BACKGROUNDAlternatives to the conventional auro-galvanoforming ceramic bridge need to be evaluated in long-term longitudinal studies before being recommended for restoration of dentition defects. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of a ceramic bridge with auro-galvanoforming primary coping and Ni-Cr pontic for restoration of dentition defects.

METHODSIn total, 114 ceramic bridges with auro-galvanoforming (primary coping and Ni-Cr pontic) were placed in 112 patients with dentition defects. Among them, 83 bridges in 82 patients were available for follow-up after 7 years. We evaluated marginal integrity, color match, gingival inflammation, fracture of ceramic bridges, and recurrent caries.

RESULTSMarginal integrity of the ceramic bridges was perfect in all patients. Most ceramic bridges maintained their original color. Fracture was found in three bridges; the rest were free of fracture, breakage, and loosening. Recurrent abutment caries were not found. Ceramic bridges with auro-galvanoforming (primary coping and Ni-Cr pontic) produced satisfactory clinical outcomes - equivalent to the conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration. This technique is especially useful for dentition defects of the molar area and is cheaper than restoration with noble metal bridges.

CONCLUSIONSCeramic bridges with auro-galvanoforming (primary coping and Ni-Cr pontic) performed well for the restoration of dentition defects during this follow-up period. More studies are warranted to further evaluate this technique as an alternative to the conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration.