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Fixing Open Contacts on CEREC Restorations

Thomas Monahan Rich Rosenblatt
10 years ago

One of the more frustrating things that happens to us to set us back time wise when doing a CEREC procedure is an open contact. What should I do if I have one? Do I use porcelain add on? You can, and it is not that hard, but takes some practice and also takes some post firing work. Should I remill? You can do this too, but it certainly adds both time and cost to fixing the issue. Should I apply a thicker layer of glaze in the contact area to try and close it?

Well, I’m going to say no and yes to this. I say no if you are just using standard glaze. I find that most glazes, if you try to add a thick layer, the glaze will get this porous appearance. This will allow for a rough contact that can accumulate plaque and bacteria, and also is a weaker contact that can certainly chip off at any time. I say yes if you try a glaze called Lustre Paste NF from GC. This is a glaze based on fine ceramic particles imbedded into the glaze so it can be applied a bit thicker. It works great to close a small open contact. If the contact is more than say .5 mm, I would use the porcelain add on kit.

Another thing that I find the Lustre Past NF is great for is to create some texture on anterior teeth. Because it is a bit thicker, it give the restoration some texture that can be left as is or it can be polished back some to refine the texture. Luster Paste NF makes for a very life like final restoration. 

 

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