Clinical Technique for an In‐Office Porcelain Modification

All porcelain restorations, especially intra‐ and extracoronal restorations, have become an accepted treatment modality for the esthetic restoration of posterior teeth. One problem with these restorations is the limited ability to modify the porcelain when a proximal contact is not present or there is an open margin. Using a low‐fusing porcelain in a glazing oven, practitioners can easily accomplish such modifications during the try‐in and cementation appointment for porcelain inlays. This technique eliminates the need for returning the porcelain inlay to the laboratory for modification and a second patient visit to complete the restoration. This paper describes an in‐office procedure for modifying porcelain restorations and a scanning electron micrographic evaluation of the etched porcelain surface after using this modification technique.