Clinical Outcomes of Three Different Crown Systems using CAD/CAM Technology

CAD/CAM technology has opened many doors for dental restoration fabrication. Improvements in intraoral scanning technology and the use of newer esthetic materials have brought many questions to the forefront. Concerns over restoration fit and quality have been expressed, as well as accuracy of digital methods involved for crown fabrication. This clinical study examined three different crown materials for posterior teeth in need of full coverage restoration. Crown preparations were scanned intraorally using the E4D or iTero scanner and crowns digitally designed and fabricated. Teeth received porcelain fused to metal, lithium disilicate or monolithic zirconia restorations. Gingival parameters and modified USPHS criteria were recorded for each crown and marginal integrity was examined using micro-CT analysis. An 18.8% rejection rate was noted for crowns due to poor marginal adaptation. Overall, acceptable results were obtained for all three systems.