Clinical Performance of Resin Materials for Temporary Fixed Dental Prostheses

Objectives: This study analyzed the handling properties and the clinical performance of two commercially available bisacrylic resin materials for fixed interim restorations.
Methods: Patients of the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry at the University Dental Hospital Regensburg requiring treatment with fixed prosthetic restorations were supplied with fixed interim restorations. The fixed interim restorations were randomly fabricated from two commercially available bisacrylic resin materials with different filler composition (Structur 2/3; VOCO GmbH, Germany) using a chairside approach. Subsequent to fabrication, blinded dentists and undergraduate students completed a questionnaire to investigate the handling properties of the materials. Additionally, the interim restorations were assessed by calibrated blinded examiners prior to insertion of the permanent restoration using modified USPHS criteria based on an Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie rating. Statistical analyses were performed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test (α=.05).
Results: A total of 82 fixed interim restorations, including 39 single crowns, 30 fixed denture prostheses, 10 blocked crowns, and 3 partial coverage restorations, were investigated. The interim restorations were in clinical service for a mean time of 44.5 (±28.3) days. Statistical analyses indicated no significant differences in the rating of the handling properties except the parameter “surface”. Structur 2 was rated significantly better than Structur 3. Both materials showed a satisfying clinical performance. Clinical failures of the fixed interim restorations due to fractures were infrequent and observed in 13% of all interim restorations. Statistical analyses indicated no significant differences in the rating of the clinical performance between the two materials.
Conclusions: Commercially available resin materials can successfully be employed to fabricate fixed interim restorations featuring adequate survival rates. Variation of the filler composition of a commercial resin formulation had only little impact on handling properties and clinical performance.