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Michael JA, Townsend GC et al. Aust Dent J 2009; 54: 2–8

Are non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) a consequence of abfraction? Examination of ancient skeletal remains have not found such tooth lesions although the teeth show occlusal wear. In support of the process of abfraction, cervical enamel is more brittle than dentine and there is poorly developed scalloping between this and dentine in this region. This has to be weighed against the finding that such lesions can extend into dentine although the mechanical properties of this tissue differ fundamentally from that of enamel. Finite element analysis shows the 'magnitudes of facial and lingual stresses are similar in response to loading'. However, this is not mirrored by the clinical observation that NCCLs are more commonly seen on the buccal than lingual surfaces. The authors assert that irreversible occlusal adjustment should not be used to manage NCCLs although clinical studies have shown associations between 'abfraction lesions', bruxism and wear facets.