Clinical Performance of Posterior Composite Restorations over 10 Years

Objective:

The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical performance of the nano-hybrid composite Tetric EvoCeram (Ivoclar Vivadent) in posterior cavities using selected FDI criteria and a semi-quantitative clinical evaluation method (SQUACE).

Method:

A total of 50 cavities (11 Class I and 39 Class II; in 31 molars and 19 premolars) were restored using the etch&rinse adhesive system Syntac (Ivoclar Vivadent) and Tetric EvoCeram. Restorations were placed in 35 subjects (12 female / 23 male, mean age: 37 years) by one experienced clinician. The follow-up examinations took place after 6 months, 1, 2, 5 und 10 years. Three drop-outs were recorded due to a change in the prosthetic planning and 13 were caused by a change of residence. After 10 years, 34 (68%) restorations were assessed by means of selected FDI-criteria for the evaluation of direct restorations (Hickel et al. 2007). The FDI-criteria included the evaluation of aesthetic, functional and biological properties. Criteria concerning the restorations' marginal quality were semi-quantitatively evaluated as % of total margin length (SQUACE method).

Results:

After 10 years, 100% of the restorations that were available for evaluation were still in place and the majority of them were graded either "excellent" or "good" for most of the criteria. Only 2 restorations (6%) had to be repaired due to minor material chipping affecting proximal contact or margin. Documented marginal flaws affected only small portions of the total margin length.

Conclusions:

The combination of Tetric EvoCeram and Syntac exhibited a reliable clinical performance after 10 years in situ and showed outstanding marginal quality.