Why should porcelain teeth not be used on a natural tooth?

Porcelain teeth are often avoided when used on natural teeth primarily because of wear. Porcelain is a much harder material than the natural enamel of teeth, and when porcelain teeth come into contact with natural teeth, they can cause significant wear on that natural enamel. Over time, this wear can lead to increased sensitivity, tooth structure loss, and the potential for further dental issues. The hardness of porcelain can lead to abrasion, and the disparity in material hardness can create a problem for the longevity and health of adjacent natural teeth.

Other factors, such as strength and esthetics, may be relevant in different contexts, but they do not address the immediate concern about the wear mechanism. While porcelain can be aesthetically pleasing and possesses good strength properties, these attributes do not mitigate the wearing effects that porcelain can have on surrounding natural dental structures.