Effect of finish line variants on marginal accuracy and fracture strength of ceramic optimized polymer/fiber-reinforced composite crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Ceramic optimized polymer (Ceromer)/fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) crowns have been promoted as alternatives to conventional crowns. However, little is known regarding the ideal tooth preparation for this type of crown. PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the marginal adaptation and fracture strength of ceromer/FRC crowns with respect to the various types of finish lines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four metal dies with different finish lines (0.9-mm chamfer, 1.2-mm chamfer, 1.2-mm rounded shoulder, and 1.2-mm shoulder) were prepared. Forty (10 for each finish line) Targis/Vectris crowns were fabricated on duplicated base metal alloy dies. The restorations were stereoscopically evaluated at 56 points along the entire circumferential margin for measuring the margin adaptation before and after cementation with a resin luting agent. The specimens were then compressively loaded to failure using a universal testing machine. The marginal adaptation (microm) was analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Dunnett test (alpha=.05). The fracture load (N) was analyzed with a 1-way analysis of the variance and the Scheffe adjustment (alpha=.05). The fractured surfaces of the crowns were examined with a scanning electron microscope to determine the mode of fracture. RESULTS: The marginal adaptation of crowns with a shoulder finish line was significantly better than crowns with a chamfer finish line before and after cementation (P<.001). The increased marginal gap after cementation was the lowest in the 1.2-mm rounded shoulder group. The fracture strength of the crowns with the 0.9-mm chamfer and crowns with 1.2-mm chamfer was significantly greater than those of the crowns with the 1.2-mm shoulder or rounded shoulder (P=.011, P=.049, respectively). The mean fracture load of all crowns, regardless of the finish line design, was 1646 N. The fractured surface of the crown revealed adhesive failure and 3 types of cohesive failure (fracture of the Targis and Vectris, Targis fracture with a crack in the Vectris layer, and crushing without fracture). CONCLUSION: The marginal gaps were greater for the chamfer finish line specimens than in the shoulder finish line specimens. However, the fracture strength of the chamfer finish line specimens was greater than that of the shoulder finish line specimens.     

Relationship between compressive strength and cervical shaping of the all-ceramic Cerestore crown

The two types of cervical shaping recommended for the preparation of Cerestore crowns are shoulder or deep chamfer. 14 specimens shaped like stylized Cerestore crowns on a shoulder preparation and 14 on a deep chamfer preparation were produced. Thereafter each crown was placed on the epoxy resin die on which it had been produced. 7 epoxy dies from each of the two series were shortened 1 mm occlusally in order to elucidate the importance of the cervical shaping. Placed on its own epoxy die each of the 28 Cerestore crowns was then subjected to occlusal stress until fracture occurred. The force needed for fracture was three times greater for the crowns produced on a shoulder preparation than for those produced on a chamfer preparation. No significant differences was obtained when crowns with the same cervical shaping were tested on intact and shortened dies respectively.     

Influence of finish line design on marginal adaptation of electroformed metal-ceramic crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Gold electroformed metal-ceramic restorations have been promoted as alternatives to conventional metal-ceramic restorations. However, little is known about the relationship between tooth preparation design and marginal adaptation for this type of crown. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of 3 different finish line designs on the marginal adaptation of electroformed metal copings and metal-ceramic crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three steel dies were prepared for maxillary central incisor crowns with 3 finish line designs: shoulder, rounded shoulder, and deep chamfer preparations. Eight standardized electroformed metal-ceramic crowns were fabricated for each group. Marginal discrepancies were measured at 60 points for each specimen along the circumferential margin at 4 sites (labial, mesial, lingual, and distal surfaces, with 15 points for each site) before and after firing procedures using a laser microscope. Data among the 3 different groups were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test with the Bonferroni correction. Marginal discrepancies between prefiring and postfiring procedures were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test (alpha = .05). RESULTS: Significant differences in the marginal discrepancies of electroformed metal copings without porcelain and metal-ceramic crowns were found among all groups. The lowest range of median marginal discrepancy values (P < .05) at 4 sites, both before and after firing, occurred with the deep chamfer preparation (17.64-21.78 microm and 23.96-25.72 microm, respectively). The highest range values were observed in the shoulder preparation (38.13-49.89 microm and 73.87-89.44 microm, respectively). In all situations, the marginal discrepancies of the postfiring procedures were significantly greater (P = .02 or less) than those of the prefiring procedures. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the marginal adaptation of electroformed metal copings or metal-ceramic crowns is affected by finish line design and sequentially diminished by porcelain firing procedures.     

Fracture resistance of posterior metal-free polymer crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Improved mechanical properties of contemporary composites has resulted in the extended use of composites for the restoration of posterior teeth. Although the indication of polymers was extended to metal-free individual crowns, the influence of tooth preparation design and cementation methods on the stability of these artificial crowns remains unknown. PURPOSE: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of axial tooth preparation design, occlusal dimension, and cementation technique on the fracture resistance of metal-free posterior Artglass crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two extracted human third molars, assigned to experimental groups by size, received standardized tooth preparation. Axial tooth preparation included an invasive approach with 1-mm deep shoulder and a less invasive 0.5-mm chamfer preparation, whereas occlusal reduction was either 0.5 mm or 1.3 mm. Artglass crowns that restored the original tooth contour were cemented with 3 cements: zinc phosphate cement (ZnP), glass ionomer cement (GIC), or a resinous cement in combination with a dentinal bonding agent. After 10,000 thermal cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C, artificial crowns were vertically loaded until compression to failure. Significant differences of fracture loads between experimental groups were assessed by paired Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Minimal fracture resistance for all combinations excluded 500 N. However, 9 of 24 Artglass crowns cemented with ZnP loosened after thermocycling. Adhesive cementation resulted in a significantly greater fracture resistance compared with GIC and ZnP (P=.02). Increased occlusal thickness (0.5 to 1.3 mm) resulted in greater stability, whereas a 1-mm deep shoulder tooth preparation did not improve durability compared with a 0.5-mm chamfer finishing line. CONCLUSION: A minimally invasive 0.5-mm axial chamfer tooth preparation combined with sufficient occlusal reduction and adhesive cementation recorded the greatest stability for posterior metal-free Artglass crowns.     

Nondestructive, in vitro quantification of crown margins

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: It is important that artificial crowns fit the prepared tooth accurately, as marginal deficiencies are predisposed to plaque accumulation and lead to increased risk of periodontal disease. Various methods of evaluation for marginal fit are described in the literature, but most approaches are limited by destructive methods of assessment and/or small points of measurement. PURPOSE: This study compared, in vitro, the marginal fit of 4 types of complete crowns on human premolar teeth with the use of nondestructive profilometry. This method determined whether fit was influenced by type of crown or surface morphology of the tooth, namely, grooved or ungrooved surfaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four groups of specimens were prepared for complete crowns: group BA, bonding alloy with chamfer finish line; group G, gold alloy with chamfer finish line; group PC, porcelain with a chamfer finish line; and group PS, porcelain with a shoulder finish line. Two profiles of grooved mesial and ungrooved distal surfaces of the teeth were performed: (1) teeth prepared for each type of crown and (2) teeth with crowns seated but not cemented. Marginal fit (absolute marginal discrepancy) from the finish line edge of the tooth preparations to crown edges (CE) and leading edges (LE) of crowns were measured. RESULTS: A 2-way analysis of variance for crown type and tooth surface morphology revealed significant differences between crown types for all measurement parameters, except vertical LE. The effect of surface morphology was not significant, except for vertical LE (P<.05). For all parameters, except vertical LE, the ranking of marginal fit discrepancies from greatest to least was as follows: group PC, G, BA, and PS. For vertical LE distances, the ranking was PS, BA, G, and PC (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Profilometry was used as a nondestructive, accurate method of evaluating the absolute marginal fit of different types of crowns. Marginal fits varied continuously around the circumference of each crown and made clinical assessment of fit accuracy subjective and arduous.     

基于逆向工程研究不同牙体预备形态对全冠三维适合性的影响

目的 基于逆向工程研究不同牙体预备形态对计算机辅助设计与制作（CAD/CAM）全冠三维适合性的影响。方法 扫描左上颌第一磨牙牙预备体并在NX Imageware 13.2软件中构建5种不同形态的牙预备体,将每种牙预备体导入exocad软件中分别制作8个树脂内冠。最后扫描树脂内冠粘接面,在Geomagic Qualify 12软件中进行适合性的三维分析。结果 3D偏差色谱图显示,深凹面形肩台组各区域偏移较小且大小均一;其余组各区域偏移相差较大,尤其是线角尖锐区域。深凹面形肩台、135°肩台、羽状肩台、直角翘边肩台、尖锐牙尖形态组的三维偏移值分别为（16.88±2.83）、（26.88±3.61）、（53.56±4.30）、（51.38±4.46）、（47.19±4.62） μm。深凹面形肩台组的适合性优于135°肩台组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;而直角翘边肩台组、尖锐牙尖形态组、羽状边缘组的整体适合性最差,三者比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论 计算机三维分析法是一种研究冠适合性的较好方法;推荐临床制备线角圆钝、深凹面形肩台的牙预备体;避免制备羽状、直角翘边边缘以及线角尖锐形态的牙预备体。     

Effect of finish line design on stress distribution in bilayer and monolithic zirconia crowns: a three‐dimensional finite element analysis study

This study evaluated the influence of different finish line designs and abutment materials on the stress distribution of bilayer and monolithic zirconia crowns using three‐dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). Three‐dimensional models of two types of zirconia premolars – a yttria‐stabilized zirconia framework with veneering ceramic and a monolithic zirconia ceramic – were used in the analysis. Cylindrical models with the finish line design of the crown abutments were prepared with three types of margin curvature radius (CR): CR = 0 (CR0; shoulder margin), CR = 0.5 (CR0.5; rounded shoulder margin), and CR = 1.0 (CR1.0; deep chamfer margin). Two abutment materials (dentin and brass) were analyzed. In the FEA model, 1 N was loaded perpendicular to the occlusal surface at the center of the crown, and linear static analysis was performed. For all crowns, stress was localized to the occlusal loading area as well as to the axial walls of the proximal region. The lowest maximum principal stress values were observed when the dentin abutment with CR0.5 was used under a monolithic zirconia crown. These results suggest that the rounded shoulder margin and deep chamfer margin, in combination with a monolithic zirconia crown, potentially have optimal geometry to minimize occlusal stress.     

Marginal Adaptation of Cerec 3 CAD/CAM Composite Crowns Using Two Different Finish Line Preparation Designs

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare marginal discrepancies of Cerec 3 CAD/CAM composite crowns, fabricated on human prepared teeth with two different finish line designs, chamfer and shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen human molar teeth were used to prepare full crowns. Eight teeth were prepared with a 1-mm-wide chamfer finish line and the other eight with a 1.2- to 1.5-mm circumferential shoulder. Cerec 3 crowns were fabricated from optical impressions using Paradigm MZ100 composite polymer. Marginal adaptation was evaluated in two ways: (1) using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria to evaluate eight preselected sites on each crown margin, and (2) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to measure marginal gaps on all four axial walls with 15 measurements on each wall (60 measurements per crown). An evaluation of the number of acceptable crowns, determined by having all measured sites per tooth with margin gap size less than 100 microm, as a function of finish line design was also conducted. RESULTS: In both chamfer and shoulder groups, there were only two crowns (out of eight) with clinically acceptable ratings for all eight measurement sites according to USPHS criteria. Fisher's chi-square analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in marginal adaptability as a function of finish line design ( p>0.05). With SEM imaging, overall mean marginal gaps for the chamfer group were 65.9+/-38.7 microm (range 35.0 to 130.0 microm), and for the shoulder group were 46.0+/-9.2 microm (range 26.3 to 55.6 microm); this difference was not found to be statistically significant ( p>0.05). While crown assessment based on mean marginal discrepancy measurements indicated that both the chamfer and shoulder groups were considered clinically acceptable (<100 microm); crown acceptability based on all measurement sites being less than 100 mum indicated that in the chamfer and shoulder groups there were four and three acceptable crowns out of eight, respectively. The Fisher's chi-square test indicated no statistically significant difference between the groups ( p>0.05). An agreement rate of 81.2% was calculated between the two evaluation methods, modified USPHS criteria and SEM measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Based on mean marginal discrepancy measurements, the typical marginal assessment technique, Cerec 3 Paradigm MZ100 crown restorations appear to have acceptable marginal adaptability (mean discrepancies <100 microm). Thus, the evidence from this investigation would suggest that the finish line preparation design had no effect on marginal adaptation for Cerec 3 composite crowns.     

不同颈缘弯曲度和肩台形态的泽康全瓷冠的精度

目的调查不同颈缘弯曲度和肩台形态的泽康CAD／CAM全瓷冠的边缘精度。方法准备6种不同形态的基牙（弯曲度：1mm,3mm,5ram;肩台外形：圆弧肩台,直角肩台）。制作30个泽康CAD／CAM全瓷冠（每种肩台各5个）,测定陶瓷基底冠和全瓷冠的边缘缝隙。采用双因子ANOVA分析后用T检验测定有无统计学差异。结果弯曲度1mm,3mm,5mm圆弧肩台的泽康全瓷冠的边缘缝隙分别为51（21）μm,53（22）μm,54（20）μm。弯曲度1mm,3mm,5mm直角肩台的泽康全瓷冠的边缘缝隙分别为49（18）μm,51（19）μm,50（22）μm。统计结果显示6种基牙之间没有显著性差异。结论泽康全瓷冠有良好的边缘精度,颈缘弯曲度和肩台形态对泽康全瓷冠的边缘精度没有显著影响。     

Marginal accuracy and fracture strength of ceromer/fiber-reinforced composite crowns: effect of variations in preparation design

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Targis/Vectris restorations provide excellent esthetics and clinical success; however, the relationship of their marginal accuracy and fracture strength to the tooth preparation design requires further investigation. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of variations in tooth preparation design on the marginal accuracy before and after cementation and on the fracture strength of the ceromer/fiber reinforced composite crown. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three metal dies with varying total occlusal convergence angles (6 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees) were prepared. A total of 30 (10 for each angle) Targis/Vectris crowns were fabricated. The restorations were evaluated at 48 points on the entire circumferential margin with a stereomicroscope measuring in micrometers for margin adaptation before and after cementation. The specimens then were compressively loaded to failure in a universal testing machine. Marginal adaptation was analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Dunnett test (alpha=0.05). The fracture strength was analyzed with analysis of variance and the Scheffe adjustment at the 95% significance level. Fracture surfaces of the crowns were examined with a scanning electron microscope to determine the mode of fracture. RESULTS: The smallest marginal gap was recorded in angled crowns with a 6-degree convergence (47 microm mean). The marginal gap of most (95.6%) of the crowns was within a clinically acceptable level (established as 相似文献   

A clinical evaluation of the agar alginate combined impression: dimensional accuracy of dies by new master crown technique

PURPOSE: To evaluate the dimensional accuracy of several impression methods including agar alginate combined impression in vivo; the marginal accuracy of stone dies was determined using a new electroformed master crown technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cast cores with knife-edge and chamfer margins and electroformed master crowns were fabricated for 3 patients. Five impressions were taken of each preparation, using agar alginate combined impression and silicone impression materials. Dies were made after impression. The marginal fit of the master crown on each die was analyzed by four-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The marginal fit of the master crown on the dies with chamfer margin was better than those with knife-edge margin for agar alginate combined impression. The shape of the margin did not affect the accuracy when silicone impression material was used. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the agar alginate impression method is clinically acceptable for the chamfer margin, but shape of the margin may affect the dimensional accuracy of dies. The shape of the margin does not affect the accuracy of dies when silicone impression was used. Furthermore, the master crown made by electroforming technique could be useful for clinical evaluation of impression methods.     

Effect of margin design on fracture load of zirconia crowns

Zirconia‐based restorations are showing an increase as the clinicians’ preferred choice at posterior sites because of the strength and esthetic properties of such restorations. However, all‐ceramic restorations fracture at higher rates than do metal‐based restorations. Margin design is one of several factors that can affect the fracture strength of all‐ceramic restorations. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preparation and crown margin design on fracture resistance. Four groups of bilayer zirconia crowns (with 10 crowns in each group) were produced by hard‐ or soft‐machining technique, with the following four different margin designs: chamfer preparation (control); slice preparation; slice preparation with an additional cervical collar of 0.7 mm thickness; and reduced occlusal thickness (to 0.4 mm) on slice preparation with an additional cervical collar of 0.7 mm thickness. Additionally, 10 hard‐machined crowns with slice preparation were veneered and glazed with feldspathic porcelain. In total, 90 crowns were loaded centrally in the occlusal fossa until fracture. The load at fracture was higher than clinically relevant mastication loads for all preparation and margin designs. The crowns on a chamfer preparation fractured at higher loads compared with crowns on a slice preparation. An additional cervical collar increased load at fracture for hard‐machined crowns.     

Comparison of the marginal adaptation of zirconium dioxide crowns in preparations with two different finish lines

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal adaptation of zirconium dioxide crowns in preparations with two different finish line configurations before and after porcelain firing cycles, after a glaze cycle, and after cementation. Materials and Methods: Twenty human molar teeth were prepared to receive full crowns; ten were prepared with a 90° round shoulder and another ten with a 45° chamfer finish line. Zirconium dioxide copings were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology (Lava? system). They were then veneered with a low‐fusing glass‐ceramic (IPS e.max® Ceram). Finally, they were glazed and cemented with a resin‐composite cement (RelyX? Unicem, Aplicap?). Measurements for marginal adaptation using stereomicroscopy (40×) were performed at four stages: copings (S1), after porcelain firing cycles (S2), after glazing (S3), and after cementation (S4). One‐way ANOVA was used to assess the influence of the finish line design on the marginal adaptation in each stage. Two‐way ANOVA with repeated measurements was performed to assess the influence on the marginal adaptation of the porcelain firing cycles, glaze firing cycle, and cementation. Results: The measured marginal gap mean values for the shoulder group (μm) were: 50.13 (S1), 54.32 (S2), 55.12 (S3), and 59.83 (S4). The values for the chamfer group were: 63.56 (S1), 71.85 (S2), 74.12 (S3), and 76.97 (S4). When comparing marginal gaps between specimens with two different finish lines, differences were noticed at the four studied stages (p= 0.0165, p= 0.0027, p= 0.0009, and p= 0.0009, respectively). No differences were manifested in the marginal gap measurements of the shoulder group at the different stages of fabrication (p= 0.4335); however, in the chamfer group, differences were noticed between S1 and S3 (p= 0.0042). Conclusions: Marginal adaptation was influenced by the finish line design. The firing cycles significantly affected the chamfer group; nevertheless, the marginal gap was within the range of clinical acceptability.     

The effect of tooth preparation design on the breaking strength of Dicor crowns: Part 1

Six maxillary first premolar all-ceramic tooth preparation designs were tested for their effect on the strength of Dicor crowns. Ten crowns were fabricated for each preparation design, and their breaking strengths were measured. Three finish line designs (1.2-mm shoulder with sharp axiogingival line angle, 1.2-mm shoulder with rounded axiogingival line angle, and 0.8-mm chamfer) and two total occlusal convergence angles (10 degrees and 20 degrees) were tested. All preparations possessed 2.0 mm of occlusal reduction. The average breaking strengths of the 10 Dicor crowns were compared to that of 10 metal ceramic control restorations. The tooth preparation with a 1.2-mm shoulder finish line, sharp axiogingival line angle, and 10 degrees of total occlusal convergence produced the strongest Dicor crowns (88.6 kg). The weakest restorations were observed when a 0.8-mm chamfer finish line (66.8 kg) was used. The metal ceramic restorations were significantly stronger (247.45 kg) than the strongest Dicor crowns (88.6 kg).     

Effects of Tooth Preparation Burs and Luting Cement Types on the Marginal Fit of Extracoronal Restorations

Purpose: Although surface roughness of axial walls could contribute to precision of a cast restoration, it is unclear how the roughness of tooth preparation affects marginal fit of the restoration in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to describe the morphologic features of dentin surfaces prepared by common rotary instruments of similar shapes and to determine their effects on the marginal fit for complete cast crowns. Materials and Methods: Ninety crowns were cast for standardized complete crown tooth preparations. Diamond, tungsten carbide finishing, and crosscut carbide burs of similar shape were used (N = 30). The crowns in each group were subdivided into three groups (n = 10) for use with different luting cements: zinc phosphate cement (Fleck's), glass ionomer cement (Ketac‐Cem), and adhesive resin cement (Panavia 21). Marginal fit was measured with a light microscope in a plane parallel to the tooth surface before and after cementation between four pairs of index indentations placed at equal distances around the circumference of each specimen. Difference among groups was tested for statistical significance with analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Ryan‐Einot‐Gabriel‐Welsch Multiple Range Test (α= 0.05). Results: Analysis of measurements disclosed a statistically significant difference for burs used to finish tooth preparations (p < 0.001); however, luting cement measurements were not significantly different (p= 0.152). Also, the interaction effect was not significantly different (p= 0.685). For zinc phosphate cement, the highest marginal discrepancy value (100 ± 106 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with carbide burs, and the lowest discrepancy value (36 ± 30 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with finishing burs. For glass ionomer cement, the highest marginal discrepancy value (61 ± 47 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with carbide burs, and the lowest discrepancy value (33 ± 40 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with finishing burs. For adhesive resin cement, the highest marginal discrepancy value (88 ± 81 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with carbide burs, and the lowest discrepancy value (19 ± 17 μm) was for tooth preparations refined with finishing burs. Conclusions: Marginal fit of complete cast crowns is influenced by tooth preparation surface characteristics, regardless of the type of luting agent used for cementation. Tooth preparations refined with finishing burs may favor the placement of restorations with the smallest marginal discrepancies, regardless of the type of cement used.     

A simplified approach to the complete porcelain margin.

The technique described produces a metal-ceramic crown exhibiting excellent esthetic qualities and marginal accuracy superior to that achieved on the cast metal margin. A platinum foil apron or refractory dies are not necessary. A precise shoulder preparation, preferably with two master dies, is required. A chamfer with a bevel, a shoulder with a bevel, or chamfer preparations are not suited to this technique. Quantitative evaluation using a measuring microscope showed that a marginal gap on a crown fabricated on an International Bureau of Standards crown die measured 6 microns at the porcelain shoulder and from 17 to 34 microns on a gold margin of the same crown. On a prepared-tooth, rubber-base compression densite die, the marginal gap on the porcelain shoulder was 10 microns.     

Evaluation of the marginal fit of three margin designs of resin composite crowns using CAD/CAM

OBJECTIVES: To examine the marginal fit of resin composite crowns manufactured with the CEREC 3 system employing three different margin designs; bevel, chamfer and shoulder, by means of a replica technique and a luting agent. METHODS: Three master casts were fabricated from an impression of a typodont molar tooth and a full-coverage crown prepared with a marginal finish of a bevel, a chamfer and a shoulder. Each cast was replicated 10 times (n=10). Scanning of the replicas and crown designing was performed using the CEREC Scan system. The crowns were milled from Paradigm MZ100 composite resin blocks. The marginal fit of the crowns was evaluated with a replica technique (Aquasil LV, Dentsply), and with a resin composite cement (RelyX Unicem, Aplicap) and measured with a travelling microscope. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: For the replica technique the average marginal gaps recorded were: Bevel Group 105+/-34 microm, Chamfer Group 94+/-27 microm and Shoulder Group 91+/-22 microm. For the resin composite cement the average marginal gaps were: Bevel Group 102+/-28 microm, Chamfer Group 91+/-11 microm and Shoulder Group 77+/-8 microm. Two-way ANOVA analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups of finishing lines regardless of the cementation technique used. CONCLUSIONS: The marginal gap of resin composite crowns manufactured with the CEREC 3 system is within the range of clinical acceptance, regardless of the finishing line prepared or the cementation technique used.     

The effect of tooth preparation design on the breaking strength of Dicor crowns: 2

Six maxillary first premolar tooth preparation designs for all-ceramic restorations were tested for their effect on the strength of Dicor crowns. Ten crowns were fabricated for each preparation design, and the breaking strengths were measured. Three finish line designs (1.2-mm shoulder with sharp axiogingival line angle, 1.2-mm chamfer, and 0.8-mm chamfer) and two total occlusal convergence angles (5 degrees and 15 degrees) were tested. All preparations possessed 2.0 mm of occlusal reduction. The average breaking strengths of the 10 Dicor crowns were compared to those of 10 metal ceramic control restorations. The three groups of restorations fabricated for preparations with 5 degrees of occlusal convergence were significantly weaker than those made for preparations with 15 degrees of convergence. The metal ceramic restorations were significantly stronger (247.45 kg) than the strongest Dicor crowns (56.2 kg).     

The effect of finish line preparation and layer thickness on the failure load and fractography of ZrO2 copings

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: To prevent tooth weakening or pulp irritation, there is a need for a minimally invasive method of preparing single anterior crowns. Restoration dimensions for reduced coping thicknesses or less invasive finish line preparations are required. PURPOSE: The purposed of this in vitro was to study investigate the fracture performance of high-strength zirconia copings, compare knife-edge margins with chamfer finish lines, and examine the effect of reducing the layer thickness from 0.5 mm to 0.3 mm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Y-TZP zirconia copings were manufactured on brass dies of a maxillary central incisor. Forty copings, with 2 layer thicknesses (0.5 and 0.3 mm), and 2 finish line preparations (knife edge and chamfer; n=10) were cemented using a conventional glass ionomer cement and stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. The copings were vertically loaded until fracture using a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA (alpha=.05). Fractographic examination was performed using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: A significantly higher mean failure load was measured for knife-edge (0.5 mm, 1110 +/-175 N; 0.3 mm, 730 +/-160 N) versus chamfer (0.5 mm, 697 +/-126 N; 0.3 mm, 455 +/-79 N) preparations (P<.001), and for 0.5-mm versus 0.3-mm thickness layers (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Knife-edge preparations present a promising alternative to chamfer finish lines; the fracture load required for knife-edge preparations was 38% greater than that required for chamfer preparations, regardless of coping thickness. Reducing the thickness of a single crown coping from 0.5 to 0.3 mm resulted in a 35% reduction in fracture load required for either preparation type.     

Comparison of Marginal Fit between All-Porcelain Margin versus Alumina-Supported Margin on Procera® Alumina Crowns

Purpose: Procera^® Alumina crowns are widely used; however, the effect of crown margin design on marginal fit is unknown. This study measured and compared the precision of fit of Procera^® Alumina crowns with two crown margin designs: all-porcelain versus alumina-supported margins.
Materials and Methods: Sixteen noncarious extracted human premolars were prepared for Procera^® Alumina crowns with an internally rounded shoulder preparation. Impressions were made from all teeth, and master dies were poured with type IV dental stone. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups. Procera^® Alumina crowns were fabricated: eight crowns with circumferential porcelain-butt (all-porcelain) margins and eight crowns with coping (alumina-supported) margins (control). Precision of fit was measured at six points on each crown with a profilometer (profile projector). The data were statistically analyzed with an independent-samples t -test (α < 0.05).
Results: The mean marginal gap size (μm) of coping margins was 68.07 ± 16.08 and of porcelain-butt margins was 101.29 ± 43.71. There was no statistically significant difference ( p = 0.065) of the marginal gap size between coping margins and porcelain-butt margins.
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that there was no statistically significant difference in the marginal fit of coping and porcelain-butt margins. Both margin designs are within clinically acceptable ranges. Therefore, clinicians may choose to use a coping margin, as it is less labor intensive and requires less time for fabrication, unless there is a specific high esthetic need for a porcelain-butt margin.