Wear of posterior metal-free polymer crowns after 2 years

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical wear behaviour of posterior, metal-free polymer crowns and to compare it with that of metal-ceramic crowns. After randomization, a total of 120 single crowns were set in posterior teeth. These 120 crowns were divided into three groups: 40 polymer crowns with a glass-fibre framework (group 1), 40 polymer crowns without framework stabilization (group 2) and 40 metal-ceramic crowns (control group). Wear was measured by use of gypsum replicas and a 3D laser scanner at baseline and after 2 years. Statistical analysis was performed by use of a mixed-effects regression model. The mean total wear of posterior single crowns was -19.0 mum (+/- 18.5 microm) in group 1, -24.3 microm (+/- 31.5 microm) in group 2 and -7.0 microm (+/- 8.8 microm) in the control group. Statistical analysis revealed the mean total wear of the polymer crowns in groups 1 (P < or = 0.01) and 2 (P < or = 0.01) was significantly greater than in the control group. No significant difference was detected between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.58). Age, gender and opposing teeth had no significant effect on wear behaviour.