Functional and Esthetic Comparison of Metal Ceramic and All Ceramic Posterior Three Unit Fixed Dental Prostheses.
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess functional and esthetic satisfaction plus evaluate changes in oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP 14) after insertion of a metal ceramic (MC FDP) or a veneered zirconia all ceramic (AC FDP) posterior three unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) Additionally, patients' and professionals' esthetic evaluations were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS A convenience sample of 34 patients was randomized to receive a MC FDP (n 17) or an AC FDP (n 17) Patients were assessed using the OHIP 14 and also answered a questionnaire regarding satisfaction with function and esthetics using visual analog scales (VAS) before treatment and after 2 weeks, after 3 months, and after 1, 2, and 3 years. A fully dentate control group (n 20) was also assessed using the OHIP 14. The operator and another observer evaluated the esthetics of the FDPs using VAS. RESULTS The patients assessed the two FDP types similarly for all parameters. In contrast, there was a statistically significant difference in OHIP 14 results between the treated patients and the control group before treatment. After treatment, a statistically significant improvement in OHIP 14 was observed at all examinations. Patients were highly satisfied with the function and esthetics of the FDPs. The overall satisfaction with esthetics was statistically significantly higher among the patients than among the professionals at three out of five examinations. CONCLUSION The patients experienced improved OHRQoL and increased satisfaction with function and esthetics after receiving a posterior three unit FDP. No important differences were observed between the two types of FDPs when evaluated by the patient or the professionals.
The International journal of prosthodontics