Chairside repair of ceramo-metallic restorations

The ceramo-metallic crown has enjoyed increasing universal popularity as the full-coverage restoration of choice where long-term esthetics is desirable. The porcelain veneer is colour stable and relatively wear resistant. It has excellent compressive strength but poor tensile and shear strength, which unfortunately can result in fracture. Consequently, there is a need for chairside repair, since remake is often contraindicated. Commercially available repair systems are inconsistent and unpredictable and provide, at best, only temporary results despite recent improvements in materials and technique. Two new adhesive composite resins appear promising, although long-term clinical studies are not available. This article deals first with prevention and a review of the literature. Secondly, clinically proven methods of providing mechanical retention for resin and composite resin repairs of fractured porcelain are presented. The combination of mechanical retention and recently developed adhesive composite resins should provide the dentist with a reliable chairside repair system that could last for many years.