Restorations at Risk: Understanding the Multifactorial Failures of Indirect Restorations

Abstract

Indirect restorations, including crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers, are widely used in restorative dentistry due to their superior durability, esthetics, and ability to restore form and function to compromised teeth. Despite technological advancements in dental materials and techniques, failures of indirect restorations remain a significant clinical challenge. This review explores the multifactorial causes of indirect restoration failures, classified into material-related, mechanical, biological, clinical, and patient-related factors. A thorough understanding of these failure mechanisms is essential for clinicians to optimize treatment outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance the longevity of restorations.

Keywords: Indirect restorations, restoration failure, porcelain fracture, composite resin shrinkage, biological complications, restorative dentistry.