Retrospective clinical study of monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated with a straightforward completely digital workflow

Abstract

Statement of problemCurrent computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology has digitalized some traditional prosthodontic processes, but manual interventions are still needed for both clinical and dental laboratory procedures, and improved digital workflows are required. PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to develop a straightforward completely digital workflow to fabricate monolithic zirconia crowns and evaluate clinical efficiency and prosthetic outcomes. Material and methodsSelf-glazed zirconia crowns (N=229) were placed in 177 participants between 2016 and 2019 with a completely digital workflow. The extent of clinical adjustment needed for each crown was recorded and then divided into 3 categories: zero adjustment, minimal adjustment, and unacceptable. Color match and marginal adaption were evaluated according to the modified US Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. ResultsA total of 213 (93.0%) crowns required zero adjustment during clinical evaluation, 11 (4.8%) needed minimal adjustment, and 5 (2.2%) were deemed unacceptable since they could not meet the clinical requirements through adjustment. Except for the unacceptable crowns, the marginal adaption of the remaining 224 crowns was rated as Alfa and the color match as Alfa (91.5%), Bravo (6.3%), and Charlie (2.2%). ConclusionsThe self-glazed monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated with the completely digital workflow provided efficient and satisfactory clinical performance.