An in vitro investigation into the wear effects of unglazed, glazed, and polished porcelain on human enamel.

Abrasive wear tests were performed on unglazed, glazed, and polished porcelain stud specimens using human enamel as the opposing plate specimens. The wear tests were carried out on a wear machine that was specifically designed to simulate the masticatory cycle. The amount of enamel wear produced by both glazed and unglazed porcelain was similar; however, that produced by polished porcelain was substantially less. Investigation of the glazed porcelain surface showed that the glaze was removed in less than 2 hours of wear on the machine.