Survival of Implant-Supported All-Ceramic Prostheses

The purpose of this research study is to identify reasons that cause an all-ceramic bridge to fracture which include the thickness of the bridge material, the type of bridge material and the bite force of the person. This all-ceramic bridge will be compared to a metal-ceramic bridge. The investigators are conducting this study so we can make bridges which can withstand forces in the mouth which tend to break them. The overall objective of this research is to analyze how properties of ceramic materials and different forces in the mouth interact with each other to affect the longevity of these bridges. These include fracture toughness, elastic modulus of ceramic layers and supporting substrate, core thickness, connector height, wear, loading orientation, and maximum clenching force.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 21-75 years, and no contraindications to dental treatment. * Good overall dental health, no active caries, no periodontal disease, and periodontal pocket depths not greater than 4 mm. * Missing at least three teeth in the posterior area of the mouth. * Natural teeth opposing the edentulous area and a full complement of teeth or restored teeth in all other areas of the mouth * Adequate bone height and width at areas of proposed implant sites * Adequate interocclusal distance to accommodate prosthesis * Good oral hygiene and compliance with oral hygiene instructions as determined by the amount of plaque present on tooth surfaces. * Compliance with appointments and willing to pay $2625 for a 3-unit implant supported FDP Exclusion Criteria: Non compliance Not enough teeth remaining Uncontrolled medical condition