Fabrication of a radiopaque fit-testing material to evaluate the three-dimensional accuracy of dental prostheses

Accuracy of zirconia crowns manufactured by stereolithography with an occlusal full-supporting structure: An in vitro study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Additive manufacturing is emerging as an alternative method of fabricating dental restorations, but the support design needs to be optimized.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional trueness and adaptations of zirconia crowns manufactured by stereolithography (SLA) with an occlusal full-supporting structure, compared with those SLA-printed with pillar supports, and those made by milling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A zirconia abutment was prepared, and an anatomic contour crown was designed. The crowns were manufactured by SLA and milling (n=6). For SLA manufacturing, a full-supporting base and pillar supports were designed. The 3-dimensional (3D) trueness of the fabricated crowns was characterized by 3D deviation analysis. The adaptations of crowns in the SLA-base and milling groups were measured by using a triple-scan method. Color-difference maps and the root mean square (RMS) values were used to characterize the 3D trueness. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test were used to analyze the difference in RMS values among the 3 groups, and Student t test was used to analyze the difference in cement-gap width between the milling group and the SLA group with the full-supporting base (α=.05).

RESULTS

The 3D deviation analysis showed that in the external area, the RMS value of the SLA-pillar group was significantly higher than that of the SLA-base and the milling groups (P<.05). In the intaglio area, the milling group showed a lower RMS value than the 2 SLA groups (P<.05). The color-difference maps showed the SLA-base group had smaller positive errors at the cusp inclines than the SLA-pillar group. No statistically significant difference was found in adaptations between the SLA-base and milling groups (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The occlusal full-supporting base provided improved support in fabricating the crowns, and no remnants were left after removal. The zirconia crowns manufactured by SLA with an occlusal full-supporting structure had good external 3D trueness and clinically acceptable adaptation.

Radiopaque Crystalline, Non-Crystalline and Nanostructured Bioceramics

Radiopacity is sometimes an essential characteristic of biomaterials that can help clinicians perform follow-ups during pre- and post-interventional radiological imaging. Due to their chemical composition and structure, most bioceramics are inherently radiopaque but can still be doped/mixed with radiopacifiers to increase their visualization during or after medical procedures. The radiopacifiers are frequently heavy elements of the periodic table, such as Bi, Zr, Sr, Ba, Ta, Zn, Y, etc., or their relevant compounds that can confer enhanced radiopacity. Radiopaque bioceramics are also intriguing additives for biopolymers and hybrids, which are extensively researched and developed nowadays for various biomedical setups. The present work aims to provide an overview of radiopaque bioceramics, specifically crystalline, non-crystalline (glassy), and nanostructured bioceramics designed for applications in orthopedics, dentistry, and cancer therapy. Furthermore, the modification of the chemical, physical, and biological properties of parent ceramics/biopolymers due to the addition of radiopacifiers is critically discussed. We also point out future research lacunas in this exciting field that bioceramists can explore further.

Intrinsically radiopaque biomaterial assortments: a short review on the physical principles, X-ray imageability, and state-of-the-art developments

X-ray attenuation ability, otherwise known as radiopacity of a material, could be indisputably tagged as the central and decisive parameter that produces contrast in an X-ray image. Radiopaque biomaterials are vital in the healthcare sector that helps clinicians to track them unambiguously during pre and post interventional radiological procedures. Medical imaging is one of the most powerful resources in the diagnostic sector that aids improved treatment outcomes for patients. Intrinsically radiopaque biomaterials enable themselves for visual targeting/positioning as well as to monitor their fate and further provide the radiologists with critical insights about the surgical site. Moreover, the emergence of advanced real-time imaging modalities is a boon to the contemporary healthcare systems that allow to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures and thereby reduce the healthcare costs and minimize patient trauma. X-ray based imaging is one such technologically upgraded diagnostic tool with many variants like digital X-ray, computed tomography, digital subtraction angiography, and fluoroscopy. In light of these facts, this review is aimed to briefly consolidate the physical principles of X-ray attenuation by a radiopaque material, measurement of radiopacity, classification of radiopaque biomaterials, and their recent advanced applications.

Correlation between 2D and 3D measurements of cement space in CAD-CAM crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Although the 2D analysis of prosthesis cementation space has been popular, its correlation with volumetric comparison (3D data) of cement space is unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cement space in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) crowns of different materials and correlate 2D measurements of cement space with their corresponding 3D values (volume of cement space) by using microcomputed tomography (μCT) analysis of regions of interest.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ten molar crowns were milled in lithium disilicate (LD), resin nanoceramic (RN), and zirconia (Z) ceramics. Silicone replicas were produced and used as the analog cement layer and scanned with a desktop X-ray microfocus CT scanner. Twenty-eight slices were evaluated in 3 regions: marginal, axial, and occlusal (n=84 measurement points/specimen). After 3D reconstruction of the cement space, the volume was calculated. Data were statistically evaluated through 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test (α=.05). The Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the correlation between the 2D and 3D data.

RESULTS

The volumes of the occlusal (LD 10 ±1 mm³; RN 9 ±1 mm³) and axial regions (LD 9 ±2 mm³; RN 8 ±1 mm³) were significantly higher than the volume of the marginal region for LD and RN specimens (LD 6 ±2 mm³; RN 4 ±1 mm³) (both P<.001). For the Z group, the axial region had the highest volume (19 ±2 mm³), followed by the volumes of the occlusal (15 ±1 mm³) and marginal regions (12 ±1 mm³). The Pearson correlation test determined a moderate positive correlation of the marginal area (r=0.606, P<.001) and of the axial region (r=0.588, P<.001). However, a moderate negative correlation was found between volume and thickness of the occlusal area (r=-0.437, P=.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Z showed more volume of cement space, as well as thicker cement space than LD and RN. The μCT analysis is an efficient method of analyzing cement thickness and volume in ceramic crowns at the selected regions of interest. A moderate positive correlation was found between the 2D and 3D analyses for the axial and marginal regions of ceramic crowns.

A comparative study between replica and cementation techniques in the evaluation of internal and marginal misfits of single crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Systematic reviews about the internal and marginal misfits of fixed prostheses have identified a limited number of clinical studies, suggesting the need for further research on the subject. Although the replica technique has been described as suitable for this purpose, few studies have validated it.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the ability of a nondestructive replica technique and a destructive cementation technique to assess internal and marginal misfits of zirconia copings, considering current materials and designs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve anatomic prefabricated abutments (Neodent) were used to manufacture zirconia copings following the Ceramill (Amann Girrbach AG) (n=6) and Lava (3M ESPE) (n=6) systems. Replications of the cementation line were obtained with polyvinyl siloxane for the replica technique, and the copings were then cemented and sectioned to obtain 5 surfaces (buccal, palatal, mesial, distal, and incisal) and the linear and angle regions (internal axiogingival and axioincisal angles). The thickness of the cement line and silicone film was measured at 45 reference points on each abutment. A total of 540 measurements were made with an optical microscope with a digital camera at magnifications of ×100 and ×200. Data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA and the Bonferroni multiple comparison tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

In the internal misfit evaluation, the mean values observed for the cementation technique and replica technique were as follows: angle regions, 70.6 μm and 72.2 μm; linear regions, 59.1 μm and 59.6 μm; incisal surface, 139.0 μm and 139.8 μm; buccal surface, 72.4 μm and 73.8 μm; palatal surface, 73.1 μm and 75.2 μm; mesial surface, 74.1 μm and 73.8 μm; distal surface, 75.0 μm and 76.3 μm; and overall mean, 73.6 μm and 74.8 μm, respectively. In the evaluation of the marginal misfit, the mean values found were: buccal surface, 36.7 μm and 37.8 μm; palatal surface, 37.5 μm and 36.8 μm; mesial surface, 44.0 μm and 43.7 μm; and distal surface, 44.6 μm and 45.2 μm, respectively. No significant differences were found between the 2 techniques for all locations and systems (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, both techniques presented the same ability to assess the internal and marginal misfits when the location and overall mean averages were evaluated (P>.05).

Three-dimensional misfit between Ti-Base abutments and implants evaluated by replica technique

An important factor affecting the biomechanical behavior of implant-supported reconstructions is the implant-abutment misfit.

Comparison of three-dimensional digital technique with two-dimensional replica method for measuring marginal and internal fit of full coverage restorations

PURPOSE

This study compared digital (reference point matching) and replica methods for measuring marginal and internal fit of full coverage restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A maxillary left first molar typodent was fixed on to an aluminum base and prepared to receive all-ceramic full coverage restoration. The model was scanned with an intraoral scanner (CEREC Omnicam, Sirona, York, PA, USA). Twelve crowns were fabricated from lithium disilicate blocks (IPS emax CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) and then crystalized. Marginal and internal fit of each restoration was measured by two examiners using replica and a new digital three-dimensional technique. Reliability between the two methods and two examiners was assessed by correlation and Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (P<.05). A Bland-Altman assessment for agreement was used to compare the two methods.

RESULTS

Bland-Altman assessment showed that the mean of difference for marginal, absolute marginal, and axial gap was respectively -1.04 µm, -41.9 µm, and -29.53 µm with limit of agreement (LOA) between -37.26 to 35.18 µm for marginal, -105.85 to 22.05 µm for absolute marginal and -80.52 to 22.02 µm for axial gap. Positive correlation for repeatability (P<.05) in determining marginal and internal gaps by the two examiners in both techniques was revealed. Reliability of both techniques in all sites of measurements was at least good (0.8 ≤ α < 0.9).

CONCLUSION

Both measuring techniques appeared highly reliable for evaluating fit of fixed dental restorations, while reference point matching provided higher values in axial and absolute marginal gap assessment.

Analysis of correlation between optical and microtomography measurements of cementation space in CAD-CAM ceramic crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Identical computer-aided design (CAD) parameters may be used to mill a variety of ceramic materials for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) crowns. Whether milled crown spacing matches the designed parameters when more than a single evaluation method is applied is unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to correlate the stereomicroscope and the microcomputer tomography (μCT) 2-dimensional analysis of the cementation space with the replica technique in assessing 3 different ceramic materials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The specimens were milled in lithium disilicate, resin nanoceramic, and zirconia (n=30). The cement space was measured at the marginal, axial, and occlusal regions. One hundred twenty measurements of each material were used to correlate the methodologies. Data were statistically evaluated with 2-way repeated measures ANOVA and the Tukey test (α=.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used for each region for both methodologies (μCT and optical microscopy) separately.

RESULTS

For the μCT analysis, no differences were observed (P>.05) among the materials, but the axial region showed a positive correlation with the marginal (r=0.957) and occlusal regions (r=0.349); the same was observed between the occlusal and marginal regions (r=0.338). However, for stereomicroscope evaluation, resin nanoceramic and zirconia present similar cementation space (P=960), both being different from lithium disilicate (P<.05). The marginal region presented a positive correlation with axial (r=0.149) and occlusal regions (r=0.344), but the axial region showed negative correlation with the occlusal surface (r=-0.205).

CONCLUSIONS

The measurements of the scanned replicas were accurate when thinner sections were under measurement. Although the same space parameters were set in the CAD software program, definitive internal dimensions varied among the milled crowns.

Implant-abutment fit influences the mechanical performance of single-crown prostheses

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the three-dimensional fit of abutments fabricated by the industry to those either milled or cast by a commercial laboratory and to correlate the implant-abutment connection fit with stress at fatigue failure of prostheses. Probability of survival (reliability) and fractography to characterize failure modes were also performed for cemented and screw-retained prostheses.

METHODS

One-hundred and twenty-six maxillary central incisor crowns were milled to restore implants and divided in 3 cemented and 3 screwed-retained groups (n = 21/each), as follows: [Digital-Sc]: milled one-piece monolithic abutment/crown; [TiB-Sc]: milled crowns cemented onto Ti-base abutments; [UCLA]: screw-retained crown using UCLA abutments; [Digital-Ce]: milled two-piece assembly comprised by screwed monolithic abutment and a cemented crown; [TiB-Ce]: milled coping cemented onto Ti-base abutments to receive a cemented crown; [UCLA-Ce]: UCLA abutments that received an overcast coping and a cemented crown. Implant-abutment volume misfit was assessed by micro-computed tomography using the silicone replica technique. Implant/crown systems were subjected to step-stress accelerated life testing (SSALT) in water. The use-level probability Weibull curves and reliability for a mission of 50,000 cycles at calculated stress at failure of 2,300, 3300 and 4300 MPa were plotted. Fractographic analysis was performed with scanning electron microscopy. Internal misfit was analyzed through one-way ANOVA following post-hoc comparisons by Tukey test (p < 0.05). Correlation between misfit volume and the stress at fatigue failure was assessed by Pearson test.

RESULTS

Similar misfit volumes were observed for TiB-Sc (0.458 mm³), TiB-Ce (0.461 mm³), UCLA (0.471 mm³) and UCLA-Ce (0.480 mm³), which were significantly lower than Digital-Sc (0.676 mm³) and Digital-Ce (0.633 mm³). The mean β values were: 1.68, 1.39, 1.48, 2.41, 2.27 and 0.71 for Digital-Sc, TiB-Sc, UCLA, Digital-Ce, TiB-Ce and UCLA-Ce, respectively, indicating that fatigue was an accelerating factor for failure of all groups. Higher stress at failure decreased the reliability of all groups, more significantly for screw compared to cement-retained groups, especially for Digital-Sc that demonstrated the lowest reliability. The failure mode was restricted to abutment screw fracture. A negative correlation was observed between misfit values and stress at failure (r = -0.302, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Abutments milled by a commercial lab presented higher misfit compared to those provided by the industry and a moderate correlation was observed between higher misfit and lower stress at failure during fatigue. Probability of survival decreased at higher stress, especially for screw compared to cement-retained groups, and failures were confined to abutment screws.

A Comparison Study of Marginal and Internal Fit Assessment Methods for Fixed Dental Prostheses

Numerous studies have previously evaluated the marginal and internal fit of fixed prostheses; however, few reports have performed an objective comparison of the various methods used for their assessment. The purpose of this study was to compare five marginal and internal fit assessment methods for fixed prostheses. A specially designed sample was used to measure the marginal and internal fit of the prosthesis according to the cross-sectional method (CSM), silicone replica technique (SRT), triple scan method (TSM), micro-computed tomography (MCT), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The five methods showed significant differences in the four regions that were assessed (p < 0.001). The marginal, axial, angle, and occlusal regions showed low mean values: CSM (23.2 µm), TSM (56.3 µm), MCT (84.3 µm), and MCT (102.6 µm), respectively. The marginal fit for each method was in the range of 23.2-83.4 µm and internal fit (axial, angle, and occlusal) ranged from 44.8-95.9 µm, 84.3-128.6 µm, and 102.6-140.5 µm, respectively. The marginal and internal fit showed significant differences depending on the method. Even if the assessment values of the marginal and internal fit are found to be in the allowable clinical range, the differences in the values according to the method should be considered.

Marginal and internal fit of CAD-CAM inlay/onlay restorations: A systematic review of in vitro studies

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Different parameters can influence the adaptation of computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD-CAM) inlay/onlay restorations. However, systematic reviews to identify and discuss these parameters are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the scientific literature investigating all parameters that can influence both the marginal and internal adaptation of CAD-CAM inlay/onlay restorations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An electronic search was conducted by 2 independent reviewers for studies published in English between January 1, 2007 and September 20, 2017 on the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Factors investigated in the selected articles included the type of CAD-CAM system, virtual space parameters, version of the software, type of block, luting procedure, type of restoration, sample size and aging procedure, evaluation method, and number of measurement points per specimen.

RESULTS

A total of 162 articles were identified, of which 23 articles met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies investigated adaptation with different restorative materials, 2 evaluated adaptation according to the type of preparation design, 9 compared adaptation before/after thermomechanical loading, and 2 before/after cementation, 1 study investigated marginal adaptation based on whether the optical scan was made intraorally or extraorally, 1 compared adaptation with 5 and 3 axis CAM systems, and 1 assessed adaptation with 4 different intraoral scanners. The risk of bias was high for 7, medium for 15, and low for 1 of the studies reviewed. The high level of heterogeneity across the studies excluded meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the studies reported clinically acceptable values for marginal adaptation. The performance of a CAD-CAM system is influenced by the type of restorative material. A nonretentive cavity preparation exhibited better adaptation than a retentive preparation. Most studies showed that thermomechanical loading affected the quality of marginal adaptation. Cementation increased marginal discrepancies. No statistically significant difference was found for marginal fit of onlays between intraoral and extraoral optical scans using a stone die. The number of milling axes, the type of digital camera, and the region measured were statistically significant in relation to marginal/internal adaptation. Values of adaptation recorded failed to reproduce the preestablished spacer parameters in the software. Clarification is needed concerning adaptation according to the type of preparation design, the type of material, the choice of intrinsic parameters for the CAD process, the type and shape of milling instruments, and the behavior of the material during milling. Adaptation of CAD-CAM inlay/onlays should be evaluated under clinical conditions.