Outcome of light-cured microhybrid composite copings: 4 years follow-up

Objectives:

The goal of this study was to assess the outcome of composite copings with ball attachment to support Perio-Overdentures (PO), a particular overdenture type.

Methods:

31 patients (age range 48 to 85 years, median 66 years) received 121 light-cured composite copings: 93 Miris® (Coltène Whaledent, Switzerland), 13 Tetric® (Ivoclar- Vivadent, Lichtenstein), 12 Enamel® (Mycerium, Italy) and 3 Gradia® (GC Corporation, Japan). 63 cups had a Dalbo Brunner® ball attachment with post (Cendres et Métaux, Switzerland), 26 a GP Ball® attachment with post and 32 a GP Ball® attachment without post (Unor, Switzerland). 51 copings were made directly in the patient's mouth and 70 were fabricated in a dental lab and subsequently adhesively cemented by means of Variolink®II (Ivoclar-Vivadent, Lichtenstein) or Paracem® (Coltène Whaledent, Switzerland). POs had a metal frame core (Remanium CD®, Dentaurum, Germany) and were veneered in acrylic resin or composite material. Patients were recalled after coping delivery every 4-6 month up to October 2007 (median follow-up 74 weeks, range 44-207 weeks). The check-ups included visual assessment of the coping condition (fractures, chipping), copings loss, caries, probing depth in mm and tooth loss.

Statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics for the copings condition and ANOVA for repeated measurements for changes in pocket depth were performed.

Results:

6 out of the 121 copings showed surface fractures and 6 detached completely. Two out of 121 abutment teeth were extracted because of endodontic problems and 3 had caries. Pocket depth remained constant between the first and last follow-up (mean and standard error 2.3 + 0.04 mm and 2.4 mm + 0.04 mm, respectively; p>0.05). One PO frame broke and 2 veneers split away.

Conclusion:

The results showed that adhesively attached light-cured composite copings have a good survival at least in a short-medium run.