Bonding lithium disilicate ceramic to feather-edge tooth preparations: a minimally invasive treatment concept.

PURPOSE To report the short-term clinical outcome of a new minimally invasive prosthetic approach utilizing monolithic lithium-disilicate full crowns bonded to feather-edge tooth preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS 235 teeth, 136 anterior and 99 posterior, requiring a full crown were prepared with a feather-edge finish line providing a minimum space on the vertical walls of 0.3 mm at the margin, 0.5 mm along the axial walls, and an occlusal space of 1 to 1.5 mm to ensure sufficient resistance of the restoration. The dental technician manufactured the monolithic restorations using either CAD-CAM or pressed technology. The restorations were individualized with a staining technique to obtain the necessary esthetic characterization and bonded to the natural abutments using an adhesive cementation procedure. RESULTS Out of 235 treated elements, only one monolithic restoration in a molar position fractured after 3 years of service. No biological or technical complications were observed. The final esthetic result was optimal. CONCLUSION This procedure can be considered a further option for the conservative restorative treatment of single elements where a full crown is required.