An in-vitro study comparing the mass of tooth structure removed following different restorative procedures in anterior teeth – An Original Research

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this study was to measure the mass of tooth structure removed in - Porcelain Laminate Veneers, Metal ceramic and All-ceramic crown preparation. To compare the mass of tooth structure removed from maxillary and mandibular incisors with canine teeth. Material and Methods – The study was conducted on a sample size of sixty teeth, selected based on the criteria that they had a single intact root, was free of caries, attrition, abrasion, erosion and had no sign of dental restoration. The bucco-lingual and mesio-distal dimensions of each specimen was measured at the cemento-enamel junction by using a thickness gauge and weighed. The specimen teeth were then prepared for receiving Porcelain laminate veneer, conventional metal ceramic and all-ceramic restoration according to pre-determined standardized preparation design. Results – There was statistically significant difference in mean final weight between laminate veneer & metal ceramic. (P value <0.05). In laminate veneers there was significantly less loss of weight as compared to the other types of preparations. Percentage of weight loss in laminate veneer was minimum followed by all ceramic & metal ceramic. The percentage of loss of tooth structure for incisor and canine group for all selected types of restorations were not significantly difference. (P value >0.05). Conclusions – Though the metal ceramic restorative procedure is most widely practiced across the world it demands highest amount of tooth structure removal. So, when clinical condition permits, considering this restorative procedure, the clinician may think over the other modalities of treatment once more.