[Clinical results and material behavior of composite, ceramic and gold inlays]

Laboratory-manufactured gold, ceramic and composite inlays were compared with the CAD/CAM produced CEREC inlay experimentally and clinically. The following systems were examined: Dicor, Optec, Hi-Ceram, Du-Ceram, Cerec, Kulzer, Coltene, SR-Isosit composite inlays, and gold inlays (Degulor C) with adhesive fixation (group I) and with zinc oxide phosphate cement (group II). In the clinical trial inlays in 270 teeth were re-evaluated in a total of 73 patients after 2.3 to 5 years. After 3 years the results obtained with Optec, Hi-Ceram and the Coltene composite inlay were less favorable than those of other systems--statistically however, this difference was of rather low significance (p less than 0.05). Fractures of ceramic inlays occurred in 6 cases within 8 months. 10 failures of ceramic and composite inlays were due to secondary caries.