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Marginal adaptation of three-unit fixed partial dentures constructed from pressed ceramic systems
C F J Stappert1, M Dai, S Chitmongkolsuk
1Department of Prosthodontics, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany. stappert@zmk2.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
British Dental Journal
|June 29, 2004
Summary
This study found that all-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) exhibit marginal accuracy comparable to metal-ceramic FPDs. Both ceramic and metal-ceramic FPDs demonstrated clinically acceptable marginal gap values after cementation and fatigue testing.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Prosthodontics
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Accurate marginal fit of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) is crucial for long-term clinical success.
- All-ceramic materials offer aesthetic advantages over traditional metal-ceramic restorations.
- Evaluating the marginal accuracy of new ceramic materials under functional conditions is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the marginal accuracy of posterior metal-ceramic (MC), IPS Empress 2, and experimental pressed ceramic (EPC) three-unit FPDs.
- To assess marginal accuracy before cementation, after cementation, and after thermo-mechanical fatigue.
- To determine if all-ceramic FPDs meet clinical acceptance criteria for marginal gap.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 80 posterior three-unit FPDs using MC, IPS Empress 2, and EPC materials (n=32 for ceramic groups, n=16 for MC control).
- Cementation of all FPDs with Variolink II dual-curing resin cement.
- Exposure of half the samples in each group to a dual-axis chewing simulator for thermo-mechanical fatigue testing.
Main Results:
- Geometric mean marginal gap values (µm) were 53, 63, 62 (MC); 57, 71, 68 (Empress 2); and 55, 67, 68 (EPC) before, after cementation, and after fatigue, respectively.
- A statistically significant increase in marginal gap was observed after cementation for all groups.
- Functional loading in the chewing simulator did not significantly affect marginal gap; differences between ceramic and MC materials were minimal.
Conclusions:
- Marginal gap values for the tested all-ceramic materials (IPS Empress 2, EPC) are comparable to conventional metal-ceramic techniques.
- All evaluated FPDs demonstrated marginal gap values within acceptable clinical limits.
- All-ceramic FPDs show promising potential for posterior restorations regarding marginal integrity.