ABSTRACT
In case of prosthesis fabrication by CAD/CAM, location, area and contour of occlusal contacts can be adjusted so more functional occlusion can be acquired. Also, errors in a manufacturing process is reduced compared to cast metal prostheses and porcelain fused metal prostheses fabricated by conventional methods such as casting and porcelain build up. Therefore, prostheses by CAD/CAM show superior occlusion accuracy. Recently, virtual articulator function has been introduced to CAD/CAM system, which reproduces mandibular movement against maxilla. Thus, it is possible to consider occlusal interference in anterior/lateral movement as well as closing movement. There have been many studies on the marginal and internal fit of prostheses using zirconia but the occlusal fit of zirconia crown fabricated by CAD/CAM has not been researched as much. In this case report, 7 zirconia crowns were designed and fabricated by CAD/CAM for total 5 patients. The models of zirconia crowns before and after occlusal adjustment during intraoral try-in were scanned for occlusal contacts, which were compared to evaluate accuracy of prostheses and understand patterns of occlusal adjustment. Most of the occlusal adjustments were done on functional cusps and slopes of zirconia crown, and the magnitude of occlusal adjustment ranged from 15 microm to 60 microm. In the zirconia crown fabricated with CAD/CAM systems, the occlusal adjustment is a necessary procedure, so additional procedures will be needed for compensating reduced mechanical properties.