Clinical Study on Zirconia Bridges

To evaluate the clinical performance and survival rate of NobelProceraTM Bridge Shaded Zirconia on natural teeth in the posterior region for a period of 5 years. The working hypothesis of this clinical study is that industrial centrally produced 3- or 4-unit bridges of shaded yttrium-oxide partially-stabilized (Y-TZP) zirconia (NobelProceraTM Shaded Zirconia) in combination with a veneering ceramic material will show sufficient CDA ratings (80% R+S) and a sufficient survival rate (93%) after 5 years in comparison with a reference level of 95%.

Inclusion Criteria:

The subject must be at least 18 (or age of consent), and less than 70 at the time of inclusion.

• The subject is healthy and compliant with good oral hygiene
• The subject is in need of a posterior fixed partial denture restoration of up to 4 units distal of the canines in the maxilla or mandible.
• The subject shall have a stable occlusal relationship with a fully restored, fixed opposing dentition.
• Obtained informed consent from the subject the subject should be available for the 5-year term of the investigation.
• No apical disorder or inflammation of abutment teeth, adjacent and opposing teeth.
• Good gingival / periodontal / periapical status of restoring, opposing and adjacent teeth. Healed situation of soft tissue augmentation is allowed.
• The subject should be available for the 5-year term of the investigation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The subject is not able to give her/his informed consent to participate.
• Alcohol or drug abuse as noted in patient records or in patient history.
• Reason to believe that the treatment might have a negative effect on the patient's total situation (psychiatric problems), as noted in patient records or in patient history.
• An existing condition where acceptable retention of the restoration is impossible to attain
• Mobility of the tooth to be restored.
• Pathologic pocket formation of 4 mm or greater around the tooth to be restored
• Severe bruxism or other destructive habits
• Amount of attached soft tissue is insufficient (no attached gingiva on the buccal side of the tooth).
• Health conditions, which do not permit the restorative procedure