Clinical Evaluation of In-Ceram Crowns Fabricated Using GN-I System : Preliminary Results after 24-39 Months of Use

Abstract

Purpose: This study prospectively evaluated the clinical performance of CAD/CAM-generated In-Ceram alumina core crowns.Methods: The GN-I system was used to fabricate the 101 In-Ceram crowns with aluminum copings placed in 39 patients. Using a modified quality assessment system developed by the California Dental Association (CDA), the crowns were evaluated at baseline and at all follow-up examinations.Results: The mean service time of the crowns was 28.7 months. Six crowns fractured or were removed; a maxillary first molar crown and a mandibular second premolar crown fractured after 17 months and 22 months, respectively. Others were removed due to esthetic complications, endodontic therapy, root fracture, and so on. A small chip was detected in a mandibular canine crown after functioning for 6 months. After 39 months, the cumulative survival rate of the crowns was 93.9%. According to the modified CDA criteria, most crowns were rated as “satisfactory” during the observation period.Conclusion: Despite the 2 fractures, In-Ceram Alumina crowns with copings fabricated using CAD/CAM (GN-I system) showed excellent results during the observation period.