In vivo study of the wear of a reinforced composite used to cover implant-supported frameworks

Abstract

The goal of this study was to research the wear shown by a material (Cristobal+) offered as an alternative to ceramics in the covering of an implant-supported fixed prosthesis. Twenty-six active cusps were used in this study; the control group consisted of 12 cusps adjacent to restorations composed of Cristobal+. Five images were obtained from each sample and analyzed using computer software that creates an arch along each cusp, so each image gives the value of the radius described by that arch. If a sample showed any sign of wear, the values for the successive radii would be increasingly larger since a flattened arch would produce a larger radius. An analysis of the paired Student t test was applied. After assessing the results, a statistically significant difference in wear was noted (P < .05). Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the wear of the cusps under function made with Cristobal+ reinforced composite was greater than that of the natural adjacent cusps.