Excessive crown contours facilitate endemic plaque niches

Abstract

Facial and lingual surfaces of teeth restored with complete metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns exhibited greater mean plaque accumulation than did the contralateral teeth. This cross-sectional study showed greater facial-lingual width and plaque indices for restored teeth than for natural or unrestored teeth. This relationship between plaque and excessive contours must not be considered wholly dependent and conclusive. The multifactorial phenomenon influencing plaque accumulation no doubt could contribute to the findings of this study. However, until demonstrated otherwise, the creation of artificial crown contours that are greater than natural tooth convexities must be considered another parameter promoting endemic plaque niches. Sound application of principles with respect to the form of teeth and supporting tissue can preclude contouring of restorations beneficial to the accumulation of dental plaque.