In-Ceram fixed partial dentures: three-year clinical trial results

In-Ceram is a sintered, high-alumina-content, glass-infiltrated ceramic core material reported to have sufficient strength for all-ceramic fixed partial dentures. While Vita/Vident recommends that In-Ceram should be used only for anterior FPDs, the purpose of this study was to push the sintered alumina material to its limits by testing posterior FPDs with premolar and molar pontics. This prospective clinical trial tested the longevity of 61 three-unit In-Ceram alumina FPDs. The failed specimens were analyzed to determine factors contributing to failure. The abutment teeth were prepared for full crown retainers with shoulder margins and 1.3 mm of axial reduction. All FPDs were cemented with an encapsulated glass ionomer. None of the patients reported postcementation sensitivity. During the three-year period, seven FPDs fractured through the connector area. By location of the pontic, failure rates were 0 percent for anteriors, 11 percent for premolars and 24 percent for molars. Based on the results of this clinical study at the three-year point, In-Ceram alumina can be reliably utilized for anterior FPDs as indicated by a 100 percent success rate. The findings do not support the use of In-Ceram alumina for posterior FPDs as was advised by the porcelain manufacturer. Glass ionomer cement can be predictably used to cement In-Ceram FPDs with few clinical side effects. Because of a technological malfunction, this article could not be presented with the others on ceramic restorations that appeared in the February issue.