Common Causes of Failure and Their Correction in Fixed Prosthodontics

Fixed prosthodontics is the art and science of restoring damaged teeth with cast metal, metal- ceramic, or all-ceramic restorations, and of replacing missing teeth with fixed prostheses1. Fixed prosthodontics can offer exceptional satisfaction for both patient and dentist. It can transform an unhealthy, unattractive dentition with poor function into a comfortable, healthy occlusion capable of years of further service while greatly enhancing esthetics. Fixed prosthodontic failures can be frustrating and complex in terms of both diagnosis and treatment. The dental literature is replete with problems and failures related to traditional fixed prosthodontic treatment. In spite of the large number of studies, criteria for grading or classifying the type and severity of the failures are inadequate because there is as such no common interpretation among investigators on the definition of failure, especially in terms of esthetics. The constituents of failure are more easily interpreted once restorative care objectives are stated. One can then define failure as an inability to meet or satisfy objectives