Clinical Evaluation of All Ceramic FPDs Using Ce-TZP/Al2O3 Nanocomposite

Objectives: In recent years, metal free restorations have been focused upon for many reasons, especially, improved esthetics and reduced allergic potential. All ceramic restorations reduce allergic potential because of their excellent biocompatibilities. The clinical applications of zirconium oxide frameworks have expanded the range of indications of all ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs) in the posterior region. Ceria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Ce-TZP) shows a very high toughness and a complete resistance to low temperature aging degradation compared with Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of all ceramic FPDs using Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite.

Material and methods: We began a longitudinal study to evaluate the clinical performance of all ceramic FPDs using Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite in August 2007. Twelve all ceramic FPDs (three units FPDs and four units FPDs) were fabricated in the posterior region and clinically evaluated. All FPDs were cemented to the abutment teeth using adhesive resin cement. We checked periodontal condition of the abutment teeth (plaque index, gingival index and pocket depth), abrasion and tooth mobility of the antagonists, change of the occlusal contacts, chipping of the veneering porcelain and fracture of the framework. We also measured marginal fidelity of FPDs using silicone impression material. The longest period of observation was 18 months.

Result: The mean marginal discrepancies of the FPDs was 89.9 ìm. No cases of fracture of the framework have been observed. Chipping of the veneering porcelain was not observed. There were no significant changes in the measurement value of tooth mobility of the antagonist, plaque index, gingival index or pocket depths. To date, all ceramic fixed partial dentures using Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite have shown good clinical results.

Conclusion: The clinical application of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite expanded the range of indications of metal free restorations.