Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question
What crown material is BEST for a patient with a fractured mandibular molar with less remaining tooth structure and bruxism?
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Correct answer: C. Zirconia
- A. Stainless steel (SSC) is excellent for pediatric patients but not appropriate for adult permanent tooth aesthetics/function.
- B. All-porcelain (feldspathic) crowns are fragile for posterior teeth with bruxism — not the best choice.
- C. ZIRCONIA is the BEST choice for a bruxist patient with a fractured molar with reduced tooth structure because: (1) extremely high fracture resistance and flexural strength (~900-1200 MPa vs ~60-100 MPa for all-ceramic), (2) full-contour zirconia (monolithic) requires minimal tooth reduction, (3) does not fracture under bruxing forces like porcelain, (4) excellent biocompatibility. Monolithic zirconia is specifically recommended for high-force posterior restorations.
- D. PFM is strong but the porcelain veneer is susceptible to fracture in bruxist patients, especially with reduced tooth structure.
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