Galvano-ceramic vs. Metal-ceramic crowns: A prospective, clinical observation

Objective: Prosthetic crown restorations made by the galvano-forming procedure are considered as highly biocompatible, stable and aesthetic restorations. Therefore they represent an alternative crown system to conventional metal-ceramic crowns (MC), which are often associated with allergic or toxic reaction due to metal oxids. In the current literature there are only a few clinical reports, but no comparative clinical evaluation of these two systems available. The purpose of this clinical observation was to compare the long time success of GC and MC and to evaluate post-operative complications. Methods: A prospective, controlled clinical trial was conducted. 48 GC and 48 MC were placed in 48 periodontally healthy patients (male=24; female=24) in a split mouth design. Prosthetic parameters as technical, biological and endodontic problems were recorded. For statistical analysis the non-parametric Wilcoxon test was applied with a level of significance of á=5%. Results: The crown restorations were re-evaluated after a time of observation of 13 to 64 months (mean=40.5, SD±11.0 month). 45 GC and 45 MC (93,8%) were in situ without any complications. Excellent surfaces were found in 24 (50%) GC and 23 (47,9%)MC; acceptable surfaces showed 20 (41,8%) GC and 23 (48%) MC. A fracture of the veneering material was only observed in 1 (2,1%) MC and 2 (4,2%) GC. 3 teeth needed endodontic treatment due to an irreversible pulpitis (2MC, 1GC). 2 (4,2%) teeth were lost as a result of a vertical root fracture (GC) and a persisting fistula (GC). Conclusion: The presented data indicate, that galvano-ceramic crowns seam to be a succesful alternative conventional the metal-ceramic crown system.