[Long-term clinical results with Procera AllCeram full-ceramic crowns]

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to investigate the long-term survival rate of Procera AllCeram full-ceramic crowns, which were fabricated with aluminiumoxide cores. In 50 patients, 155 Procera crowns with a conventional or reduced core (porcelain collar) were placed on natural abutment teeth. 78% of this group (39 patients with 135 crowns) were examined between May and August 2005 according to the modified USPHS-Criteria. These crowns had been in place for a period of one to 92 months (mean 55 months). Almost half of the crowns were located in the molar region, while 28% were premolars and 24% anterior crowns. Due to one crown fracture the cumulative survival rate was 99% after five and seven years. The clinical success was achieved irrespective of the tooth position, tooth vitality, the preparation margin and the cementum medium used (composite resin or glasionomer cement). In addition, survival was neither influenced by the core design with reduced or conventional margin nor by the core thickness, which measured regularly 0.6 mm in the majority of the specimens. Based on the present findings, it can be concluded that Procera AllCeram is a predictable technique for metal-free, esthetic full-ceramic crowns in the anterior and posterior region.