Novel-design ultra-thin CAD/CAM composite resin and ceramic occlusal veneers for the treatment of severe dental erosion.

Statement Of Problem: Ultra-thin bonded posterior occlusal veneers represent a conservative alternative to traditional inlays and complete coverage crowns for the treatment of severe erosive lesions. There is a lack of data regarding selection of the most appropriate material and its influence on fatigue resistance, which may affect restoration longevity.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of CAD/CAM restorative material (ceramic vs. composite resin) on fatigue resistance of ultra-thin occlusal veneers.

Material And Methods: A standardized nonretentive tooth preparation (simulating advanced occlusal erosion) was applied to 40 extracted molars including removal of occlusal enamel, and immediate dentin sealing (Optibond FL). All teeth were restored with a 0.6 mm-thick occlusal veneer (Cerec3 chairside CAD/CAM system). Reinforced ceramics (Empress CAD and e.max CAD) and composite resins (Paradigm MZ100 and XR (experimental blocks)) were used to mill the restorations (n=10). The intaglio surfaces were HF-etched and silanated (reinforced ceramics) or airborne-particle abraded and silanated (composite resins). Preparations were airborne-particle abraded and etched before restoration insertion. All restorations were adhesively luted with preheated Filtek Z100. Cyclic isometric loading was applied at 5 Hz, beginning with a load of 200N (x5,000), followed by stages of 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1,400N at a maximum of 30,000 cycles each. The number of cycles at initial failure (first cracks) was recorded. Specimens were loaded until catastrophic failure (lost restoration fragment) or to a maximum of 185,000 cycles. Groups were compared using the life table survival analysis (α=.008, Bonferroni-method).

Results: Empress CAD and e.max CAD initially failed at an average load of 500N and 800N, respectively with no specimen withstanding all 185,000 load cycles (survival 0%); with MZ100 and XR the survival rate was 60% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions: Both composite resins (MZ100 and XR) increased the fatigue resistance of ultra-thin occlusal veneers (P<.001) when compared to the ceramics evaluated (Empress CAD and e.max CAD).