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Two-year evaluation indicates zirconia bridges acceptable alternative to PFMs
Ronald D Perry1, Gerard Kugel, Shradha Sharma
1Gavel Center for Restorative Dental Research, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995)
|December 28, 2012
Summary
This study found that computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) zirconia bridges demonstrated excellent 2-year clinical performance. The durable zirconia restorations proved clinically acceptable with high ratings for aesthetics and integrity.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Prosthodontics
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Zirconia has emerged as a popular material for dental restorations due to its strength and biocompatibility.
- Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies enable precise fabrication of dental prostheses.
- Long-term clinical data on CAD/CAM-generated zirconia bridges are essential for validating their use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the 2-year clinical performance of zirconia CAD/CAM-generated bridges.
- To assess various clinical parameters including aesthetics, marginal integrity, and periodontal health.
- To determine the overall clinical acceptability of these restorations.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen three- or four-unit Lava zirconia bridges were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology and placed in 15 subjects.
- Bridges were cemented with RelyX™ Unicem Self-Adhesive Universal Resin Cement.
- Clinical evaluations were conducted at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year intervals, assessing parameters such as color stability, marginal integrity, and periodontal health using an A-B-C rating system.
Main Results:
- After 2 years, 100% of bridges achieved ideal ratings for color stability, marginal discoloration, caries incidence, and surface texture.
- Marginal integrity and periodontal health were rated ideal in 93.75% of cases.
- Maintenance of anatomic form was ideal in 87.5% of bridges, with 12.5% rated unacceptable.
Conclusions:
- CAD/CAM-generated zirconia bridges demonstrated clinically acceptable outcomes over a 2-year period.
- The restorations showed high levels of aesthetic stability and functional integrity.
- Further long-term studies are warranted to assess the durability of anatomic form.
