Marginal adaptation of implant prostheses fabricated by different materials in excessive crown height space before and after veneering

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the marginal adaptation of implant-supported three-unit fixed restorations fabricated in excessive crown height by various frameworks namely zirconia, nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy, and Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) before and after veneering. Materials and Methods: A basic model with two implant fixtures was made to receive posterior three-unit fixed partial dentures (second premolar to second molar) in 15 mm crown height. A total of 30 frameworks were fabricated using Ni-Cr, zirconia, and PEEK (n=10). All specimens were veneered and vertical marginal discrepancy was evaluated before and after veneering using a stereomicroscope (×75). The effect of framework material and veneering on marginal discrepancy was evaluated by repeated-measures and one-way ANOVA, and paired t test (α=0.05). Results: There was a significant difference between the groups (P<0.001) before and after veneering. The vertical marginal discrepancy of zirconia frameworks was significantly lower than that of other groups both before and after veneering (P<0.001). Statistical analysis revealed that the veneering process had a significant effect on marginal adaptation (P<0.001). Conclusion: In implant prostheses with excessive crown height, zirconia had the greatest marginal adaptaion significantly, followed by Ni-Cr. Veneering caused a significant increase in marginal discrepancy of all the materials.