Fit of all-ceramic posterior fixed partial denture frameworks in vitro

The objective of this study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy, the marginal and internal fit of all-ceramic three-unit fixed partial denture (FPD) frames fabricated by computer-assisted design/computer-aided machining (CAD/CAM) and CAM techniques using blocks of infiltration ceramic, high-strength yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) zirconia sinter ceramic, high-strength dense sintered Y-TZP zirconia ceramic, and glass ceramic. Slip-cast infiltration ceramic was used as a traditional control. The cementation interface widths of the FPD frame copings on butt (A) shoulders of Cerec In-Ceram zirconia (A1, 53 +/- 17 microm) were smaller than those of slip-cast In-Ceram zirconia (A6, 113 +/- 25 microm). Cerec Y-TZP zirconia (A2, 53 +/- 9 pm) and DCS Y-TZP zirconia (A4, 32 +/- 6 microm) interfaces were both significantly smaller than those of Cercon Y-TZP zirconia (A5, 120 +/- 6 microm). Internally, A2 (103 +/- 14) interfaces were smaller than A4 interfaces (144 +/- 15 microm). On chamfer shoulders (B), Cerec Y-TZP zirconia (B1, 71 +/- 5 microm) interfaces were smaller than Cercon interfaces (B2, 129 +/- 38 microm); internally, B1 (80 +/- 11 microm) interfaces were smaller than B2 interfaces (130 +/- 12 microm). CAD/CAM produced better marginal and internal accuracy of fit compared to slip casting and CAM techniques.