How to prep for all-ceramic anterior crowns with Expert Kit 4573ST

All-ceramic restorations have long been recognized for their outstanding clinical qualities.

The esthetically desirable results attained with these metal-free, all-ceramic restorations have prompted more and more patients to successfully request them. To achieve a successful all-ceramic restoration, however, all necessary clinical parameters  must be considered during the preparation stages (“think ceramic”).

More on Expert Kit 4573ST: How Komet USA's Expert Kit 4573ST yields precise preparations for all-ceramic lateral crowns [VIDEO]

Premature loss of ceramic restoration often is a result of insufficient cavity depth or lack of attention to proper layer thickness. The following recommendations enable the dentist to safely prepare for an all-ceramic anterior crown.

Continue to the next page to see the step-by-step technique

Step 1:

Use the thin instrument (6856.FG.012) to obtain the interdental separation.

Step 2: 

Use instrument 6837KR.FG.012 to prepare a 1 mm sized uniform shoulder approximately 0.5 –1 mm above the future preparation limit.

Step 3: 

The occlusal view clearly shows the 1 mm circumferential shoulder following the root contour.

Step 4: 

Using instrument 6837KR.FG.012 (see step 2), reduce the labial surface of the sagittal curve of the crown by 1 mm.

Step 5:

Reduce the incisal aspect with instrument 6836KR.FG.014, a short cylinder with rounded edges and a green ring. When the instrument is completely introduced, a minimal substance removal of 1.4 mm can be easily accomplished. An occlusal substance removal of up to 2 mm is possible.

Step 6: 

With the egg-shaped instrument (6379.FG.023), reduce the palatal aspect by at least 1 mm. To protect the gingiva, placement of retraction cord is recommended following the initial preparation.

Step 7: 

For final shaping of the preparation limit to achieve a chamfer with a radius of 0.8 mm, use the larger instrument (6856.FG.021) to simplify access to oral and vestibular areas. When using this instrument, make certain to avoid damage to adjacent teeth. 

Step 8: 

If adjacent teeth require no preparation, create the chamfer in the interdental areas with the thinner instrument (6856.FG.018) first. 

Step 9: 

Define the final preparation limit with finishing instruments of matching shape, i.e., 8856. FG.018 and 8856.FG.021. 

Step 10: 

With the egg-shaped, fine-grit instrument (8379.FG.023 finish the palatal surfaces. 

Step 11:

Using a silicone index, ascertain that sufficient substance has been removed. 

Step 12: 

To complete the preparation for an all-ceramic restoration, round off all sharp edges and corners. Komet flexible polishing discs are particularly suitable for this purpose.