Marginal fit of Zirconia posterior fixed partial dentures

The aim of this study was to investigate the marginal fit of posterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs) made with 2 computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture systems--Procera Bridge Zirconia (Nobel Biocare) and Lava AllCeramic System (3M ESPE)--and to analyze the differences between abutments and between buccal and lingual surfaces. Twenty standardized specimens were prepared to receive posterior 3-unit FPDs. FPDs were fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions. A scanning microscope (JSM-6400, JEOL) with a magnification of 1,000x was used for measurements. Three-way analysis of variance showed significant differences (P < .001) in marginal adaptation between the ceramic groups. Procera Bridge Zirconia showed the lowest discrepancies (26 +/- 19 microm). No significant differences were observed between abutments and surfaces, and no significant interaction was observed among the ceramic system, abutments, and surfaces. The accuracy of fit achieved by both zirconia systems was within the range of clinical acceptability, with Procera Bridge Zirconia showing the best marginal fit.     

Fracture resistance of different zirconium dioxide three-unit all-ceramic fixed partial dentures

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the fracture resistance of different zirconia three-unit posterior all-ceramic fixed partial dentures before and after fatigue loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight zirconia three-unit posterior all-ceramic fixed partial dentures were fabricated using different manufacturing systems and conventionally cemented on human teeth. The restorations were divided according to the system used for manufacturing the frameworks into 3 groups of 16 specimens each (DCS, Procera and Vita CerecInlab). Half of each group was artificially aged through dynamic loading and thermal cycling, whereas the other half was left with no artificial aging. Afterwards, all specimens were tested for fracture resistance using compressive load on the occlusal surface. Non-parametric ANOVA using the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank tests was performed to test for differences in fracture resistance values with a global significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: All artificially aged specimens survived with no failures. The median fracture resistance values (before; after artificial aging) were: DCS (1683 N; 1618 N), Procera (1522 N; 1256 N), and Vita CerecInlab (1702 N; 1556 N). No significant differences were found for comparisons between different groups before artificial aging. Artificial aging did not significantly influence the fracture resistance of different groups. After artificial aging, group Procera showed significantly lower fracture resistance than the Vita CerecInlab (p=0.015) and DCS (p=0.038) groups. CONCLUSIONS: All tested restorations have the potential to withstand occlusal forces applied in the posterior region and can therefore represent interesting alternatives for replacing porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. Further assessment is needed before recommending such restorations in daily practice.     

Clinical fit of all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial dentures, generated with three different CAD/CAM systems

In this study, the hypothesis was tested that the marginal and internal fit of CAD/CAM fabricated all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) can be as good as in metal-ceramic FPDs. Twenty-four all-ceramic FPDs were fabricated and randomly subdivided into three equally sized groups. Eight frameworks were fabricated using the Digident CAD/CAM system (DIGI), another eight frameworks using the Cerec Inlab system (INLA). Vita Inceram Zirkonia blanks were used for both groups. In a third group frameworks were milled from yttrium-stabilized Zirconium blanks using the Lava system (LAVA). All frameworks were layered with ceramic veneering material. In addition, six three-unit metal-ceramic FPDs served as control group. All FPDs were evaluated using a replica technique with a light body silicone stabilized with a heavy body material. The replica samples were examined under microscope. The medians of marginal gaps were 75 microm for DIGI, 65 microm for LAVA and INLA and 54 microm for the conventional FPDs. Only the DIGI data differed significantly from those of the conventional FPDs. Within the limits of this study, the results suggest that the accuracy of CAD/CAM generated three-unit FPDs is satisfactory for clinical use.     

All-ceramic fixed partial dentures. Studies on aluminum oxide- and zirconium dioxide-based ceramic systems

BACKGROUND: The development of refined, tougher, and stronger ceramic core materials in recent years has led to the wider use of new, strong all-ceramic systems based on oxide ceramics. Results from in-vitro studies investigating the use of oxide ceramics in shorter all-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have been positive, but clinical studies and additional in-vitro studies are needed to confirm the advisability of such procedures. AIMS: One aim of this thesis was to investigate whether alumina-based and zirconia-based material systems are adequate for use in shorter (< or = five-unit) FPDs and to evaluate the clinical results. Additional aims were to investigate how to achieve optimal fracture strength in an all-ceramic FPD by varying the try-in procedure, the cervical shape of the abutments, and the support of the FPD (abutment teeth or dental implants). The final aim was to compare the strength of a zirconia material system with that of an alumina equivalent with known long-term clinical performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two clinical studies investigating one alumina-based and one zirconia-based material system were performed. Twenty posterior, three-unit FPDs (glass-infiltrated alumina) were followed for 5 years and 20 three-five-unit FPDs (HIP zirconia) for 2 years. Long-term follow-ups were made after 11 +/-1 (glass-infiltrated alumina) and 3 years (HIP zirconia). In three in-vitro studies, the following variables were investigated: (1a) the flexural strength of porcelain specimens depending on whether they were exposed to saliva before the glaze firing (n=20) or first after the glaze firing (n=20), (1b) the fracture strength of three-unit all-ceramic FPDs (glass-infiltrated alumina) supported by abutments prepared with cervical shoulder preparations (n=9) and abutments with cervical chamfer preparations (n=9), (2) the fracture strength of crowns (n=30) made of a zirconia material system (densely sintered zirconia) and of crowns (n=30) of an alumina material system (densely sintered alumina) that had undergone three different pre-treatment modalities (water storage only; water storage and cyclic pre-loading; water storage, cyclic pre-loading, and thermocycling), (3) the fracture strength of all-ceramic FPDs (densely sintered alumina) supported by simulated teeth (n=12) or by dental implants (n=12). RESULTS: The success rate of the clinical alumina study was 90% after 5 years. Six (+/-1) years later (after a total of 11 +/-1 years), the success/survival rate was 65%. In the second clinical study, the success rates of the 2- and 3-year follow-ups were 100%. In the three in-vitro studies, the following results were found: (1a) the mean flexural strength of the specimens in the group that was exposed to saliva first after glazing was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that of the specimens in the group that was exposed to saliva before glazing, (1b) the FPDs luted on shoulder preparations resisted higher loads than the FPDs luted on chamfer preparations (P = 0.051), 2) total fractures were more frequent in the alumina than in the zirconia group (P < 0.001), 3) FPDs loaded on implants resisted higher loads (mean = 604 N, SD=184 N ) than FPDs loaded on abutment teeth (mean= 378 N, SD=152 N, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This thesis justifies the use of shorter alumina- (< or = three-unit) and zirconia-based (< or = five-unit) FPDs as the clinical results are acceptable. The clinical performance of alumina is, however, not as good as that of comparable high-gold alloy based porcelain-fused-to-metal FPDs concerning fracture resistance. Within the limitations of the in-vitro studies: Saliva exposure of porcelain before glaze firing should be avoided to optimize the strength of the porcelain. Shoulder preparations can be beneficial for the strength of all-ceramic FPDs compared to chamfer preparations, as can support by dental implants compared to abutment teeth. The fracture mode of alumina crowns (total fractures) differs from that of zirconia crowns (veneer fractures), suggesting that the zirconia core is stronger than the alumina core.     

Marginal adaptation of 1 fiber-reinforced composite and 2 all-ceramic inlay fixed partial denture systems

PURPOSE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal adaptation and retention of inlay fixed partial dentures (IFPDs) made with 1 fiber-reinforced composite and 2 different ceramic materials using quantitative scanning electron microscope analysis after thermal cycling and mechanical loading, which simulated approximately 5 years of oral service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen IFPDs made with fiber-reinforced composite (SR Adoro/Vectris), zirconium oxide-TZP (Cercon), and magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (DC-Leolux) covered with silica-based ceramics were tested in this study. The specimens were mechanically loaded in the vestibular cusp of the pontic element in a computer-controlled masticator with 1,200,000 half-sinusoid mechanical cycles of maximum 49 N each at a frequency of 1.7 Hz. A total of 3,000 thermocycles at 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C, 2 minutes each, were performed simultaneously. The marginal adaptation was analyzed at the interface of the luting composite and the abutment inlay/onlay (CI) and at the interface of the tooth and the luting composite (TC). RESULTS: The percentages of continuous margin at the CI interface were 94.6 +/- 3.1 and 88 +/- 6.7 for Adoro/Vectris, 92.9 +/- 5 and 85.7 +/- 6.1 for Cercon, and 96.2 +/- 2.1 and 82.2 +/- 9.8 for DC-Leolux, respectively, before and after loading. The percentages of continuous margin at the TC interface were 86.7 +/- 6.7 and 62.5 +/- 16.4 for Adoro/Vectris, 93.3 +/- 3.4 and 83.2 +/- 5.9 for Cercon, and 96.1 +/- 2.4 and 75.3 +/- 7 for DC-Leolux. Statistically significant differences were found after loading between the fiber-reinforced composite and the 2 ceramic systems at the TC interface. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this experimental study with regard to the sample size and contacting vectors, the results showed that flexibility of the framework may play an important role in the marginal adaptation of the IFPDs. More rigid materials may transfer less stress to the margins, thus promoting a more stable adhesion to the dental tissues.     

Marginal adaptation of indirect composites and ceramic inlay systems

This study evaluated the marginal adaptation of four different inlay indirect restorative systems: feldspathic ceramic (Duceram LFC-Degussa) and three laboratory-processed resin composites (Solidex-Shofu; Targis-Ivoclar; Artglass-Heraeus Kulzer). Sixty mesial-occlusal-distal (MOD) standard cavities were prepared in mandibular molars and divided randomly. Polyvinylsiloxane impressions were made and the restorations were prepared following the manufacturer's instructions. Marginal adaptation evaluation was accomplished using an image collector computer system with a digital gauging appliance at four points on the occlusal, proximal and gingival regions with 250x magnification. Among all the materials, the marginal discrepancy recorded on the gingival margins was statistically larger than that recorded on the proximal and occlusal regions. Duceram LFC showed greater marginal discrepancy than Solidex, Artglass and Targis, which showed no statistically significant differences among them.     

Marginal adaptation of inlay-retained adhesive fixed partial dentures after mechanical and thermal stress: an in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There are no studies that analyze the long-term durability of minimally invasive fixed partial dentures (FPDs) by comparing different methods of adhesive bonding. PURPOSE: This in vitro study examined the influence of cavity design and operative technique on the marginal adaptation of resin-bonded composite FPDs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Slot-inlay tooth preparations with cavity margins located in enamel were prepared in 18 maxillary canines and 18 maxillary first molars designated as abutments. The specimens were divided equally into 3 experimental groups. In all groups, butt joint tooth preparations were created in canines and molars. In group 2, canines were prepared additionally with a 1.5-mm wide palatal bevel in enamel. After pretests with modification spaces of 11 and 17 mm (length), 2 missing premolars were replaced by the ceromer Targis and reinforced with the glass-fiber material Vectris. The prostheses were inserted with Tetric Ceram with use of an ultrasonic-supported, high-viscosity technique. Restorations were selectively bonded to cavity finish lines in groups 1 and 2 ("selective bonding"). In group 3, restorations were bonded totally to the whole cavity surface ("total bonding"). The restorations were stressed in a computer-controlled masticator. Marginal quality was examined with an SEM at x 200. RESULTS: The percent area of optimal margins after thermomechanical loading between composite and enamel in each group was as follows: group 1, 86.2% +/- 12.3% for canines and 95.5% +/- 3.5% for molars; group 2, 95.3% +/- 2.1% for canines and 96.2% +/- 2.7% for molars; and group 3, 95% +/- 0.9% for canines and 86.4% +/- 3.2% for molars. The marginal quality for molars inserted with total bonding was significantly lower (P< or =.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the selective bonding technique for slot inlay-retained fixed partial dentures resulted in a negligible loss of marginal quality after extensive mechanical and thermal stress. The selective bonding technique is recommended for box-shaped cavity preparations.     

Fracture resistance of the veneering on inlay-retained zirconia ceramic fixed partial dentures

AIMS: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture load of zircon frames veneered with a polymer glass holding box inlay-retained fixed partial dentures (FPDs). The influence of the position of the frame and the span length was tested. Additionally, the fracture load values of zircon frames veneered with a press ceramic were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Box inlay cavities were prepared on mandibular molars and premolars. Forty-eight FPDs were manufactured using industrially prefabricated zircon frames veneered with the polymer glass Artglass. Sixteen FPDs received individually manufactured CAD/CAM zircon frames veneered with a press ceramic. All FPDs underwent thermal cycling and mechanical loading (ML). The load to fracture was measured and fracture sites were evaluated. RESULTS: Four polymer veneered FPDs showed fractures in the veneering material after ML. The mean fracture resistance ranged from 531 N to 727 N. No significant influence of frame localization could be observed. Significantly greater fracture resistance values were found in the ceramic veneered FPDs (1276 N to 1413 N). There was no significant effect of span length in the polymer veneered group or in the all-ceramic group, with the exception of a significant peak in fracture load value for intermediate span lengths in the polymer group with a localized occlusal zircon frame. CONCLUSIONS: Polymer veneered FPDs with Y-TZP frames showed acceptable fracture resistance values, but they cannot yet be unreservedly recommended for clinical use. Fracture values for CAD/CAM manufactured Y-TZP frames combined with a press ceramic deserve further clinical investigation.     

Soldering porcelain-fused-to-metal fixed partial dentures

A technique has been described for soldering the segments of a porcelain-fused-to-metal fixed partial denture that has been sectioned after its initial fabrication.     

Prognosis of zirconia ceramic fixed partial dentures: a 7-year prospective study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the time-dependent clinical efficacy of anterior and posterior zirconia fixed partial dentures (FPDs). A convenience sample of 28 patients, each wearing 1 FPD, was recalled annually throughout a 6-year follow-up period (mean: 6.5 years). Four patients did not participate in the study (dropouts), and 24 FPDs were in use during the observation period. The cumulative survival and success rates were 88.9% and 81.8%, respectively. Fixed prostheses with zirconia frameworks may be regarded as acceptable alternatives to metal-ceramic anterior and posterior FPDs.     

Fracture resistance of lithium disilicate-, alumina-, and zirconia-based three-unit fixed partial dentures: a laboratory study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the fracture resistance of three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPD) made of new core ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A base metal three-unit master FPD model with a maxillary premolar and molar abutment was made. Tooth preparation showed 0.8-mm circumferential and 1.5-mm occlusal reduction and a chamfer margin design. FPDs were constructed with a uniform 0.8-mm-thick core ceramic and a porcelain veneer layer. In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, and DC-Zirkon core ceramics were machined by a computer-aided design/manufacturing system, whereas IPS Empress 2 core ceramic was indirectly built up using the fabrication technology of waxing and heat pressing. FPDs of IPS Empress were heat pressed as complete restorations without core material. To ensure standardized dimensions, the FPDs were controlled at different points. All FPDs were cemented with ZnPO4 on the master model and loaded on a universal testing machine until failure. The failure load and mode of failure were recorded. RESULTS: The highest failure loads, exceeding 2,000 N, were associated with FPDs of DC-Zirkon. FPDs of IPS Empress and In-Ceram Alumina showed the lowest failure loads, below 1,000 N, whereas intermediate values were observed for FPDs of IPS Empress 2 and In-Ceram Zirconia. Differences in mean values were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The high fracture resistance evaluated for FPDs made of DC-Zirkon underscores the remarkable mechanical properties of high-performance ceramic, which could be useful for highly loaded all-ceramic restorations, especially in the molar region.