Comparison of marginal fit and microleakage of ceramic and composite inlays: an in vitro study

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal fit and microleakage of four types of ceramic or resin composite inlays. Sixty extracted human third molar teeth were randomly assigned into four groups. MOD cavities without bevels were prepared. The mesiogingival margin was cut in enamel, whereas the distogingival margin was placed below the amelocemental junction. The preparations and inlays were made according to the manufacturers' instructions. After acid-etching and treatment with a dentine bonding agent the inlays were cemented with dual curing CEREC resin composite luting material. After placement and polishing 10 teeth of each group were thermocycled 2500 times between 14 degrees C and 62 degrees C. Each tooth was bisectioned and from each part, one occlusal and three proximal sections of 75-100 microns thickness were cut and ground (EXAKT Cutting and Grinding system). The marginal discrepancy and the thickness of the luting cement were measured microscopically at each section and an average for each tooth was calculated. Considerable variation of marginal fit was seen, within inlays, and among different types of inlays. In general, the Vita Dur N inlays showed the best fit, e.g. the thickness of the luting cement for Vita Dur N was 114 microns occlusally and 119 microns mesiogingivally compared to 199 microns occlusally for CEREC and 219 microns mesiogingivally for Estilux. At enamel margins, a tendency of less microleakage was seen for ceramic inlays compared to composite inlays.