title: Fixed partial dentures: all-ceramics, fibre-reinforced composites and experimental systems.
abstract: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the fracture strength of three-unit FPDs (fixed partial dentures) and three-unit inlay FPDs after a simulated 5-year oral wearing period. The restorations were made of a pressable all-ceramic (Empress 2) and two specially designed, experimentally fixed partial dentures combining ceramics with dental composite. Three-unit FPDs and inlay FPDs were manufactured and were adhesively luted onto human molars. After thermal cycling and mechanical loading in an artificial environment, the fracture strength was determined. Zircon-based milled ceramic (Lava) three-unit FPDs were used as a control. The zircon ceramic and the fibre-based ceramic three-unit FPDs showed median fracture values between 1000 and 1400 N. For composite veneered zircon FPDs a fracture strength of about 800 N and for all-ceramic Empress 2 of about 350 N could be determined. The results for the inlay FPDs were between 1300 N and 1400 N for FRC/ceramic, 1000 N for zircon/composite and 500 N for all-ceramic restorations. The all-ceramic showed higher fracture resistance applied as inlay FPDs. The described hybrid techniques combining ceramics and composites could represent an interesting procedure for further investigations and, eventually, clinical implication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University Clinics, Regensburg, Germany. martin.rosentritt@kilinik.uni-regensburg.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rosentritt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Behr
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Handel
mesh_terms: D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D002516:Ceramics / Q000737:chemistry*; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003738:Dental Cements / Q000737:chemistry*; D003776:Dental Porcelain / Q000737:chemistry; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D012016:Reference Values; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D003188:Composite Resins; D003738:Dental Cements; C075815:IPS-Empress ceramic; D003776:Dental Porcelain