EFFECTS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL-PRINTED ZIRCONIA ALL-CERAMIC CROWNS ON PERIODONTAL HEALTH AND AESTHETICS OF PATIENTS RECEIVING ANTERIOR TOOTH AESTHETIC RESTORATION

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three-dimensional (3D)-printed zirconia all-ceramic crowns on the periodontal tissues and aesthetics of patients receiving anterior tooth aesthetic restoration. A total of 85 patients with anterior tooth defects treated from January 2018 to October 2019 were selected. We studied zirconia all-ceramic crowns made by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) (control group) and 3D printing (observation group). The short-term restoration effects, periodontal health indices, functional recovery, long-term clinical efficacy and aesthetic effects were compared. The gingival marginal fitness of the observation group was better than that of the control group, but the control group had better tooth color matching (P < 0.05). One year after the restoration, the bleeding index, probing depth, attachment loss, gingival index and plaque index all declined in the two groups, particularly in the observation group. Both the masticatory and language functions were improved in the two groups, especially in the observation group (P < 0.05). Both 3D-printed and CAD/CAM zirconia all-ceramic crowns have better cosmetic restoration effects on the anterior teeth. However, 3D-printed zirconia all-ceramic crowns have better gingival marginal fitness, which can benefit the periodontal tissue recovery, relieve gingival inflammation, and improve masticatory and language functions.