Background

With the constantly increasing demand for metal-free solutions in dental therapy, numerous ceramic restorations have found their way into everyday clinical practice, but long-term clinical data are limited.

Objective

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate three- and four-unit fixed partial dentures in the posterior region made of zirconium dioxide frameworks veneered with feldspathic porcelain after 10 years in clinical use.

Methods

Based on the two studies published in 2009 and 2012, in which the all-ceramic FDPs were evaluated after 3 and 5 years of function, a clinical evaluation of a total of 17 restorations after 10 years with regard to their condition and long-term stability was carried out in the course of this study. The restorations were fabricated using feldspathic-ceramic-veneered, yttria-stabilized, tetragonal zirconium dioxide as the framework material. The data collection was based on modified CDA criteria and included, for example, the shape, shade, surface condition, and the success and survival rates of the restorations.

Results

The all-ceramic prostheses embodied excellent biocompatibility and color reproduction. As a result of an increased incidence of chipping fractures, the success rate was 60%. The survival rate, however, was 88.2 %, as 2 of the 17 restorations were lost.

Conclusion

All-ceramic concepts for FDP constructions in the posterior region achieved satisfactory results in terms of durability after 10 years. The main problem was chipping, as has been generally recognized. Nevertheless, the materials were characterized by excellent aesthetics and biocompatibility, which ultimately makes them a good alternative to conventional restorative options.