Five-year evaluation of posterior all-ceramic three-unit (In-Ceram) FPDs.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the properties of the In-Ceram material are adequate for use in posterior three-unit fixed partial dentures (FPD) and to evaluate the clinical method regarding preparation technique, design, and choice of cement.


METHODS
Eighteen patients were treated with a total of 20 posterior three-unit FPDs according to the In-Ceram technique. The FPDs were constructed with bilateral support and one pontic and were all replacing one premolar or a molar (11 replacing premolars and 9 replacing molars). They were evaluated 6 months after delivery and then once yearly.


RESULTS
Eighteen of the 20 FPDs (90%) showed no defects at any of the follow-up examinations and were functioning well after 5 years. No caries or signs of gingivitis or periodontitis exceeding those found in the rest of the dentition were registered.


CONCLUSIONS
The In-Ceram technique is, in a 5-year perspective and adopted for three-unit FPDs, an acceptable treatment alternative. Further studies must, however, be performed before the material can be recommended for more extensive restorations than the FPDs included in this study.
Vult von Steyern
P
P
Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Malmö University, Carl Gustafs väg 34, SE-214 21 Malmö, Sweden. per.vult@od.mah.se
Jönsson
O
O
Nilner
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D001641:Bicuspid; D002484:Cementation; D003776:Dental Porcelain; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003779:Denture Design; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar
D003776:Dental Porcelain; C070870:In-Ceram; D000537:Aluminum Oxide