appointment.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface characteristics of the etched porcelain post-modification.

Main Results:

• The described in-office technique allows for easy modification of porcelain restorations during the try-in and cementation appointment.
• This chairside approach effectively addresses issues like open margins or lack of proximal contact.
• SEM evaluation confirmed the integrity of the etched porcelain surface after the modification procedure.

Conclusions:

• Chairside modification of porcelain inlays using low-fusing porcelain is a viable and efficient clinical technique.
• This method streamlines the restorative process, eliminating the need for laboratory remakes and reducing patient appointments.
• The technique offers a practical solution for achieving optimal fit and esthetics in porcelain restorations.