Evaluation of fracture resistance of inlay-retained fixed partial dentures fabricated with different monolithic zirconia materials

Zirconia single retainer fixed dental prostheses for the posterior region-A novel preparation technique and literature review

The principles of tissue preservation, minimally invasiveness and approaching different clinical situations biologically rather than surgically govern today's dentistry. Thus, different clinical scenarios require procedures that offer the dentist and the patient the possibility to choose the more invasive treatment options later in life. Subsequently, the case reported refers to a minimally invasive technique that treats single tooth edentulism using single partial retainer FDPs fabricated from monolithic zirconia. This approach is conservative, biocompatible, aesthetic, strong, rapidly obtained through CAD/CAM techniques and cost-effective.

Effect of different preparation designs and material types on fracture resistance of minimally invasive posterior indirect adhesive restorations

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of various preparation designs and the material type on fracture resistance of minimally invasive posterior indirect adhesive restorations after aging using a digital standardization method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One-hundred sixty human maxillary premolars free from caries were assigned into 16 groups (n = 10): bevel design on enamel substrate with mesial box only (VEM), butt joint design on enamel substrate with mesial box only (BEM), bevel design on enamel substrate with mesial and distal box (VED), butt joint design on enamel substrate with mesial and distal box (BED), bevel design on dentin substrate with mesial box only (VDM), butt joint design on dentin substrate with mesial box only (BDM), bevel design on dentin substrate with mesial and distal box (VDD), and butt joint design on dentin substrate with mesial and distal box (BDD). Each group was restored with pressable lithium disilicate (LS2) or disperse-filled polymer composite (DPC) materials. Adhesive resin cement was used to bond the restorations. The specimens were aged for 10,000 thermal cycles (5°C and 55°C), then 240,000 chewing cycles. Each specimen was subjected to compressive axial load until failure. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test followed by a post hoc Tukey test was used to analyze the data (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The two-way ANOVA test revealed a significant difference among designs (p < 0.001) and materials (p < 0.001) with no interaction effect (p = 0.07) between the variables. The Post hoc Tukey test revealed that the VEM group exhibited the highest mean fracture resistance value, while the BDM group had the lowest. The LS2 groups showed the highest mean fracture resistance values. The DPC groups showed a restorable fracture pattern compared to the LS2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Bevel and butt joint designs with mesial or distal boxes are recommended for conservative posterior indirect adhesive restorations in premolar areas. Enamel substrate improved load distribution and fracture resistance. DPCs have restorable failure patterns, while pressed LS2 may harm underlying structures.

Advances in zirconia-based dental materials: Properties, classification, applications, and future prospects

OBJECTIVES

Zirconia (ZrO2) ceramics are widely used in dental restorations due to their superior mechanical properties, durability, and ever-improving translucency. This review aims to explore the properties, classification, applications, and recent advancements of zirconia-based dental materials, highlighting their potential to revolutionize dental restoration techniques.

STUDY SELECTION, DATA AND SOURCES

The most recent literature available in scientific databases (PubMed and Web of Science) reporting advances of zirconia-based materials within the dental field is thoroughly examined and summarized, covering the major keywords "dental zirconia, classification, aesthetic, LTD, applications, manufacturing, surface treatments".

CONCLUSIONS

An exhaustive overview of the properties, classifications, and applications of dental zirconia was presented, alongside an exploration of future prospects and potential advances. This review highlighted the importance of addressing challenges such as low-temperature degradation resistance and optimizing the balance between mechanical strength and translucency. Also, innovative approaches to improve the performances of zirconia as dental material was discussed.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This review provides a better understanding of zirconia-based dental biomaterials for dentists, helping them to make better choice when choosing a specific material to fabricate the restorations or to place the implant. Moreover, new generations of zirconia are still expected to make progress on key issues such as the long-term applications in dental materials while maintaining both damage resistance and aesthetic appeal, defining the directions for future research.

Influence of retainer design and number of inlay boxes on the biomechanical behavior of zirconia cantilever resin bonded fixed dental prosthesis

OBJECTIVES

The development of dental adhesives with enhanced bond strength has assisted minimally invasive dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture load and stress distribution pattern of two retainer designs for posterior cantilever resin bonded fixed dental protheses (RBFDPs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty human mandibular molars were divided into two groups according to the retainer design; lingual coverage (LC) and occlusal coverage (OC) retainers. Each main group was then divided according to the number of inlay boxes (n = 10); one inlay and two inlay boxes. High translucency (3Y) zirconia was used to manufacture all restorations, and a dual-polymerizing adhesive resin cement was used for bonding. All specimens underwent 10,000 cycles of thermocycling (5-55°C), 240,000 cycles of dynamic loading (50 N, descending speed v = 30 mm/second, frequency = 1.6 Hz), and failure load test. Both one-way and two-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data. The four models included in the in-vitro study are part of the finite element analysis (FEA). When the restorations failed, maximal principal stress values on restorations, enamel, dentin, and luting resin were investigated.

RESULTS

A statistically significant (p = 0.018) higher failure load was recorded for OC1 (627.00 ± 153.4 N) than the other groups; (548.0 ± 75.6 N, 521.20 ± 11.3 N, and 509.20 ± 14.9 N for LC1, LC2, and OC2, respectively). With regard to failure mode, one inlay box designs showed more favorable failure pattern than those of two inlay boxes. FEA showed higher stress magnitude transmitted to the tooth structure in models LC2 and OC2.

CONCLUSIONS

Lingual coverage and occlusal coverage retainers are promising designs capable to withstand the normal occlusal force for cantilever RBFDP in premolar area. The use of two inlay boxes decreased the fracture load of the two retainer designs and increased the stress transmitted to the tooth and resulted in high incidence of catastrophic failure.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Monolithic high translucent zirconia RBFDP could be considered as a viable treatment option to substitute missing posterior tooth, with improved esthetics and biocompatibility.

Effect of dynamic loading on fracture resistance of gradient zirconia fixed partial denture frameworks

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The new strength-gradient zirconia composed of 3-mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP) and 5-mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (5Y-TZP) has been claimed to have superior mechanical properties. However, data on the fracture resistance of 3-unit gradient 5Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP fixed partial denture frameworks are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of dynamic loading on the fracture resistance of gradient zirconia fixed partial denture frameworks.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two standardized stainless-steel master dies were designed to simulate a mandibular left second premolar and second molar prepared to receive zirconia frameworks. The frameworks were designed with a 0.6-mm uniform wall thickness. The mesiodistal width of the connectors was 3 ±0.02 mm, and the occlusogingival height was 3 ±0.02 mm. Forty zirconia frameworks were fabricated and divided into 2 groups according to the tested materials (n=20): 3Y-TZP and gradient 5Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP. The frameworks were cemented onto their corresponding dies with a conventional glass ionomer cement. Half of the cemented frameworks in each group underwent 600 000 cycles of dynamic loading in a mastication simulator (n=10). The other half was fractured without dynamic loading (n=10). Fracture resistance measurements (N) for each framework were recorded by using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. A fractured framework from each group was examined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at ×100 magnification. The data obtained were statistically analyzed by using 2-way ANOVA, the pairwise Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD), and simple main effect tests to detect the difference between group mean values (α=.05).

RESULTS

The mean ±standard deviation of fracture load value before dynamic loading was 1919 ±193 N for the 3Y-TZP group and 908 ±99 N for the gradient 5Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP group. In addition, the mean fracture load value after dynamic loading was 1418 ±163 N for the 3Y-TZP group and 716 ±85 N for the gradient 5Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP group. The interaction between the effects of the zirconia material and dynamic loading on the fracture resistance was statistically significant (P=.002). The 3Y-TZP group had a statistically significant, higher fracture load mean value the gradient 5Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP group before and after dynamic loading (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The fracture resistance of 3Y-TZP frameworks was significantly higher than that of gradient 5Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP frameworks before and after dynamic loading. Dynamic loading significantly reduced the fracture resistance of 3Y-TZP and gradient 5Y-TZP and 3Y-TZP frameworks.

Effects of ceramic type, connector dimension, and thermomechanical-aging on the fracture resistance and fit of CAD-CAM produced inlay-retained fixed partial dentures

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the fracture resistance and the fit of CAD-CAM produced inlay-retained fixed partial dentures. Eighteen experimental groups were generated according to different CAD-CAM ceramic materials (zirconia, lithium disilicate, and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate), different connector dimensions (12, 14, and 16 mm²), and application of thermomechanical-aging (1,200,000 cycles of cyclic loading with simultaneous thermal cycling). Gap values of thermomechanically-aged groups were measured by using periapical radiographs. Then, the specimens were tested for fracture resistance and failure types were examined. The results were statistically analyzed (α=0.05). Higher gap values were observed after aging. Zirconia showed the highest fracture resistance values among the most of the experimental groups. In non-aged groups, the most frequent failure type was decementation in zirconia group. In the aged groups, the most frequent failure type was molar connector fracture. Thermomechanical-aging increased the gap values and decreased the fracture resistance values.

Biomechanical behavior of posterior metal-free cantilever fixed dental prostheses: effect of material and retainer design

OBJECTIVE

To study the fracture resistance and stress distribution pattern of translucent zirconia and fiber-reinforced composite cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RPFDPs) with two retainer designs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty human mandibular molars were divided into two groups according to the retainer design. The restorations included a premolar pontic and 2 retainer designs: (D1) inlay ring retainer and (D2) lingual coverage retainer. Each main group was then divided according to the material used (n = 10): zirconia (Z) or fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) (F). Restorations were cemented using dual polymerizing adhesive luting resin. All specimens were thermo-cycled (5-55 °C for 10,000 cycles), then subjected to dynamic loading (50 N, 240,000, and 1.6 Hz) and fracture resistance test. The finite element analysis includes the two models of retainer designs used in the in vitro test. Modified von Mises stress values on enamel, dentin, luting resin, and restorations were examined when the restorations failed.

RESULTS

A significantly higher failure load was recorded for zirconia groups (505.00 ± 61.50 and 548.00 ± 75.63 N for D1Z and D2Z, respectively) than for FRC groups (345.00 ± 42.33 and 375.10 ± 53.62 N for D1F and D2F, respectively) (P = 0.001). With regard to failure mode, D2 showed a more favorable failure pattern than D1. Model D2 resulted in lower stresses in tooth structure than model D1, and zirconia transmitted more stresses to the tooth structure than FRC.

CONCLUSIONS

The lingual coverage retainer (D2) enhanced the biomechanical performance of the restoration/tooth complex. Considering the failure mode and tooth stress, FRC is a promising treatment option when constructing a cantilever RPFDP.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Dentists should be aware of the biomechanical behavior during the selection of the material and for the replacement of a single missing mandibular premolar tooth with minimally invasive RBFDP.

Effect of different designs of minimally invasive cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses replacing mandibular premolar: Long-term fracture load and 3D finite element analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the fracture load and stress magnitude of different retainer designs of minimally invasive cantilever resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) after artificial aging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty caries-free human mandibular molars were prepared as abutments for cantilever fixed dental prostheses using different retainer designs: one wing (OW), two wings (TW), inlay ring (IR), lingual coverage (LC), and occlusal coverage (OC). Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing were used for milling the RBFDPs using fiber-reinforced composite (FRC), and the restorations were adhesively bonded. The specimens were then subjected to thermomechanical aging and loaded until failure. The 3D finite element analysis (FEA) was performed with five models of retainer designs similar to the in vitro test. Modified von Mises stress values on enamel, dentine, luting resin, and restorations were examined. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.001).

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between all groups except between IR and LC and between OW and TW designs, with the highest mean failure load detected for OC (534.70 N) and the lowest detected for OW (129.80 N). With regard to failure mode, OW, TW, and LC showed more incidences of favorable failure patterns than IR and OC designs. FEA showed that FRC transmitted low stresses in tooth structure and high stresses to the luting resin.

CONCLUSIONS

LC and OC designs can be used to design cantilever RBFDPs in premolar area. IR design transmitted more stresses to the tooth structure and resulted in 30% catastrophic failure. OW and TW were below the normal occlusal force and should be carefully used.

Durability of cantilever inlay-retained fixed dental prosthesis fabricated from multilayered zirconia ceramics with different designs

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in-vitro study was to investigate the effect of framework design on fracture resistance and failure modes of cantilever inlay-retained fixed partial dentures (IRFDPs) fabricated from two multilayered monolithic zirconia materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-two natural premolar teeth were prepared as abutments for cantilever IRFDPs using three designs: mesial-occlusal (MO) inlay with short buccal and palatal wings (D1), MO inlay with long palatal wing (D2), MO inlay with long palatal wing and occlusal extension (D3). Full-contoured IRFDPs were fabricated from two monolithic zirconia materials; IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and Zolid Gen-X. Adhesive surfaces were air-abraded and bonded with MDP-containing resin cement. Specimens were subjected to thermocycling (5-55 °C, 5000 cycles); then, mechanical loading (1.2 × 10⁶ cycles, 49 N). Surviving specimens were loaded until failure in the universal testing machine. All specimens were examined under stereomicroscope, and two samples from each group were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope.

RESULTS

Mean failure loads were not significantly different between different framework designs or between two materials. However, IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime showed significantly higher failure rate than Zolid Gen-X during dynamic fatigue (p = 0.009). Samples with D1 design showed higher debonding rate, D2 failed mainly by fracture of the palatal wing and debonding, and D3 failed mainly by fracture of the abutment tooth. Debonded restorations showed mainly mixed failures.

CONCLUSION

Cantilever IRFDPs with framework designs that maximize adhesion to enamel exhibited promising results. IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime was more susceptible to fractures with the long palatal wing design.

Accuracy and stability of computer-aided customized lingual fixed retainer: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

With advances in digital technology, new types of lingual fixed retainers are being developed. However, there are few studies that quantitatively evaluate the accuracy and stability of lingual fixed retainers. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and stability of two types of computer-aided customized lingual fixed retainers and a conventional lingual fixed retainer.

METHODS

A total of 10 maxillary and 10 mandibular duplicated dental models were selected, and then, three types of retainers were fabricated on the canine-to-canine area for each model. To evaluate accuracy, wire clearance at interproximal area (WCI) was measured using superimposition analysis. Initial flatness deformation was also measured for vertical distortion of retainers. Lateral width, anteroposterior length, and flatness deformation were measured at three-time points for stability assessment. Thermocycling was used to induce 6 months of time flow.

RESULTS

The custom-bent group showed significantly higher WCI than the custom-cut and manual groups in the maxillary arch (P = 0.002). The custom-cut group showed significantly less flatness deformation, which was followed by the custom-bent and manual groups in both the maxillary and mandibular arch (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in stability between the three retainer groups during 5100 cycles of thermocycling (corresponding to 6-month period).

CONCLUSIONS

Since there was no difference in stability between the three groups, it is recommended to use custom-cut type retainers in light of accuracy. However, accuracy and stability are not the only factors to consider when selecting type of retainers. Because each retainer has advantages and disadvantages, the type of retainers should be decided in consideration of the clinical environment.

Effect of Different Preparation Depths for an Inlay-Retained Fixed Partial Denture on the Accuracy of Different Intraoral Scanners: An In Vitro Study

PURPOSE

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different preparation depths for inlay-retained fixed partial dentures on the accuracy of intraoral scanners.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tooth preparations for two inlay-retained fixed partial dentures were done and divided according to depth of the preparation. Group A: 2mm pulpal floor depth, 3mm gingival floor depth and Group B: 3mm pulpal floor depth, 4mm gingival floor depth. The CEREC Omnicam4.4.4, Omnicam4.6.2. Trios3 and Medit i500 intraoral scanners were used in this study. Tooth preparations were scanned by each scanner 10 times. The STL files obtained from the intraoral scanners were compared to the reference models (trueness) and within each test group (precision) using a 3D comparison software. Data were then statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Regarding trueness, two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between the different types of scanners (p<0.001) (Omnicam4.4.4: 65.09 ±2.87 Omnicam4.6.1: 52.73 ±3.31 Medit i500: 58.45 ±2.63 Trios 3: 41.79 ±4.42). Preparation depth had no significant influence on the trueness (p = 0.083). For precision two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between the different types of scanners (p<0.001). Preparation depth had no significant influence on the precision (p = 0.111). Statistically significant interactions were found between the different variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The depth of preparation did not have an influence on the accuracy of different scanners. However, the type of scanner influenced the accuracy of digital impressions with Trios3 showing the highest accuracy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Influence of Resin Cement Thickness and Elastic Modulus on the Stress Distribution of Zirconium Dioxide Inlay-Bridge: 3D Finite Element Analysis

The mechanical properties and the thickness of the resin cement agents used for bonding inlay bridges can modify the clinical performance of the restoration such as debonding or prosthetic materials fracture. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution and the maximum strain generated by resin cements with different elastic moduli and thicknesses used to cement resin-bonded fixed partial denture (RBFPD). A three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA) was used, and a 3D model was created based on a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography system (CBCT). The model was analyzed by the Ansys software. The model fixation occurred at the root of the abutment teeth and an axial load of 300 N was applied on the occlusal surface of the pontic. The highest stress value was observed for the Variolink 0.4 group (1.76 × 10⁶ Pa), while the lowest was noted for the Panavia 0.2 group (1.07 × 10⁶ Pa). Furthermore, the highest total deformation value was found for the Variolink 0.2 group (3.36 × 10^-4 m), while the lowest was observed for the Panavia 0.4 group (2.33 × 10^-4 m). By means of this FEA, 0.2 mm layer Panavia F2.0 seemed to exhibit a more favorable stress distribution when used for cementation of posterior zirconium-dioxide-based RBFPD. However, both studied materials possessed clinically acceptable properties.

Clinical Performance of Posterior Inlay-Retained and Wing-Retained Monolithic Zirconia Resin-Bonded Fixed Partial Dentures: Stage One Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To prospectively compare the clinical performance of posterior inlay-retained and wing-retained monolithic zirconia fixed partial dentures (FPDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After simple randomization, 30 participants received either one inlay-retained (n = 15; mean age: 56.38 ± 12.70 years; 10 men [66.7%]) or one wing-retained (n = 15; mean age: 45.90 ±13.24 years; 7 men [46.7%]) FPD. The restorations, which predominantly replaced first molars, were fabricated from translucent, 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia and attached with self-etching resin cement. Restorations and abutment teeth were clinically followed up for complications one week and 3, 6, and 12 months after cementation. Plaque and gingival scores, probing pocket depths, and attachment levels were recorded for the abutment and contralateral reference teeth both before treatment and during follow-up examinations. The restorations were also assessed in accordance with FDI World Dental Federation criteria. Statistical analyses were conducted with R (α = 0.05). An adaptive, 2-stage study design based on the incidence of failure-free survival in the groups after 12 months (stage 1) was implemented. Predefined decision rules were used to determine whether further recruitment (stage 2) would enable the detection of a statistically significant difference between the restoration designs with sufficient power.

RESULTS

During 12 months, only one wing retainer debonded which required removal of the FPD. Failure-free survival was thus 93.3% for wing-retained and 100% for inlay-retained FPDs (log-rank test, p = 0.317). Moderate aftercare resulted in intervention-free rates of 78.8% and 86.7% for inlay-retained and wing-retained restorations, respectively (log-rank test, p = 0.605). Based on FDI World Dental Federation criteria, all restorations were acceptable at the 12-month follow-up (Fisher-Boschloo test, p = 0.161). Plaque, gingival, and periodontal scores remained practically unchanged from before treatment to the 12-month follow-up. Recruitment was stopped after stage 1 because, based on the small difference in the incidence of failure-free survival in the groups, it was accepted that it would not be possible to recruit the necessary number of participants to show a statistically significant difference between the retainer designs.

CONCLUSIONS

Both inlay-retained and wing-retained monolithic zirconia resin-bonded FPDs performed well for the 12-month, short-term follow-up period.

[All-ceramic premolar guiding plate retains resin-bonded fixed partial dentures]

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the fracture resistance and short-term restorative effects of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) made from heat-pressed lithium-disilicate-based glass-ceramic (IPS e.max press) and zirconia ceramic (WIELAND) and retained by all-ceramic guiding plates when used to restore missing mandibular second premolars.

METHODS

A total of 64 human mandibular first premolars and first molars were prepared as abutments, then were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8): E0, heat-pressed ceramic RBFPDs, no cyclic loading; E1, heat-pressed ceramic RBFPDs exposed to 300 000 cycles of dynamic loading; W0, zirconia ceramic RBFPDs, no cyclic loading; and W1, zirconia ceramic RBFPDs exposed to 300 000 cycles of dynamic loading. Fracture strength was tested in a universal testing machine.

RESULTS

The medians of fracture strength were 1 242.85 N±260.11 N (E0), 1 650.85 N±206.77 N (W0), 1 062.60 N±179.98 N (E1), and 1 167.61 N±265.50 N (W1). Statistical analysis showed that all the groups exhibited significantly higher fracture strength compared with the maximum bite force in the premolar region (360 N; P<0.001). The W0 group had significantly higher fracture strength than the E0 group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, no significant difference in fracture strength was observed between the E1 and W1 groups (P>0.05). Significant statistical differences were found between the zirconia ceramic groups (W0 and W1, P<0.05) but not between the glassceramic groups (E0 and E1, P>0.05) after dynamic loading.

CONCLUSIONS

The RBFPDs retained by all-ceramic guiding plates exhibited promising fracture properties and optimal short-term restorative effects when used to restore missing mandibular second premolars.