|
The wear and fracture patterns of natural teeth can serve as a guide regarding the risks faced by dental restorations in the anterior region. The rule “form follows function,” which is commonly applied to tooth morphology, can also be applied to normal wear patterns and chipping/fracture tendencies. Some incisal edge designs for ceramic restorations are more likely to chip than others and may cause harm to the opposing natural teeth. Reproducing a patient’s natural wear patterns in ceramic restorations may improve success and survival rates. This article describes the natural wear and chipping patterns of maxillary and mandibular incisors. Guidelines are suggested for the strategic design of the incisal edges of ceramic restorations to minimize cohesive ceramic chipping. (Am J Esthet Dent 2012;2:98–114.)
|