Vertical marginal discrepancy of ceramic copings with different ceramic materials, finish lines, and luting agents: an in vitro evaluation

Prosthetic restorations that fit poorly may affect periodontal health and occlusion. Studies that have evaluated the accuracy of fit of ceramic restorations before and after cementation assessed primarily intracoronal restorations. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of different finish lines, ceramic manufacturing techniques, and luting agents on the vertical discrepancy of ceramic copings. Two stainless steel molars were prepared for complete crowns with 2 different finish lines (heavy chamfer and rounded shoulder); each molar was duplicated to fabricate 90 copings. A total of 180 copings generated 18 groups (n=10 for each finish line–coping material–luting agent combination). Luting agents tested included zinc phosphate, resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji Plus), and resin composite cements (Panavia F). A metal frame was developed on which to screw the stainless steel model and a ceramic coping; the distance (μm) between 2 predetermined points was measured before and after cementation by a profile projector under a torquing force. A 4-way ANOVA with repeated measurements was performed to assess the influence of each factor in the vertical marginal discrepancy: 3 between-coping factors (finish line–coping material–luting agent) and 1 within-coping factor (before and after cementation) (α=.05). Procera copings presented the lowest mean values ( P