Three-dimensional assessment of internal adaptation measurement of three cad/cam ceramic systems

This study aimed to evaluate the internal adaptation of three different computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramic crowns. The internal adaptation of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network material (Vita Enamic [VE]) was compared to two machinable glass-ceramics; Zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (Vita Suprinity [VS]) and a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max. CAD). Thirty human premolars of average size were prepared (n=10 each group) by computer numerical control to fulfill the criteria of all-ceramic crown design. Optical impressions were taken for each tooth preparation using the CAD/CAM scanner. Thirty crowns were fabricated using CAD/CAM system and divided into three groups (IPS e.max, VE, and VS). To assess the internal fit of tested crowns, the gap between the intaglio of each crown and the corresponding tooth surface was evaluated using a 3D digital scanner using the Triple-scan Protocol. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey Post Hoc statistical tests were used to statistically analyze results of the internal fit. There was a statistically significant difference for all groups at the four axial walls (p = 0.000002). For total internal fit between groups, comparisons showed a statistically significant difference between all tested groups (p=0.000002). When each pair of groups was statistically compared with each other, all pair comparisons showed a statistically significant difference. IPS e.max CAD had the best internal fit, followed by Vita Enamic, then Vita Suprinity. For all ceramics tested, values of internal fit of all ceramics tested were within the clinically acceptable range.