The fit of gold inlays and three ceramic inlay systems. A clinical and in vitro study

Four inlay systems--gold, Cerec, Mirage, and Empress inlays--were evaluated for their adaptation to stone die and clinically to the tooth by means of a replica technique. Twenty inlays of each system were placed on premolars and molars in the lower jaw. A microscope was used to measure the adaptation at the approximal margin, at the inner axial wall, and at the occlusal cavosurface area. An overall better fit was observed for the gold inlays than for the ceramic inlays. When the different measuring locations were compared, a better fit was found for the occlusal area. The greatest discrepancies were recorded for the Cerec inlays, whereas the Mirage and Empress inlays were comparable.