Fracture of an Upper Incisor Restoration

A crescent fracture of upper left central incisor crown

Occlusion is a potent factor in successfully restoring anterior restorations also. If the overjet is reduced or the palatal contour of a restoration is excessive then the anterior guidance is compromised. Excessive pressure can be generated on a single restoration which results in an abfraction type of fracture of the restoration.

Please note that this excess contour is not seen in MIP and articulating papers will not detect it in MIP. It will become obvious only in protrusive movements when only this overcontoured tooth will make contact and the other upper incisors will not be in contact with the lowers in protrusive.

If all the upper anteriors are restored with excessive contour then the mandible will be pushed backwards in the fossa and this will effect the disc and TMJ.

Moral - Functional Occlusion is important in the final restoration.