Computer-aided direct all-ceramic crowns: preliminary 1-year results of a prospective clinical study

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical performance of: (1) adhesively placed Cerec crowns with reduced stump preparations, and (2) Cerec endo crowns. The crowns were examined at baseline using modified USPHS criteria in 20 patients with 10 Cerec crowns with reduced stump preparations and 10 Cerec endo crowns. All crowns had been produced chairside with the Cerec 3 CAD/CAM method using the function mode. The crowns were machined from Vita Mk II feldspathic ceramic blocks, polished manually, and placed with dual-curing composite luting agent using a functional adhesive. After 1 year, a follow-up examination of the crowns was conducted; all 20 Cerec crowns were rated with a clinically acceptable A or B rating. Fractures or loss of retention were not observed. The method of producing and placing all-ceramic crowns with reduced stump preparations and endo crowns chairside in one appointment can be implemented successfully in private practice.