(Above) In an innovate technique pioneered by G. Unterbrink, standard tools can be used sideways to create precise grooves and avoid deep, tooth-damaging boxes.

Lesson 2: Avoiding Structural Compromise

Decrease structural stress on the tooth. Every tooth has a complex internal structure: density gradients and seams that inflexible crowns and inept drilling can crack open. Avoiding Structural Compromise teaches techniques that will help you precisely shape teeth and keep them from cracking under occlusional stress.

An example tidbit is the “1-2-3-4 Warning” – watch out for any of the following danger signs:

  • 1 crack
  • 2mm isthmus
  • 3mm thin cusp
  • 4mm deep box

Avoiding Structural Compromise teaches all of the following:

  • Onlays with cuspal coverage
  • Avoiding Rainey ridges in molars
  • Handling the "soft zone" under the DEJ
  • Advanced tool techniques

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