Advantages and Disadvantages of of Three Quarter Crowns

Advantages of three quarter crowns:

• Conservative tooth reduction.
• Esthetics.
• Electric pulp testing can be done,
• Favorable periodontal response since less margins approximates the gingiva.
• Ensures complete seating as it is open faced and therefore permits easy escapement of cement.
• Complete veneer crown acts as a dosed hydraulic chamber preventing easy escape of cement.

Disadvantages of three quarter crowns:

• Poor retention and resistance when compared to CVC.
• Skillful preparation is critical to avoid metal display,
• May cause discoloration of anterior teeth particularly when the teeth are thin labio lingually.
• The PVC preparation is limited to fairly intact teeth with normally shaped, average length clinical crowns.

[Tylman 8th ed 173/Shillingburg 3rd ed 155]