Randomized trial investigating zirconia electroplated telescopic retainers: quality of life outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
The study aims to evaluate the effect of electroplated telescopic removable dental prostheses (E-RDPs) with zirconia primary crowns on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).


METHODS
For E-RDPs, electroplating is used to produce precisely fitting gold copings on telescopic primary crowns. These copings are bonded intra-orally to the denture framework. Fifty-six participants in need of 60 removable restorations were randomly allocated one of two materials for the primary crowns: cobalt-chromium alloy or zirconia. OHRQoL was assessed by use of the 49-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) and by additional patient self-rating at baseline before treatment, and after 6 and 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed by use of one- and two-sample t-tests and analysis of covariance.


RESULTS
Mean OHIP sum score at baseline was 53.4 (SD 37.4, 95 % CI 41.3-62). At follow-ups, it decreased significantly (after 6 months: mean 20, SD 26, 95 % CI 13-27.1; after 12 months: mean 16.4, SD 17.9, 95 % CI 11.6-21.2). The mean reduction in OHIP sum score after 12 months was 25 (SD 31.2, 95 % CI 13.1-36.9) for cobalt-chromium alloy and 44.4 (SD 32.3, 95 % CI 31.1-57.8) for zirconia. However, no statistically significant difference of the two materials on OHIP change or patient self-rating was detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Although OHRQoL was improved by using both cobalt-chromium alloy and zirconia primary crowns for E-RDPs, post-treatment differences between the groups were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Zirconia E-RDPs enhance OHRQoL. However, zirconia primary crowns do not outperform cobalt-chromium alloy crowns regarding patient satisfaction-despite their tooth-like color.
Department of Prosthodontics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. Sebastian.Schwindling@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
Franz Sebastian
FS
Schwindling
Department of Prosthodontics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
Ulrich Karl
UK
Deisenhofer
Private practice, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Anne-Christiane
AC
Séché
Private practice, Landshut, Germany.
Franziska
F
Lehmann
Department of Prosthodontics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
Peter
P
Rammelsberg
Department of Prosthodontics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
Thomas
T
Stober
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002858:Chromium Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D003035:Cobalt / Q000737:chemistry; D003442:Crowns; D003779:Denture Design; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D005260:Female; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D015040:Zirconium / Q000737:chemistry*
D002858:Chromium Alloys; D003035:Cobalt; D006046:Gold; D015040:Zirconium; C028541:zirconium oxide
Cobalt–chromium; Electroplating; OHRQoL; Patient satisfaction; Removable dental prostheses; Zirconia