Methods: Seventeen patients received 2 FDP (anterior region) and 36 SC (anterior and posterior region). Lithium disilicate restorations were milled to full contour by a CAD/CAM system (Inlab, Sirona) for posterior restorations while anterior restorations were milled to a reduced design and veneered in powder build-up technique (IPS e.max Ceram, IvoclarVivadent). All restorations were luted adhesively (Multilink Automix) or semi-adhesively (Multilink Sprint). Only two FDP could be inserted because the recommended connector cross-section of 16 mm was a limiting factor. Baseline evaluation was performed 2 weeks after cementation with recall examinations performed at 12, 24 and 36 months by calibrated investigators. The mean service time of the restorations was 23 (+/- 9) months.
Results: No failures were observed after a clinical service time of 23 months resulting in a survival probability of 100 % according to Kaplan Meier. No influence on gingival parameters from the restorations was observed compared to control teeth.
Conclusion: Single crowns made from lithium disilicate are a reliable and high esthetic treatment option for anterior and posterior regions. Due to massive connector cross-sections indication of lithium disilicate as material for FDP is limited.