Background: Alternatives to the conventional auro-galvanoforming ceramic bridge need to be evaluated in long-term longitudinal studies before being recommended for restoration of dentition defects. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of a ceramic bridge with auro-galvanoforming primary coping and Ni-Cr pontic for restoration of dentition defects.
Methods: In total, 114 ceramic bridges with auro-galvanoforming (primary coping and Ni-Cr pontic) were placed in 112 patients with dentition defects. Among them, 83 bridges in 82 patients were available for follow-up after 7 years. We evaluated marginal integrity, color match, gingival inflammation, fracture of ceramic bridges, and recurrent caries.
Results: Marginal integrity of the ceramic bridges was perfect in all patients. Most ceramic bridges maintained their original color. Fracture was found in three bridges; the rest were free of fracture, breakage, and loosening. Recurrent abutment caries were not found. Ceramic bridges with auro-galvanoforming (primary coping and Ni-Cr pontic) produced satisfactory clinical outcomes - equivalent to the conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration. This technique is especially useful for dentition defects of the molar area and is cheaper than restoration with noble metal bridges.
Conclusions: Ceramic bridges with auro-galvanoforming (primary coping and Ni-Cr pontic) performed well for the restoration of dentition defects during this follow-up period. More studies are warranted to further evaluate this technique as an alternative to the conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration.