What is the minimum thickness required for porcelain restorations?

The minimum thickness required for porcelain restorations is typically around 2mm. This thickness is important to ensure the strength and durability of the restoration. At this thickness, the porcelain can effectively withstand the functional forces during chewing and help to avoid complications such as fracture or chipping.

Porcelain materials have specific physical properties that contribute to their performance. A thickness of 1mm may not provide sufficient strength or aesthetics, as it can lead to a lack of translucency and may not mask underlying tooth structure effectively. Similarly, thicknesses greater than 2mm, such as 3mm or 4mm, while potentially providing more strength, may not be necessary for effective restoration and could lead to unnecessary enamel reduction. Therefore, 2mm balances the need for durability with careful preservation of tooth structure.