Surface attrition of zirconia and hybrid composite resin superstructure during implant therapy

The purpose of this study was to examine morphological changes in the superstructure of implants in relation to the degree of attrition of the implant superstructure and its antagonists.

Thirty-three patients participated. The implant superstructures of the first molar and its antagonists were scanned with an intraoral scanner every 3 months. The amount of attrition was calculated in relation to the various materials used for the superstructure, and differences were analyzed statistically (P < 0.05).

Attrition of the implant superstructure was 110 ± 30 µm for monolithic zirconia and 105 ± 27 µm for resin-veneered metal after 12 months. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. In contrast, attrition of the antagonists was 75 ± 25 µm for zirconia and 105 ± 20 µm for resin-veneered metal after 12 months. A statistically significant difference in the attrition levels between the two groups was observed after 9 and 12 months.

During the 12-month observation period, there was no difference in superstructure attrition between zirconia and resin-veneered metal. Attrition of the antagonists was higher for hybrid composite resin-veneered metal than for zirconia, suggesting that surface roughness affected the degree of attrition.