Comparative evaluation of marginal and internal fit of endocrowns using lithium disilicate and polyetheretherketone computer-aided design - computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials: An in vitro study

Purpose:

To evaluate the marginal and internal fit of endocrowns with different computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials by measuring them with a stereomicroscope (μm).

Materials and Methods:

A mandibular first molar typodont tooth was prepared to receive an endocrown. The preparation was scanned using an extra-oral scanner. Endocrowns (n = 20) were fabricated using lithium disilicate (IPS e. max CAD LT block; CEREC Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) (breCAM. BioHPP^®; Bredent, UK) using CAD-CAM technique. Marginal gap was evaluated using a stereomicroscope at the midpoint of all four surfaces (mid buccal, mid lingual, mid mesial, mid distal). This was followed by sectioning of the endocrowns in a sagittal plane along with the prepared tooth to evaluate the internal fit at four different points (A, B, C, D) using a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance test.

Results:

Mean values of marginal gap of lithium disilicate and PEEK endocrowns are 56.6 ± 6.1 μm and 81.3 ± 10.1 μm, respectively. Mean value internal gaps of lithium disilicate and PEEK endocrowns are 158.2 ± 11.1 μm and 199.1 ± 13 μm, respectively. Results in the present study have shown that the marginal and internal fits of lithium disilicate endocrowns are superior to that of PEEK endocrowns.

Conclusions:

Based on the outcomes of this in vitro study, the marginal and internal fit of lithium disilicate endocrowns is better than PEEK endocrowns. The marginal gap clinically acceptable is <120 μm. The marginal gap values recorded in this study are within the acceptable range for both materials.