Overcontoured crown emergence profile (plaque trap)
What it is
Designing or delivering a crown/bridge with an excessively bulky cervical contour/emergence profile (too convex, "puffy," or with a positive step/overhang-like contour near the gingival margin). This creates a sheltered niche that retains plaque and makes cleaning difficult.
Why it happens
• Under-reduced tooth prep → the lab must add bulk to reach minimum material thickness, producing overcontour • Margin placement + tissue limitations (subgingival margins, poor tissue control) → technician/clinician "plays safe" and overbuilds cervical contour • Poor anatomic emergence design (flat/incorrect axial reduction → crown can only be made thick cervically to meet contour/strength) • Inadequate evaluation at try-in (focus on shade/occlusion, not contour + cleansability + tissue response) Clinical literature consistently associates excessive crown contour with plaque retention and gingival tissue problems.
The full clinical mistake entry includes
- How to avoid it — the prevention protocol
- The clinical tip experienced clinicians use
- The documented reference behind the mistake
More clinical mistakes
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