Currently CAD-CAM systems are rapidly gaining importance in dental practice as some of their products aim to combine aesthetics with strength and are free of metals. This study reports on the crown adaptation, marginal fit and clinical behaviour of 300 all-ceramic full coverage restorations (Procera, Gothenburg, Sweden) placed in one clinical centre and followed up to 5 years. The marginal fit and coping adaptation before and after luting was determined by direct measurement as well as after sectioning in a laboratory study. Three hundred all-ceram restorations were installed in 165 patients between 1994 and 1998. Before the end of 2000, patients were recalled to assess their restorations, using the California Dental Association quality evaluation index, their own appreciation, as well as the reaction towards the periodontium. The in vitro data revealed a mean marginal adaptation of 30 microm, before and after luting of the Al(2)0(3)-coping onto the tooth. However, at the deepest part of the chamfer, the distance increased to 135 microm. In the clinical study only one restoration fractured, while in 6% small porcelain infractions occurred. After polishing the latter, no persistent patient complaints remained. At the last recall visit 1.8% of the margins were rated unacceptable. Dentists rated 72 and 78% of the restorations excellent for surface, colour and anatomic form respectively. Eighty-seven per cent of the patients rated their restorations more than 7/10 on an ordered analogue scale for aesthetics as well as for function.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.