STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS: There are only a few studies available that deal with the clinical behavior of ceromer systems as potential substitutes for metal-ceramic crowns. PURPOSE: This prospective study was initiated to evaluate the clinical performance of 35 Sculpture crowns after 2 years in service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty five Sculpture crowns were placed for 20 patients (7 men and 13 women). All patients were treated by the same dentist, and all restorations were fabricated by the same dental laboratory. Crown placement involved both the anterior and posterior regions of the dental arches. Patients were evaluated by two examiner at baseline, 12, and 24 months using the CDA quality assessment system in addition to periodontal criteria. RESULTS: Of 34 crowns remaining in the study after 2 years, only one crown had experienced a marginal fracture. The crown was replaced as a result of recurrent caries. All remaining crowns were ranked as either excellent or acceptable for surface and color, anatomic form, and marginal integrity. CONCLUSION: The 2-year clinical observations and ranking with the CDA quality assessment criteria supported the conclusion that Sculpture crowns may be used in substitutes for metal- ceramic crowns.
Ceramics ; Crowns* ; Dental Arch ; Dentists ; Humans ; Laboratories, Dental ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Sculpture*

STATE MENT of PROBLEMS: Although some clinicians report long-term success with fixed partial denture (FPD) that contain cantilever pontic, the use of cantilever FPDs may be hazardous because of unfavorable leverages during mastication. PURPOSE of STUDY: This study aims to compare the stress induced in the periodontium with normal and reduced bone support, and to analyze the stress distribution patterns of anterior cantilevered FPDs using the finite element method. RESULTS: Cantilever bridge with a reduced bone level generated the highest peak stresses in the periodontium. In the models of reduced bone support, a cantilever bridge exhibited the greatest mobility and a 3-unit fixed restorations induced the smallest mobility of canine. The highest peak stress level of a 3-unit bridge in the periodontium is similar to the unrestored situation. But stress distribution in the bone is modified. CONCLUSION: In reduced bone support, a cantilever bridge exhibited the greatest mobility and stress.
Denture, Partial, Fixed ; Mastication ; Periodontium

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The effects of various core buildup materials which differs in the mechanical properties on the fracture strength of metal-free crowns is unknown. PURPOSE: This study was carried out to evaluate the fracture strengths of Artglass ceromer crowns supported by 3 different core materials in clinically simulated anterior tooth preparation. Material and methods. Ten crowns from each group were constructed to comparable dimensions on the various dies made by gold alloy, Ni-Cr alloy, and composite resin. The ten crowns were then cemented onto the dies and loaded until catastrophic failure took place. Fracture resistance to forces applied to the incisal edges of the anterior crowns supported by three types of dies was tested. RESULTS: The ceromer crowns on the composite resin dies fractured at significantly lower values(287.7 N) than the ceromer crowns on the metal dies(approximately 518.4 N). No significant difference was found between the fracture values of the ceromer crowns on the dies of gold alloy and Ni-Cr alloy. CONCLUSION: The failure loads of the ceromer crowns on the metal dies were almost the same and not affected by the differences of casting alloys. However, the fracture values of the ceromer crowns on the resin dies were significantly reduced by the relative weak properties of composite resin core material.
Alloys ; Crowns* ; Resin Cements ; Tooth Preparation