Marginal fit of alumina-and zirconia-based fixed partial dentures produced by a CAD/CAM system

Clinical long-term success of all-ceramic dental restorations can be significantly influenced by marginal discrepancies. As a result, this in vitro study evaluated the marginal fit of alumina- and zirconia-based fixed partial dentures (FPDs) machined by the Precident DCS system. Different master steel models of three-, four- and five-unit posterior FPDs with an 0.8 mm chamfer preparation were produced. FPDs made of DC-Zirkon and In-Ceram Zirconia core ceramics were machined by the Precident DCS system. The marginal fit of the milled frameworks placed on the master steel models was determined by a replica technique using a light-body silicone to fill the discrepancies between crown and tooth and a heavy-body material to stabilize the light-body impression material. The impressions were poured into an epoxy resin material and each model was cross-sectioned with a low speed diamond saw to better visualize marginal discrepancies. The marginal fit of the FPDs was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The measurements of the marginal fit exhibited mean marginal discrepancies in a range between 60.5 and 74.0 microm, mean marginal gaps in a range from 42.9 to 46.3 microm, mean vertical discrepancies in a range from 20.9 to 48.0 microm and mean horizontal discrepancies in the range of 42.0 to 58.8 microm. Statistical data analysis was performed using the non-parametric test of Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney. The analysis revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) between the mean marginal gaps and vertical and horizontal discrepancies. However, for some FPDs the mean values of the marginal discrepancies were significantly different (p < or =0.05). The wide range of the measured values may be attributed to the complex geometrical design of long span FPDs and difficulties regarding the milling process of brittle ceramic materials. Based on the selection of 100 microm as the limit of clinical acceptability, the results of this study can conclude that the level of marginal fit for alumina- and zirconia-based FPDs achieved with the Precident DCS system meet the clinical requirements.