Abstract
Objective This study was carried out to assess and compare the marginal gap of conventionally
used metal onlays and new resin nanoceramic (RNC) (Lava Ultimate block) onlays.
Materials and Methods This is an in vitro study using two extracted sound human mandibular molars. One
tooth was prepared to receive the metal onlays and another one for the RNC onlays
which were fabricated using the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing
(CAD/CAM) technology. Twelve metals and 12 ceramic onlays were fabricated before they
were placed at their respective preparation and examined under the Leica stereomicroscope,
M125C (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany) for a marginal analysis. The gap width
was measured at 10 predefined landmarks which included 3 points on the buccal and
lingual surfaces each and 2 points each on the mesial and distal surfaces, respectively.
Statistical Analysis Mann–Whitney post hoc test was used for statistical analysis (P ≤ 0.05).
Results Overall, the RNC onlays showed significant lower marginal gap with the exception
of the landmarks 5 and 6 (on distolingual) and no significant difference at landmark
7 (on midlingual). It was observed that the marginal gap were all within the clinically
acceptable limit of 120 μm.
Conclusions Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the RNC CAD/CAM onlays are
a promising alternative to the metal onlays.
Keywords
ceramics - computer-aided design - microleakage - minimally invasive dentistry - prosthetic
dentistry/prosthodontics - restorative materials
