Fabrication of a metal-free ceramic restoration utilizing the monobloc technique

This article presents a new technique which utilizes a porcelain core/crown unit, fabricated in the laboratory as a single component. The monobloc technique was developed by the author to replace the traditional metal post and core which prevents the transmission of light through porcelain crowns, creating a dark color effect. Between 1989 and 1992, a number of cases were successfully treated with several variations of the monobloc technique. Approximately 50 cases were completed with vitro-ceramic and followed up. The learning objective of this article is to introduce this novel technique. The article discusses the development of the technique, its advantages, disadvantages, and the potential failures. The clinical procedure is illustrated with several case presentations.