Keywords
adhesion - clinical longevity - esthetics - indirect composite - inlay - marginal
discoloration - onlay - restorative dentistry
Introduction
The quest for an esthetic posterior restoration that is both conservative and predictable
has plagued the dental profession for many years. Under this theory, indirect inlays
and onlays have been used increasingly in the last decades.
In today’s dental practice, there are many materials and solutions available to restore
a partially damaged posterior tooth. The development of reinforcing ceramic systems,
coupled with the ability to etch and bond the porcelain to the underlying etched tooth
structure, has allowed these types of restoration to become a part of today’s operative
armamentarium. Many clinical studies examined the performance of ceramic inlays and
onlays for varying serving times with very good results. Unfortunately, ceramics have
some disadvantages, such as low tensile strength, excessive brittleness, fracture,
and time-consuming laboratory procedures.[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
In response to the limitations of ceramics, new polymer-based resin-composite materials
have been developed. This new category of materials referred to as hybrid polymers
or hybrid ceramics, also known as resin-matrix-ceramics, resin-based ceramics, or
nanoceramics represents the synergy of ceramics and composites with their respective
beneficial mechanical properties. Some of them are normally stress distribution; reduced
polymerization shrinkage; very good wear resistance; and excellent characterization
and adjustment of the occlusal surface, reparability, and easy manipulation compared
with ceramic.[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13] Furthermore, it appears that these materials meet the increasing demands of the
patients for an esthetic appearance of the posterior teeth. Today, there are many
new polymeric restorative materials for indirect applications ([Table 1]).[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
Table 1
Modern polymeric systems for indirect restorations
Material
|
Manufacturer
|
Artglass
|
Heraeus/Kulzer
|
Signum
|
Heraeus/Kulzer
|
Sinfony
|
3M - ESPE
|
Ceramage
|
Shofu
|
Solidex
|
Shofu
|
Gradia Indirect, Plus
|
GC Corp
|
Targis
|
Ivoclar–Vivadent
|
SR Adoro
|
Ivoclar–Vivadent
|
SR Nexco
|
Ivoclar–Vivadent
|
Belleglass
|
Kerr
|
Estenia
|
Kuraray
|
Premise indirect
|
Kerr
|
Sculpture
|
Jeneric/Pentron
|
Searching the bibliographical sources, the number of long-term clinical studies regarding
the performance of these materials is limited. So, the purpose of this clinical study
was to evaluate the clinical performance of composite inlays and onlays longitudinally
over 9 years.
Materials and Methods
Τhis clinical survey involved 32 patients, the age and gender of which are shown in
[Table 2]. The 32 patients required aesthetic and functional treatment in their posterior
teeth due to dental caries, recurrent caries, or replacement of old amalgam fillings.
They received 60 inlays and onlays in a private dental office in Athens. All of the
treated teeth were vital. All patients accepted their participation in the research
protocol and agreed to a recall program for 9 years, consisting of one appointment
every 3 years. This survey excluded patients with a high index of caries, poor level
of oral hygiene, malfunctions (impacted and/or misaligned teeth, malocclusion), active
periodontal or/and pulpal disease, and parafunctional habits like bruxism. None of
the patients dropped out or were dismissed. [Table 3] shows the distribution of the teeth receiving indirect restorations. The restorations
included 18 one-surface inlays, 20 two-surfaces inlays, 10 three-surfaces inlays,
and 12 onlays.
Table 2
Age and gender of patients
Age (y)
|
Men
|
Women
|
Total
|
20–30
|
3
|
8
|
11
|
31–40
|
5
|
5
|
10
|
41–50
|
3
|
3
|
6
|
51–60
|
3
|
2
|
5
|
Total
|
14
|
18
|
32
|
Table 3
Distribution of the teeth receiving indirect restorations
Tooth
|
Maxilla
|
Mandible
|
Total
|
First premolar
|
5
|
12
|
17
|
Second premolar
|
8
|
10
|
18
|
First molar
|
8
|
9
|
17
|
Second molar
|
3
|
5
|
8
|
Total
|
24
|
36
|
60
|
All clinical procedures were performed by one clinician, and all materials were used
according to the recommendations of the manufactures.
For the tooth preparations, the basic principles for adhesive restorations were followed.
The cavity form was developed as conservatively as possible; only the compromised
portion of the tooth was removed and convenient access was provided for the subsequent
restoration. The axial walls of the cavity preparation were prepared with a 6- to
10-degree taper by using appropriate diamond burs (Inlay Prep-set, Intensive, Viganello-Lugano,
Switzerland), which allows easier placement and removal of the restoration during
the try-in phase. For the onlay preparation, a 1.5- to 2.0-mm reduction in vertical
height of the cusp and all occluding areas and rounded occlusal-axial angles, and
hollow–ground chamfer finish line was necessary. Special diamond burs were used for
tooth preparation. (Inlay Prep-set, Intensive, Viganello-Lugano, Switzerland). Where
necessary, a glass-ionomer base in thickness greater than 1.5 mm was placed on the
pulpal floor for protection.
The final impression was made with a siloxane material (Speedex, Coltene -Whaledent
Co.). An impression of the opposite teeth was made, using an alginate impression material
(Cavex impressional, Cavex Co.). Also, an interocclusal record was made (Luxa Bite,
DMG Co.). After impression making, the teeth were provisionalized with a light-cured
provisional material (Clip Light-Cured Provisional Filling, Voco Co.).
One dental technician made all the restorations using a modern polymeric system (Gradia,
GC) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The bonding procedure for each tooth was conducted under a rubber dam isolation. The
cavity preparation was cleaned with a wet slurry of flour pumice and then was treated
with a 37% phosphoric acid gel etchant (Etching gel, DMP Co, Greece). After etching
and drying, the dentin adhesive system (Gluma 2 Bond, Kulzer Co, Germany) was applied
uniformly and gently air thinned. The restoration was cleaned in the ultrasonic cleaner
and then washed and dried. After that, it was coated with a silane coupling agent
(Monobond S, Ivoclar, Vivadent). Finally, the restoration was luted adhesively with
composite resin cement (Variolink II, Ivoclar, Vivadent). The super floss beneath
the contact point was drawn through to remove the excess resin interproximally. The
restoration was held firmly in place and was light-cured from all aspects—proximal,
facial, lingual, and occlusal—for 60 seconds each. Once the restoration bonded into
position and cured completely, the final occlusal adjustment was made. Finally, the
finishing procedures were done with a series of microfine diamond strips, multifluted
finishing burs, and polishing disks specifically designed for the finishing process
(Ιntensive metal diamond strips, Intensive proxostrip, Composhape set A&P Intensive,
Viganello-Lugano, Switzerland).
Patients were given detailed oral hygiene instructions and asked to inform the clinician
of any problem that occurs in the treated teeth.
Evaluation
Each restoration was evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 years, with mirror, probe,
and a dental loupe (×4.5), by another clinician who was not involved in the clinical
procedures. The evaluation followed the modified U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)
criteria for the following parameters: surface texture, color match, marginal adaptation,
marginal discoloration, restoration integrity (fracture), tooth integrity, sensitivity,
and patient satisfaction ([Tables 4] and [5] ).[4]
[14]
[15]
[16] Descriptive analysis was performed for the evaluation of the restorations and the
tooth outcome according to the modified USPHS criteria.
Table 4
Modified U.S. Public Health Service criteria for evaluation
Modified USPHS criteria
|
Description
|
Score
|
Abbreviation: USPHS, U.S. Public Health Service.
|
Excellent/good
|
Perfect without fault, or slight deviations from ideal performance, correction possible
without damage of tooth or restoration
|
Alpha
|
Acceptable
|
Small defects, every clinical intervention is performed without damaging the tooth
or the restoration and no negative effect is expected
|
Bravo
|
Unacceptable but repairable
|
Serious defects, the restoration/tooth needs to be repaired
|
Charlie
|
Poor/failure
|
Immediate replacement necessary
|
Delta
|
Table 5
Descriptive criteria used for scoring restoration quality
Parameter
|
Alpha (A)
|
Bravo (B)
|
Charlie (C)
|
Delta (D)
|
Surface texture
|
Completely smooth surface
|
Slightly rough surface or with small notches, loss of gloss
|
Surface with visual and tactile roughness with visual cracks and notches
|
Visibly damaged surface, pits, and grooves throughout the material
|
Color match
|
Corresponding color between the tooth and the restoration
|
Moderate mismatch in color, shade, or translucency
|
Extensive color mismatch, outside the limits of acceptable appearance
|
Gross mismatch
|
Marginal adaptation
|
No cracks/gaps are visible along the margins of the restoration, the probe does not
catch
|
The probe slightly catches along the margins
|
Visible cracks/gaps or extensive probe penetration between cavity wall and restoration
|
The restoration is either fractured, missing, or movable
|
Marginal discoloration
|
No discoloration or minor staining can be polished
|
Moderate surface staining, not esthetically unacceptable
|
Surface staining present on the restoration, intervention necessary
|
Severe staining and/or subsurface staining
|
Restoration integrity
|
No defects in material, no cracks, or fractures
|
Two or more cracks and/or chipping, but not affecting the marginal integrity or proximal
contact
|
Chipping fractures that affect the marginal quality or proximal contact
|
Partial or complete loss of the restoration
|
Tooth integrity
|
No enamel defects/chipping
|
Visible enamel cracking, no exposed dentin
|
Major enamel cracking with dentin or base exposed, probe penetrates
|
Cusp or tooth fracture
|
Sensitivity
|
A normal reaction to cold spray compared with nonrestored teeth
|
Cold sensitivity has increased
|
Spontaneous pain referred by the patient
|
The tooth does not show signs of vitality
|
Patient satisfaction
|
Satisfied
|
Complained about the esthetic outcome
|
Requested an improvement
|
Completely dissatisfied
|
Results
A total of 60 inlays and onlays were bonded on posterior teeth in 32 patients. All
patients underwent the recall program. Thus, no dropout was experienced at 9 years
(100%).
The results for the evaluated factors at the follow-up periods are given in [Table 6].
Table 6
Frequency distribution of the scores for the evaluated criteria at the follow-up periods
Category/rating
|
Baseline n, %
|
3 y n, %
|
6 y n, %
|
9 y n, %
|
Surface texture
|
|
|
|
|
Abbreviations: A, Alpha; B, Bravo; C, Charlie; D: Delta.
|
A
|
60 (100.0)
|
58 (96.66)
|
55 (91.66)
|
50 (83.33)
|
B
|
0 (0.0)
|
2 (3.33)
|
4 (6.66)
|
6 (10.00)
|
C
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
3 (5.00)
|
D
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
Color match
|
|
|
|
|
A
|
60 (100.00)
|
59 (98.33)
|
56 (93.33)
|
53 (88.33)
|
B
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
4 (6.66)
|
6 (10.00)
|
C
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
D
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
Marginal adaptation
|
|
|
|
|
A
|
60 (100.00)
|
58 (96.66)
|
54 (90.00)
|
47 (78.33)
|
B
|
0 (0.0)
|
2 (3.33)
|
5 (8.33)
|
7 (11.66)
|
C
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
3 (5.00)
|
D
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
3 (5.00)
|
Marginal discoloration
|
|
|
|
|
A
|
60 (100.00)
|
58 (96.66)
|
54 (90.00)
|
47 (78.33)
|
B
|
0 (0.0)
|
2 (3.33)
|
5 (8.33)
|
7 (11.66)
|
C
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
3 (5.00)
|
D
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
3 (5.00)
|
Restoration integrity
|
|
|
|
|
A
|
60 (100.00)
|
60 (100.00)
|
59 (98.33)
|
57 (95.00)
|
B
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
2 (3.33)
|
C
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
D
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
Tooth integrity
|
|
|
|
|
A
|
60 (100.00)
|
60 (100.00)
|
58 (96.66)
|
55 (91.66)
|
B
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
2 (3.33)
|
2 (3.33)
|
C
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
D
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
2 (3.33)
|
Sensitivity
|
|
|
|
|
A
|
55 (91.66)
|
60 (100.00)
|
60 (100.00)
|
56 (93.33)
|
B
|
5 (8.33)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
3 (5.00)
|
C
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
D
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
Patient satisfaction
|
|
|
|
|
A
|
60 (100.00)
|
60 (100.00)
|
56 (93.33)
|
49 (81.66)
|
B
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
3 (5.00)
|
7 (11.66)
|
C
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
3 (5.00)
|
D
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
0 (0.0)
|
1 (1.66)
|
At the baseline and the 3-year follow-up, all restorations obtained an Alpha score
for the criteria: “restoration integrity” and “tooth integrity.”
At the 3-year examination, an Alpha score was given to 88.4% of restorations, while
a Bravo score was given to the remaining 11.6%. There was not any failure.
At the 6-year follow-up, the success rate of the restorations was 100% without failure.
None of the restorations was scored with Delta (D). An Alpha score was given to 60%
of the restorations, a Bravo score was assigned to 35%, and a Charlie score was 5%
of the restorations.
Overall, the success rate of the restorations at 9-year follow-up was 85% and the
failure rate was 15%. An Alpha score was given to 15% of the restorations, a Bravo
score was given to 50%, a Charlie score was assigned to 20%, and a D score was given
to 15% of the restorations. At 9-year examination with D scored: one restoration for
the “surface texture,” two restorations for the “tooth integrity” (small cusp fracture),
and three restorations for “marginal adaptation” and also three restorations for “marginal
discoloration.”
Of the 60 teeth restored, five of them showed sensitivity in the first week immediately
after bonding. This slight sensitivity was resolved by the second week and completely
remitted without long-term consequences. There was no additional sensitivity reported
in any of the restorations through the 3- and 6-year recall. At a 9-year recall, three
teeth (molars) had increased cold sensitivity (scored B) and one (premolar) had spontaneous
pain referred by the patient (scored C).
Regarding the criterion “patient satisfaction,” at the 9-year follow-up, the Alpha
score was 81.66%. There was only one patient completely dissatisfied ([Table 6]).
Discussion
This study was evaluated the clinical performance of indirect polymer composite (Gradia)
inlays and onlays in posterior teeth by using modified USPHS criteria.
In the 1970s, Cvar and Ryge[17] introduced an intraoral evaluation system, known as the USPHS method, which was
used to clinically evaluate resin composite restorations in posterior teeth. Over
the years, this method has received many improvements so that it is reliable and valid.
Today, many clinical trials use the USPHS criteria to evaluate posterior restorations.[4]
[18]
[19]
[20]
[21]
Ceramic or composite inlays and onlays, also known as “esthetic inlays/onlays,” have
become viable solutions for partially damaged posterior teeth. These restorations
offer many advantages over comparable restorations: they restore strength to compromised
teeth, they are more esthetic, and they are highly conservative.
The choice between ceramic or composite as restorative materials has become increasingly
complicated since composite materials have improved in their physicomechanical properties,
wear resistance, and esthetic potential.
So, this clinical study evaluated the clinical performance of composite resin inlays
and onlays made of an improved polymeric material (Gradia, GC) over 9 years.
This polymeric material (Gradia, GC) contains microfine ceramic pre-polymer fillers
with urethane dimethacrylate matrix. From many studies, it has been found that this
material has very good physicomechanical properties, such as high strength, wear-resistance,
and superior polishability for such restorations.[10]
[22]
[23]
In this clinical study, at the 3-year and 6-year follow-up, the success rate of the
restorations was 100% without failure. At a 9-year follow-up, the success rate was
85% and the failure rate was 15%.
It is important to distinguish between early failures (at baseline or after a few
weeks/ months), from a medium time frame (3–6 years), and late failures (6–9 years).
Up to 6 years, the color match, restoration integrity, tooth integrity, and sensitivity
were acceptable and did not show a significant difference. None of the restorations
was scored with D. An Alpha score was given to 60% of the restorations, a Bravo score
was assigned to 35%, and a Charlie score was 5% of the restorations.
On the other hand, late failures occurred at 9-year follow-up with a total failure
rate of 15%. Especially, nine restorations were graded with D, and only one patient
was unsatisfied. The main reasons for failures were tooth integrity, surface texture,
and marginal discoloration/adaptation.
About tooth integrity, there were only two teeth (one molar and one premolar) that
occurred small cusp fracture at 9 years. The teeth had no clinical symptoms, as the
restorations remained intact and boned in place and the fractures repaired with composite
resin. Although the failure rate was very small, it should be concluded that preparation
design has a significant effect on the risk of tooth fracture. Tooth preparation should
follow the basic principles for these restorations. Some of them are as follows: (1)
enamel should be supported by sound, healthy dentine, (2) well-rounded angles on the
cuspal preparation, to prevent the propagation of restoration fracture from these
sharp stress point, (3) all axial walls should be prepared with a 6- to 10-degree
taper, which allows easier placement and removal of the restoration during the try-in
phase, and (4) a 1.5- to 2.0-mm reduction in vertical height of the cups and all occluding
areas.
About the surface texture, there was only one restoration scored with D at the end
of the 9-year follow-up. This finding is most likely due to the improved mechanical
properties of modern composite materials. The process of laboratory polymerization
facilitates the improvement of conversion of reactable C=C double bonds and a reduction
of residual internal stresses, yielding better mechanical properties.[18]
[24]
Marginal discoloration and marginal disintegration were detected in three cases respectively
at the end of the 9-year follow-up. It was hypothesized that these phenomena were
interrelated and that both would deteriorate with time. These results could be related
to the resin composite luting cement, which considered as the weakest point for these
kinds of restorations.[11]
[18]
[19]
[22]
[25] Because adhesive inlays and onlays are inserted into the cavities with e resin cement,
the luting gap is always susceptible to increased wear, as the mechanical properties
of the cement are inferior, compared with the highly wear-resistant, postcured polymeric
restorations. Loss of marginal adaptation is often due to polymerization shrinkage
or removal of cement with instruments from the margins. The extent of microleakage
depends on the extension of the margins on enamel or dentin.[26] This happens because even though polymerization shrinkage is the same, regardless
of the location of margins, microleakage is greater when the cementation is made on
dentine. This problem is supposedly related to dentin dehydration and the compression
of the frail collagen network exposed by dentin etching during restoration insertion,
while the hybrid layer structure is not stabilized by cured bonding resin. Besides,
the cement at the margins is exposed to corrosion or degradation due to the activity
of enzymes, changes in pH that occur always in the mouth, and also due to mechanical
detachment. Also, the type of resin cement (light-cured or dual-cured) combined with
the time of polymerization may affect this microleakage. All these factors were responsible
for the development of marginal gaps. The pigmentation molecules are apart to stay
and absorb at disintegrated margins caused by microfracture of wear of resin cement.
These disintegrated areas remain and will expand with time.[4]
[27] Thus, this marginal disintegration will continue to exist or to increase along with
the marginal discoloration. Discoloration of the margins also can be attributed to
staining with pigments from food, coffee, and beverages, as well as smoking. Generally,
the wear resistance of luting cement has been regarded with skepticism, regardless
of the inlay/onlay material.[4]
[19]
[28]
[29]
[30]
[31]
[32]
Several clinical studies on indirect composite resins inlays and onlays reported no
failure or low failure rates.[11]
[18]
[19]
[21]
[22] In a 12-year study of clinical performance of one-two and multisurface composite
resin inlays on premolars and molars, the failure rate was only 12%.[19] In another study, after 3 years of clinical service, 93% of the composite inlays
in posterior teeth showed satisfactory results.[18] Dukic et al[21] reached a 70.7% success rate 36 months after placement and concluded that indirect
composite resin restorations represent a good choice for the therapy of severely damaged
teeth. Leirskar quotes 95% clinically successful results for three kinds of indirect
resin composite inlays/onlays after 4 to 6 years.[33] Thordrup[34] shows that after 10 years around 80% of the inlays placed were in function. Tunac
et al[35] evaluated the 2-year clinical performance of computer-aided design/computer-aided
manufacturing resin composite inlay restorations in comparison with direct resin composite
restorations. They concluded that all restorations were ideal or clinically acceptable
in class II cavities.
Conclusion
This clinical survey was evaluated the clinical performance of 60 indirect polymer
composite (Gradia) inlays and onlays placed in 32 patients for 9 years by using modified
USPHS criteria. The success rate of the restorations at 9-year follow-up was 85% and
the failure rate was 15%. An Alpha score was given to 15% of the restorations, a Bravo
score was given to 50%, a Charlie score was assigned to 20%, and a D score was given
to 15% of the restorations. In conclusion, this kind of restoration seems clinically
acceptable as a conservative and esthetic method for molar and premolar restoration.