Marginal breakdown of fired ceramic inlays cemented with glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cement or resin composite

The marginal breakdown of fired porcelain inlays in vivo, luted with either a dual-cured resin composite or a glass polyalkenoate(ionomer) cement, was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Immediately following polishing (baseline) and after 1 year, replica impressions were made of the occlusal and proximal margins of two inlays, one cemented with the resin composite and the other with the glass ionomer cement, in each of 12 patients. At baseline the best marginal adaptation was observed along the proximal margins of the composite luted inlays, while occlusally glass ionomer luted inlays showed better marginal qualities than the composite luted inlays. At 1 year the composite luted inlays showed significantly better marginal adaptation than the glass ionomer luted ones at all interfaces. The greatest breakdown was observed occlusally, especially in the glass ionomer luted inlays. Gap sizes varied proximally between 83 and 100 microns and occlusally between 107 and 143 microns. Severe ditching was observed occlusally in the glass ionomer luted inlays. The overall marginal quality was significantly better for the inlays luted with the resin composite both at baseline and after 1 year.