The Clinical performance of ceramic inlays: A review

Abstract

The availability of improved ceramic materials, bonding techniques, new technology and issues of amalgam safety have led to a revival of interest in ceramic inlays in dentistry over the past ten years. Clinical studies have been carried out during this time using various evaluation techniques to assess the clinical performance of these restorations. In this paper, recent clinical studies are examined and a review of the current state of knowledge regarding the clinical performance and survival statistics of ceramic inlays is presented. The major problems associated with ceramic inlay therapy appear to be fracture, hypersensitivity, degree of fit, maintenance of marginal integrity, microleakage, bond failures and cement wear. Other areas which also affect the clinical performance of ceramic inlays are ceramic wear, opposing tooth wear, plaque accumulation, gingivitis, secondary caries, colour stability, anatomic form and radiopacity. Recommendations based on the findings of clinical studies are also presented and whilst no specific material or technique has been shown to be clearly superior, certain principles which predispose to success can be identified. When compared with other forms of aesthetic intracoronal restorations, ceramic inlays perform well. However, their high cost and extreme technique sensitivity would appear to restrict their use to certain limited clinical situations.

Survival of resin-bonded porcelain veneer crowns placed with and without metal reinforcement

“…17,26 The use of resin-bonded porcelain materials for posterior restorations is very technique sensitive and their cost remains high. 39 The extra costs associated with the fabrication of metal-reinforced RBPVCs must be weighed against any anticipated bulk fracture reduction or other benefits from this procedure. Improved long-term clinical success for all-ceramic crowns placed in posterior teeth may be expected from using high-strength machine-milled ceramic and glass-infiltrated composite ceramic core materials.…”

The Effect of Base Materials with Different Elastic Moduli on the Fracture Loads of Machinable Ceramic Inlays

“…However, fracture is still one of the most common reasons for ceramic inlay/onlay failure. Factors that may lead to ceramic inlay fractures include inadequate thickness, improper cavity design, deep fissures in the restorations, defects such as pores and cracks in ceramic restorations and the resiliency of subinlay materials (Bergman, 1999;Mörmann & Krejci, 1992;Martin & Jedynakiewicz, 1999;Milleding, Örtengren & Karlsson, 1995).…”

Two-year Clinical Evaluation of IPS Empress II Ceramic Onlays/Inlays

“…Other areas that can affect the clinical performance of ceramic inlays include ceramic or opposing tooth wear, plaque accumulation, gingivitis, secondary caries, color stability, anatomic form and radiopacity. 19 Recently, systems, such as Dicor (Dentsply), Optec-HSP (Jeneric/Pentron), In-Ceram (Vita), IPS Empress (Ivoclar) and Ducergold (Degussa-Huls), have been introduced into the market. [20][21][22][23] The IPS Empress system (Ivoclar), with a pressable glass matrix ceramic, was developed at the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, in 1983.…”