Clinical evaluation of fractured metal-ceramic fixed dental prostheses repaired with indirect technique

Objectives: Metal ceramic restorations continue to be widely used in dental practice, as they combine esthetics with superior mechanical properties. However, ceramic materials have the potential to fracture due to their brittle nature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical survival of fractured metal-ceramic restorations repaired with an indirect technique which uses a new "overlay" metal-ceramic crown that is luted to the existing restoration. Method and Materials: The study population consisted of 92 patients. Only patients with one or more fractured retainers of multipleunit metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures were involved in this study. In all cases there were a bulk fracture of the overlaying ceramic material and exposure of the underlying metal substructure. The remaining retainers of the fixed partial dentures were intact. The total number of fractured retainers was 106. All clinical procedures of the indirect repairs were carried out by a single investigator, according the previously published technique. The patients were examined clinically at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 years after placement of the new restorations. The repaired restorations were examined for debonding, fracture rate, and esthetics. Patient acceptance was also recorded. Results: Of the 92 patients re-examined, all were satisfied with the function and the esthetic appearance of their restorations. None of the repaired restorations fractured after 8 years of service, and there were no gingival margin problems of significance. Four restorations debonded during the evaluation period. The overall survival rate was 96.2% after 8 years. Conclusion: Repair methodology and materials employed in this study resulted in satisfactory longevity for metal-ceramic dental prostheses. The success rate was 96.2% after 8 years. The retention rate was very good, patient satisfaction was very encouraging, and maintenance of the esthetics was good. Keywords: clinical longevity, fracture, indirect method, metal-ceramic fixed dental prosthesis, repair