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Published on: December 20, 2024
Clinical Evaluation of Metal-Ceramic and Zirconia Molar Crowns: 15-Year Results from a Practice-Based Cohort Study
Purpose:
This practice-based study evaluated the clinical performance of conventionally luted fully veneered metal-ceramic (MCC) and zirconia molar crowns (ZC).
Material And Methods:
Between July 2008 and July 2009, 53 patients were restored with MCCs or ZCs. Forty-four patients (26 female) with 91 restorations (MCC: 41 / ZC: 50, mean observational period: 158 ± 28 months) attended regular clinical follow-ups and were included. Estimated cumulative survival (ECSv), success (ECSc), and veneering ceramic success (VCSc) were calculated (Kaplan-Meier) and analyzed by the crown fabrication technique, abutment vitality, and the position of the restoration (Cox regression model) (p < 0.05).
Results:
Nineteen absolute failures (MCC: 9, ZC: 10) were recorded (15-year ECSv: MCC: 82%, ZC: 78%). A total of 41 interventions (MCC: 18, ZC: 23) were necessary to maintain the restorations (15-year ECSc: MCC = 68% / ZC = 58%). Non-significant differences in ECSv (p=0.707), ECSc (p=0.375), and VCSc-rates (p=0.596) were determined for the two fabrication techniques. Restorations placed on terminal abutment teeth demonstrated a 3.6-fold increased risk (p=0.003) for complete failure and a 2.3-fold increased risk (p=0.007) for a clinical intervention compared to restorations with two neighboring teeth.
Conclusion:
In the present study, ZC demonstrated 15-year ECSv, ECSc, and VCSc values comparable to those of MCCs. Irrespective of the fabrication technique, crowns on terminal abutment teeth carry a significantly increased risk of absolute failure and clinical intervention.