Objective: To evaluate prospectively the clinical performance of 3- to 6-unit zirconia fixed partial dentures (FPDs) after more than 3 years of clinical service.
Method and materials: Since August 2002, 22 conventional all-ceramic FPDs have been inserted in 18 patients. Nineteen of the FPDs were placed with a resin-reinforced glass-ionomer cement. The frameworks were manufactured by a universal CAD/CAM production system, milling the zirconia out of the densely sintered stage. The frameworks were designed as 3-unit (14), 4-unit (3), 5-unit (2), and 6-unit FPDs (3) for the anterior and posterior regions. A new synthetic sintering glass-ceramic was employed as the veneering material. In the follow-up examinations at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, 21 FPDs were inspected predominantly for framework fractures and chipping of the veneering material. Besides these parameters, periodontal status, sensitivity of the abutment teeth, esthetic outcome, as well as the incidence of secondary caries, were evaluated.
Results: After a mean clinical observation of over 39 months, no framework fracture occurred. However, chipping of the veneering material was reported in 2 cases.
Conclusion: All-ceramic FPDs based on zirconia frameworks exhibited satisfactory clinical performance.