Occlusion Assessment of CAD/CAM Zirconia Crowns Designed with Digital Articulator

Objectives: The purpose of this self-controlled clinical trial was to compare the occlusal fit of monolithic zirconia crowns designed with the library method and digital articulator method.
Methods: Twelve posterior teeth included were prepared and taken impression. Models obtained and mounted on the articulator were digitized with 3Shape model scanner in 2 different ways. Monolithic zirconia crowns were designed using selected tooth elements from the library and adjusted with intercuspal occlusion except that the digital articulator group was additionally adjusted with simulated mandible movements using digital articulator. Before cementation, the occlusal fit of both crowns and patient satisfaction was evaluated, and the occlusal adjustment time and volume was recorded.

Results: The occlusal adjustment time of the digital articulator and library condition were (293.6 ± 203.7) s and (386.7 ± 353.5) s (P > 0.05). The occlusal contacts, occlusal contact distributions, number of occlusal contacts, ROF and VAS scores did not differ between conditions (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The occlusal fit and patients’ satisfaction were not different between the digital articulator method and library method.