Sammanfattning
Resin composites and adhesive techniques offer a conservative restoration of crown-fractured teeth with a minimal risk of pulpal and periodontal complications in both children and adults. The restoration can be performed immediately after injury if there is no associated periodontal or supporting bone injury. Class IV resin restorations have a shorter longevity than full ceramic and porcelain fused to metal crowns. The durability of restorations with newer materials and bonding systems has improved. A composite build-up of a fractured tooth is more conservative to the hard tooth-structures, the pulp and the surrounding soft tissue than a crown. Considering that the resin composite build up may need replacement 2–3 times in order to equal the durability of a crown, the economic consequences for the patients over time may be the same for both treatments. However, crowns are also replaced or repaired over the years due to caries, fracture of ceramic, lack of retention or for esthetic reasons. Clinicians often look for a miracle material, but the final result is linked to the clinician's manual skills and knowledge. All steps in the direct restorative procedure are mandatory for a lasting and aesthetic restoration.