CAD/CAM-copings for partial coverage

Aim of the study was to evaluate the Computer Integrated Ceramic Reconstruction (CICERO)-system and the Ceramic Reconstruction (CEREC)-system for the production of all ceramic copings for partial coverage. Posterior teeth were prepared and the stone dies were made. Accuracy analyses were performed on ceramic restorations made by means of the CICERO and by means of the CEREC technique. The marginal gaps were compared to that of a control cast metal restoration. The results demonstrate that the marginal gaps of the CICERO and CEREC copings varied respectively for the premolar 58-80 microns (mean 69 microns) and 71-91 microns (mean 81 microns). For the upper molar 63-92 microns (mean 78 microns) and 68-110 microns (mean 89 microns) and for the lower molar 54-98 microns (mean 76 microns) and 73-99 microns (mean 86 microns). Control cast metal partial coverage restorations showed marginal gaps of 33, 49 and 41 microns. It is concluded that computers can produce copings for partial coverage preparations on stone dies with a mean marginal gap for CICERO copings of 74 microns and for CEREC copings of 85 microns. These values were obtained before optimizing the marginal fit by means of porcelain veneering.