The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical performance of tooth-borne partial and full-coverage fixed dental prosthesis fabricated using hybrid polymer and ceramic CAD/CAM materials regarding their biologic, technical and esthetical outcomes. PICOS search strategy was applied using MEDLINE and were searched for RCTs and case control studies by two reviewers using MeSH Terms. Bias risk was evaluated using the Cochrane collaboration tool and Newcastle–Ottawa assessment scale. A meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the mean long-term survival difference of both materials at two different periods (≤24, ≥36 months(m)). Mean differences in biologic, technical and esthetical complications of partial vs. full crown reconstructions were analyzed using software package R (p < 0.05). 28 studies included in the systematic review and 25 studies in the meta-analysis. The overall survival rate was 99% (0.95–1.00, ≤24 m) and dropped to 95% (0.87–0.98, ≥36 m), while the overall success ratio was 88% (0.54–0.98; ≤24 m) vs. 77% (0.62–0.88; ≥36 m). No significance, neither for the follow-up time points, nor for biologic, technical and esthetical (88% vs. 77%; 90% vs. 74%; 96% vs. 95%) outcomes was overserved. A significance was found for the technical/clinical performance between full 93% (0.88–0.96) and partial 64% (0.34–0.86) crowns. The biologic success rate of partial crowns with 69% (0.42–0.87) was lower, but not significant compared to 91% (0.79–0.97) of full crowns. The esthetical success rate of partial crowns with 90% (0.65–0.98) was lower, but not significant compared to 99% (0.92–1.00) of full crowns.

In recent years, Zirconia-reinforced Lithium Silicate ceramic (ZLS), combining lithium-silicate and zirconia features, has shown to have excellent mechanical and aesthetic characteristics. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the fracture strength of ZLS single crowns cemented with two different cementation techniques. Twenty crowns were realised and cemented on teeth replicas achieved from an extracted premolar human tooth. The samples were divided into two groups of 10 specimens each, Glass-ionomeric cement (GIC) group and Self-Adhesive Resin Cement (ARC) group. The mechanical test was performed using a universal testing machine. The specimens were then evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to identify for all crowns and related abutments the pattern of fracture after the breaking point. The data obtained were statistically analysed. The mean fracture toughness values and standard deviations (±SD) were 2227 ± 382 N and 3712 ± 319 N respectively for GIC and ARC groups. In fact, t-test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, the SEM results demonstrated portions of abutments still attached to the crown fragments in the ARC group, whilst these were not present in the GIC group. Within the limitations of this study, these results suggest the use of adhesive cementation for ZLS crowns, which significantly increase the compressive strength of ZLS restorations compared to GIC.

The clinical success of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) depends on many clinical and technical factors, from planning to execution, among which adhesive cementation is of significant importance. This procedure carries many risk factors if not optimally executed. The objective of this study was to document the clinical parameters affecting successful cementation procedures with a focus on the adhesive strength, integrity, and esthetics of the PLVs. A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, complemented by a hand search using predefined keywords. Articles published in English between 1995 and 2023 were selected. According to this review, the success and longevity of PLVs rely in great part on the implementation of a precise cementation technique, starting from field isolation, adequate materials selection for adhesion, proper manipulation of the materials, the seating of the veneers, polymerization, and elimination of the excess cement. Several clinical steps performed before cementation, including treatment planning, preparation, impression, and adequate choice of the restorative material, could affect the quality of cementation. Scientific evidence suggests careful implementation of this process to achieve predictable outcomes with PLVs. The short- and long-term clinical success of adhesively luted PLVs is tributary to a deep understanding of the materials used and the implementation of clinical protocols. It is also contingent upon all the previous steps from case selection, treatment planning, and execution until and after the cementation.

Studies investigating the mechanical stability of lithium disilicate-strengthened aluminosilicate glass ceramic that do not require sintering after milling compared with other computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials are lacking. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the flexural strength of CAD-CAM zirconia, lithium disilicate, and lithium disilicate-strengthened aluminosilicate glass ceramics with and without fatigue conditions. Specimens (N=90, n=15) (12×4×3 mm) from the following CAD-CAM materials were prepared and polished: lithium disilicate glass ceramic (IPS e.max CAD); lithium disilicate-strengthened aluminosilicate glass ceramic (N!ce); and zirconium dioxide ceramic (IPS e.max ZirCAD). All specimens were divided into 2 subgroups: immediate testing without aging and simulation of aging by using a mastication simulator for 1 200 000 cycles (5 °C-55 °C). Thereafter, flexural strength testing was performed by using a universal testing machine (1 mm/min) on nonaged and aged specimens. The data were evaluated by using nonparametric 2-way ANOVA and Wilcoxon rank post hoc tests (α=.05). Both the material type and aging significantly affected the results (P<.001). The interaction was not significant (P>.05). Under nonaged conditions, zirconium dioxide ceramic (1136 ±162 MPa) showed significantly higher mean ±standard deviation flexural strength (P<.001) than lithium disilicate (304 ±34 MPa) and lithium disilicate-strengthened aluminosilicate glass ceramic (202 ±17 MPa). The glass ceramic groups were also significantly different from each other (P<.001). After aging, zirconium dioxide (1087.9 ±185.3 MPa) also presented significantly higher mean ±standard deviation flexural strength (P<.001) than lithium disilicate (259 ±62 MPa) and lithium disilicate-strengthened aluminosilicate glass ceramic (172 ±11 MPa) (P<.001). Aging significantly decreased the flexural strength of lithium disilicate (14.6%) (P=.03) and lithium disilicate-strengthened aluminosilicate glass ceramic (14.5%) (P=.01) but had minimal effect on the zirconium dioxide ceramic (4.3%) (P=.29). Among the tested CAD-CAM materials, the mechanical performance of lithium disilicate-strengthened aluminosilicate glass ceramic was comparable with that of lithium disilicate and considerably lower than that of zirconia. Aging decreased the flexural strength of both lithium disilicate and lithium disilicate-strengthened aluminosilicate glass ceramic.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various fabrication techniques and materials used in implant-supported mandibular overdentures with a Hader bar attachment over added stress distribution. Three-dimensional geometric solid models, consisting of two implants (3.3 mm × 12 mm) placed at the bone level on both mandibular canine regions and a Hader bar structure, were prepared. Model 1 simulated a bar retentive system made from Titanium Grade 5 material by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling technique without using any converting adapter/multi-unit element on the implants, while Model 2 simulated the same configuration, but with converting adapters on the implants. Model 3 simulated a bar retentive system made from Cobalt-Chromium material, made by using conventional casting technique with converting adapters on the implants. Static loads of 100 Newton were applied on test models from horizontal, vertical and oblique directions. ANSYS R15.0 Workbench Software was used to compare Von Mises stress distribution and minimum/maximum principal stress values, and the results were evaluated by using Finite Element Analysis method. As a result, the highest stress distribution values under static loading in three different directions were obtained in Model 1. Stress was observed intensely around the necks of the implants and the surrounding cortical bone areas in all models. In scope of the results obtained, using converting adapters on implants has been considered to decrease transmission of forces onto implants and surrounding bone structures, thus providing a better stress distribution. It has also been observed that the type of material used for bar fabrication has no significant influence on stress values in those models where converting adapters were used.