A clinical study of direct composite full-coverage crowns: long-term results.

OBJECTIVE

Long-term assessment of the clinical behavior of direct composite full-coverage crowns using transparent strip crowns as a matrix.

METHOD

A retrospective observational study without controls of 21 restorations was performed: nine teeth with hypoplasia, six conoid teeth, and six with microdontia. The mean patient age was 22.5 ± 8.2 years. The clinical procedure consisted of cleaning the tooth, acid etching and application of adhesive, after which a transparent strip crown was filled with composite and placed on the tooth. The gingival contour was polished using multifluted burs and interproximal spaces polished with polishing strips. Patients were examined after a period of 12.5 (±4.6) years by two observers who recorded the plaque index and evaluated the restorations in accordance with the modified U. S. Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria.

RESULTS

Except for one case, all the scores obtained on the basis of the USPHS criteria were within the acceptable range. There were no cases of secondary caries. The statistically significant variations were anatomical form, marginal adaptation, marginal discolouration, and surface roughness.

DISCUSSION

This technique is simple and noninvasive. It is a viable long-term treatment option for teeth with amelogenesis or microdonts and is especially suitable for patients still undergoing growth.