Partial coverage restoration systems on molars--comparison of failure load after exposure to a mastication simulator.

This in vitro study evaluated the failure load of partial coverage restorations (PCR) made of various materials cemented on natural molars after exposure to the mastication simulator. Sixty-four maxillary molars were divided into four groups of 16 test specimens each. The specimens in one group remained unprepared (group NP); the teeth in the other groups were prepared equally according to standardized guidelines and restored with the following PCR: Group GO (Gold-Pontor-MPF; Metaux Precieux SA, Metalor, Neuchatel, Switzerland), group TA (Targis; Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and group EM (IPS-Empress; Ivoclar Vivadent AG). The restorations in group GO were cemented conventionally, while those in groups TA and EM were luted adhesively. Groups NP and GO served as control groups. All test specimens were subjected to 1.2 million cycles (F = 49 N) in a mastication simulator. Subsequently, all test specimens were loaded occlusally until fracture occurred using an universal testing machine. All specimens withstood the masticating simulation. The median (IQR = x(0.25)-x(0.75)) failure loads were as follows: group NP: 1960.3(1480.5-2227.5) N, group TA: 1478.6(1293.4-1856.7) N and group EM: 1400.1(1043.1-1721.6) N. All test specimens of group GO achieved fracture strength values which exceeded a fracture load of 5500 N. The values of group GO were statistically significantly higher than those of groups NP, TA and EM (P < 0.00001). Furthermore, the results of group NP were significantly higher (P = 0.0226) than those of group EM. The results of groups NP and TA (P = 0.2022) as well as of groups TA and EM (P = 0.5340) did not differ significantly. The median values of all PCR systems obtained were within the limits of clinical acceptance. Long-term clinical investigations which take additional parameters into consideration are required before the composite-based Targis(R) (Ivoclar Vivadent AG) material can be recommended for indirect PCR.

Marginal adaptation of three-unit fixed partial dentures constructed from pressed ceramic systems.

PURPOSE: This study compares the marginal accuracy of posterior metal ceramic (MC), all-ceramic IPS Empress 2 and experimental pressed ceramic (EPC-VP 1989/4) three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPD), before and after luting and after thermo-mechanical fatigue in a dual-axis chewing simulator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caries-free human teeth (n=160) were used as abutments for the fabrication of eighty posterior three-unit FPD, divided into two test-groups, IPS Empress 2 and EPC, of 32 samples each and one control group of 16 samples metal ceramic FPD. All FPD were cemented with Variolink II dual-curing resin cement. Half of the samples in each group were exposed to a dual-axis chewing simulator. RESULTS: The geometric mean marginal gap values (microm, before cementation, after cementation and after thermo-mechanical fatigue) amounted to 53, 63 and 62 for the ceramic metal FPD, 57, 71 and 68 for the Empress 2 FPD and 55, 67 and 68 for the EPC FPD. In all groups a statistically significant increase in marginal gap width was observed after cementation. The effect of functional loading in the chewing simulator on marginal gap was not significant. Marginal gap was lowest in the control group but differences with all-ceramic materials were small in all evaluation stages. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this investigation, it can be concluded that marginal gap values of these all-ceramic materials and conventional MC techniques are on a similar level. In particular, almost all marginal gap values observed in this study were within the limits of clinical acceptance.

Telescopic crown-retained removable partial dentures: review and case report.

Double crown-retained prostheses have been successfully used in partially edentulous patients. This type of retainer provides guidance, support, and protection from dislodging movement, and it transfers bite forces along the long axis of the abutment teeth. Furthermore, the denture can easily be retrieved when an abutment needs to be extracted. By modifying the preparation and veneering technique, overcontour of the double crowns can be minimized. Using custom-made all-ceramic crowns as prosthesis teeth and individualizing the denture base, esthetics can be improved. Longitudinal follow-up studies of 5 to 10 years report that conical crown-retained partial dentures have a lower failure rate compared to those retained with clasps or precision attachments. In a case report, clinical and technical aspects of constructing telescopic crown-retained removable partial dentures are discussed.