Assessment of clinical proceedings adopted by dental professionals regarding the employment of ceramic fused to metal crowns

The current features of ceramic fused to metal crowns were evaluated by means of a questionnaire composed by 20 questions concerning the use of this type of restoration in the daily dental practice of professionals from Aracaju, Bauru and post-graduation students in the area of dental prosthesis. The conclusions were as follows: 1. Ceramic fused to metal crowns are the most employed restorations in Dentistry. 2. Most dentists regard ceramic fused to metal crowns as successful restorations, indicating ceramic occlusal surfaces for most of the patients. 3. Even though most professionals use nickel-chromium alloys in ceramic fused to metal crowns for their patients, they prefer the use of noble and semi-noble alloys for restorations in their own mouths. 4. The majority of the interviewees employ ceramic fused to metal crowns for rehabilitation of anterior teeth (57.23%). Nevertheless, this was due to the fact that 78% of the dentists from Aracaju preferred this type of restoration, whereas in Bauru most professionals and students make use of ceramic crowns. 5. Most professionals apply zinc phosphate cement for the placement of ceramic fused to metal crowns. Most of them prefer to use Vita porcelain (34.34%), compared to 13.86% for the Noritake and Dulceram Plus porcelains. 6. The most desired improvement for ceramic fused to metal crowns was the possibility of easy repair.