TOOTH PREPARATION FOR

FULL VENEER CROWNS

 CONTENTS
Terminologies
Rotary Instruments used for tooth preparation
Preparation for full veneer crowns
a. Complete cast metal crown
b. Anterior metal ceramic crown
c. Posterior metal ceramic crown
d. Porcelain jacket crown
e. Cast ceramic crown
TOOTH PREPARATION FOR
FULL VENEER CROWNS
 TERMINOLOGIES
Tooth preparation: is defined as the mechanical treatment of
dental disease or injury to hard tissues that restores a tooth to
original form. (Tylman)

Crown / artificial crown: a metal, plastic, or ceramic

restoration that covers three or more axial surfaces and the
occlusal surface or incisal edge of a tooth (GPT-7; 1999)

Full veneer crown / Complete crown: A restoration that

covers all the coronal tooth surfaces ( mesial, distal, facial,
lingual and occlusal ) (GPT-7; 1999)
• Chamfer Finish line: A finish line design
for tooth preparation in which the gingival
aspect meets the external axial surface at
an obtuse angle (GPT-7; 1999)
• Shoulder finish line : A finish line design
for tooth preparation in which the gingival
floor meets the external axial surfaces at
approximately a right angle(GPT-7; 1999)
Retention form : The feature of a tooth
preparation that resists dislodgement of crown in
a vertical direction or along the path of
placement (GPT-7; 1999)
Resistance form : The features of a tooth
preparation that enhance the stability of a
restoration and resist dislodgement along an
axis other than the path of placement (GPT-7;
1999)
Bevel : The process of slanting the finish line and
curve of a tooth preparation (GPT-7; 1999)
 ROTARY INSTRUMENTS USED FOR
FULL VENEER PREPARATIONS

Shape Use
Round end tapered 1.Depth orientation grooves
diamond 2.Occlusal reduction
3.Functional cusp
Torpedo diamond 1.Axial reduction
2.Chamfer finish line
Short needle 1.Initial interproximal axial
reduction in posterior teeth
Long needle 1.Initial proximal axial
reduction in anterior teeth
Small wheel diamond 1. Lingual reduction in anterior
teeth
Tapered fissure bur 1.Seating groove
(171L) 2.Proximal groove (posterior
teeth
3.Smoothing and finishing
4.Occlusal and incisal bevels
Tapered fissure burs 1.Initial groove alignment
(169L & 170L) 2.Angles of proximal boxes
3.Smoothing and finishing
4.Occlusal and incisal bevels
End cutting bur Conventional shoulder finishing
Torpedo bur 1.Axial wall finishing
2.Chamfer finishing
Flame bur 1. Flare and bevel finishing
TOOTH PREPARATION FOR
FULL VENEER CROWNS
 FULL VENEER CROWNS

COMPLETE CAST METAL CERAMIC

CROWN

ALL CERAMIC CROWN

 COMPLETE CAST METAL CROWNS
Complete cast metal crowns can be
used where the break down of tooth
structure is severe, to the extent that is
has been described in operative dentistry
as “the final attempt to preserve the
tooth”. The terms “full crown”, “full cast
crown” and “complete crown” can be
used interchangeably with full veneer
crown to describe a restoration entirely
made of cast metal.
Clinicians have long considered full veneer crowns
to be the most retentive of veneer preparations
Controlled laboratory studies have shown that
when compared with partial veneer designs, the
full veneer crown exhibits superior retention and
resistance
It does not mean that it must be used in every
case
Instead should be used on those teeth whose
restoration demands maximum retention.
Selection of full veneer retainer becomes
mandatory when the abutment tooth is small or
when the edentulous space is long.
 Indications
Extensive destruction from caries or trauma.
Endodontically treated teeth.
Existing restoration that needs the use of a more
conservative restoration
Necessity for maximum retention and strength.
To provide contours to receive a removable appliance.
Other re-contouring of axial surfaces (minor corrections
of malinclinations).
Correction of occlusal plane.

Contraindications
Should not be used in mouths with uncontrolled caries
Less than maximum retention necessary.
Esthetics.
 Advantages
Strong.
High retentive qualities.
Usually easy to obtain adequate resistance
form.
Option to modify form and occlusion.
Contact areas can be conveniently developed.
Embrasure areas can be enhanced for
periodontally compromised dentition.
• Disadvantages
• Removal of large amount of tooth
structure.
• Adverse effects on tissue.
• Vitality testing not readily feasible.
• Display of metal.
 TOOTH PREPARATION FOR COMPLETE CAST CROWN
Planar occlusal reduction
is done using round end tapered
diamond and no: 171 bur.

Depth orientation grooves are

made on the triangular ridges and
primary developmental grooves.

The depth orientation grooves

should be 1.5mm deep on
functional cusps

1mm deep on non-functional cusps.

Functional cusp bevel
is done using round end
tapered diamond and no:
171 bur.

Depth orientation grooves

- facial occlusal line angle
of the mandibular molar.

The bevel should parallel

the inward facing inclines
of the cusps of the
opposing tooth, at a depth
of 1.5 mm usually forming
a 45 angle with the axial
wall.
 Facial and lingual axial
reduction is done with a
torpedo diamond
producing a definite
chamfer finish line at the
same time.
The facial and lingual
reduction are carried as
far as possible into the
interproximal embrasures
without nicking the
adjacent teeth.
 Mesial and distal axial
reduction. A short thin
tapered diamond is placed
against the facial surface
of the remaining
interproximal tooth
structure.
It is held upright and
moved up and down,
directing it lingually with
light pressure. Once
sufficient space has been
produced, sweep the short
thin diamond back and
forth planing the surface to
smoothness.
Chamfer finishing.
Torpedo bur is used to
produce a distinct
finish line and to
round of the angles of
the preparation.
Seating groove is made
on the axial surface
using no: 171 bur. The
groove should be cut to
the full diameter and it
should extend gingivally
to a point 0.5 mm above
the chamfer.
Features of full veneer crown preparation and
the function served by each
METAL CERAMIC RESTORATION
ANTERIOR METAL-CERAMIC CROWN
Indications
• Esthetics
• Need to incorporate occlusal or cingulum
rests
• If porcelain jacket crown is
contraindicated.

Contraindications
• Large pulp chamber.
• Intact buccal wall.
• When more conservative retainer is
technically feasible.
 Advantages
• Superior esthetics as compared to cast gold
restoration.
• Retentive qualities are excellent

Disadvantages
• Removal of substantial tooth structure.
• Subject to fracture because porcelain is brittle.
• Difficult to obtain accurate occlusion in glazed
porcelain.
• Shade selection can be difficult
• Inferior esthetics compared to porcelain jacket
crown.
• Expensive.
 ANTERIOR PORCELAIN FUSED TO
METAL CROWN PREPARATION
Depth orientation grooves: A
flat end tapered diamond is first
aligned with the incisal portion of
the facial surface and two
vertical cuts are made to the full
diameter of the diamond fading
out at the “break” where the
curvature of the facial is the
greatest.
Three similar grooves are made
maintaining the same instrument
parallel to the gingival segment
of the facial surface. Two incisal
orientation grooves 2.0 mm deep
are made.
 Incisal reduction: A
flat end tapered
diamond is used to
reduce the incisal
edge by 2.0 mm
keeping the plane of
the reduced surface
parallel to the former
incisal edge. A round
wheel diamond may
also be used for
incisal reduction.
 Facial reduction,
incisal half: A flat
end tapered diamond
is used to remove the
tooth structure
remaining between
the orientation groove
in the incisal portion
of the facial surface.
 Facial reduction, gingival
half: A flat end tapered
diamond is used to reduce the
gingival segment and extend
well into the proximal surface.
1.2 mm to 1.4 mm is the
accepted reduction for a
porcelain fused to metal
restoration. If there is sound
tooth structure interproximaly a
vertical wall or “wing” of it, is
left standing in each
interproximal area lingual to the
proximal contact.
 Lingual reduction: A
small round diamond
with a head 1.4 mm in
diameter is used to
make four depth
orientation cuts. A small
round wheel diamond is
used create a concave
surface over the lingual
surface of the tooth
incisal to the cingulum.
 Lingual axial reduction is
done with a torpedo diamond
producing a definite chamfer
finish line at the same time. If
there is limited space
between the facio proximal
angle of the wing and the
proximal surface of the
adjacent tooth, use a long
needle diamond to reduce the
axial wall lingual to the wing.
The lingual axial wall should
be parallel with the cervical
one third of the facial surface.
 Facial axial finishing:
No: 171 bur is used to
smooth the entire facial
surface and round over
any sharp angles on
the incisal angle or
along the edges.
Shoulder finishing:
No: 957 bur is used to finish the shoulder.
The features of an anterior porcelain fused to
metal crowns preparation on an anterior tooth
POSTERIOR PORCELAIN FUSED TO
METAL CROWN PREPARATION
Appearance zone
Maxillary - premolars
- first molars
Mandibular – first premolar
 POSTERIOR PORCELAIN FUSED TO METAL
CROWN PREPARATION
Planar occlusal reduction
is done using round and
tapered diamond and no:
171 bur. Depth orientation
grooves are made on the
triangular ridges and
primary developmental
grooves. The depth
orientation grooves should
be 1.5 to 2.0 mm in occlusal
areas where porcelain
coverage is required. The
tooth structures between the
orientation grooves are
removed following cuspal
contours.
Functional cusp bevel
is done using round end
tapered diamond and no:
171 bur. Depth
orientation grooves are
placed across the lingual
incline of the maxillary
lingual cusp. The bevel
should parallel the inward
facing inclines of the
cusps of the opposing
tooth, at a depth of 1.5
mm usually forming a 45
angle with the axial wall.
 Depth orientation grooves
A flat end tapered diamond is
first aligned with the occlusal
portion of the facial surface
and three vertical cuts are
made to the full diameter of the
diamond, fading out at the
“break” where the curvature of
the facial surface is the
greatest. Two similar grooves
are made maintaining the
same instrument parallel to the
gingival segment of the facial
surface. A single depth
orientation groove may also be
used.
Facial reduction, occlusal half: A flat end
tapered diamond is used to remove the
tooth structure remaining between the
orientation groove in the occlusal portion
of the facial surface.
Facial reduction, gingival
half: A flat end tapered
diamond is used to reduce
the gingival segment and
extend well into the
proximal surface. 1.2 mm
to 1.4 mm is the accepted
reduction for a porcelain
fused to metal restoration.
Proximal axial reduction:
Short needle diamond facilities
interproximal reduction with out nicking the
adjacent tooth. Once separation between
the teeth is achieved the needle diamond is
used to plane the proximal axial wall.
 Lingual axial reduction: A torpedo
diamond is used for lingual axial
reduction and to round over the corner
created at the line angle with the
proximal surfaces.
 Axial finishing: All axial
surfaces to be veneered with
metal are finished using a
torpedo finishing bur
producing the chamfer finish
line. The facial surface and
those areas of the proximal
surfaces to be veneered with
porcelain are smoothened with
the no: 171 bur. Lingual to the
proximal contact, the transition
from the deeper facial
reduction to the relatively
shallower lingual axial
reduction result in a vertical
wall or “wing” of tooth
structure.
 Shoulder finishing: No: 957 bur is
used to finish the shoulder and is
planed with a sharp 1.0 m wide chisel.

Gingival bevel: Flame diamond and

finishing bur are used to produce a
narrow bevel, no wider than 0.3 mm.
The features of a posterior porcelain fused to metal crown
preparations for a porcelain fused to metal crown on an
posterior tooth and the function served by each.
ALL-CERAMIC CROWNS
The all ceramic crown differs from other ceramic veneer
restorations because it’s not cast in gold or some other
metal
It is capable of producing the best cosmetic effect of all
dental restoration.
However since it is entirely made of ceramic, a brittle
substance, it is more susceptible to fracture
A lot of recent advances have improved the
properties of dental porcelain.
However more than any other restoration all
ceramic crown depends for its very
survival on the tooth preparation beneath.
Tooth support is more critical for fracture
resistance of the restoration than is the
bulk of porcelain.
 Indications
• High esthetic requirement.
• Considerable proximal caries.
• Incisal edge reasonably intact.
• Endodontically treated teeth with post-and –
cores.
• Favourable distribution of occlusal load.
 Contraindications
• When superior strength is warranted and
metal-ceramic crown is more
appropriate.
• Significant caries with insufficient coronal
tooth structure for support.
• Thin teeth faciolingually.
• Unfavourable distribution of occlusal
load.
 Advantages
• Excellent esthetics
• Good tissue response even for subgingival
margins.
• Slightly more conservative of facial wall than
metal ceramic
• Brittle nature of material.
• Can be used as single restoration only.
 Disadvantages:
• Reduced strength compared to metal
ceramic crown.
• Proper preparation extremely critical
• Among least conservative preparations
• Brittle nature of material
• Can be used as single restoration only
 PORCELAIN JACKET CROWN PREPARATION
Depth orientation grooves: A
flat end tapered diamond is first
aligned with the incisal portion of
the facial surface and two vertical
cuts are made to the full diameter
of the diamond, fading out at the
“break” where the curvature of the
facial surface is the greatest.
Three similar grooves are made
maintaining the same instrument
parallel to the gingival segment of
the facial surface. Two incisal
orientation grooves 2.0 mm deep
are made.
 Incisal reduction: A
flat end tapered
diamond is used to
reduce the incisal
edge by 2.0 mm
keeping the plane of
the reduced surface
parallel to the former
incisal edge. A round
wheel diamond may
also be used for
incisal reduction.
 Facial reduction,
incisal half: A flat end
tapered diamond is
used to remove the
tooth structure
remaining between the
orientation groove in
the incisal portion of
the facial surface.
Facial reduction, gingival
half: A flat end tapered
diamond is used to reduce
the gingival segment and
extend well into the
proximal surface. Extend
the facial reduction through
the proximal surfaces with
the flat end tapered
diamond producing a
shoulder in the process.
 Lingual reduction: A
small round diamond
with a head 1.4 mm in
diameter is used to
make four depth
orientation cuts. A small
round wheel diamond is
used to create a
concave surface over
the lingual surface of
the tooth incisal to the
cingulum.
 Lingual axial
reduction: A flat
end tapered
diamond is
employed for axial
reduction to prepare
the vertical lingual
wall. Blend the
reduction of each
axial surface with
that on the adjacent
axial surface.
Axial finishing: No:
171 bur is used to
smooth the axial
surfaces and to
round all distinct
positive angles on
the preparation.
Shoulder finishing: No:
957 bur is used for
preparing a smoothly cut
shoulder perpendicular
to the line of force or to
the long axis of the
tooth.
The features of all ceramic crowns preparation for a
porcelain jacket crown on an anterior tooth and the
function served by each.
 CAST CERAMIC CROWN PREPARATION
Occlusal reduction: A
large round end tapered
diamond is used to place
depth orientation grooves
on triangular ridges and
major grooves. The final
occlusal reduction should
be 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm
deep. Remove the tooth
structure remaining
between the depth-
orientation grooves with
the large round-end
tapered diamond.
Functional cusp bevel:
The large round end
tapered diamond is used
to produce depth
orientation grooves in
the facial incline of the
facial cusp. A minimum
of 1.5 mm of clearance is
necessary.
Facial and lingual axial
reduction: The large round
end tapered diamond is used
to obtain axial reduction
ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 mm
by making depth orientation
grooves and removing the
tooth structure between
them. The axial reductions
are carried out as far as
possible into the proximal
embrasures.
Complete axial reduction: A short needle
diamond is used to begin the proximal axial
reduction without touching the adjacent tooth.
The axial reduction interproximally is complete
by running the round end tapered diamond.
Preparation finishing: round end
tapered carbide bur is used to finish the
axial surfaces and the functional cusp
bevel.
The features of a cast ceramic crown preparation for
an all ceramic crown on a posterior tooth and the
function served by each.