Randomized trial investigating zirconia electroplated telescopic retainers: quality of life outcomes

• Published in: Clinical oral investigations 2017-05, Vol.21 (4), p.1157-1163
• Main Authors: Schwindling, Franz Sebastian, Deisenhofer, Ulrich Karl, Séché, Anne-Christiane, Lehmann, Franziska, Rammelsberg, Peter, Stober, Thomas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Chromium Alloys - chemistry; Cobalt - chemistry; Crowns; Dentistry; Denture Design; Denture, Partial, Removable; Female; Gold - chemistry; Humans; Male; Medicine; Middle Aged; Original Article; Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Zirconium - chemistry
• ISSN: 1432-6981; 1436-3771
• DOI: 10.1007/s00784-016-1869-1

Objectives The study aims to evaluate the effect of electroplated telescopic removable dental prostheses (E-RDPs) with zirconia primary crowns on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Materials and methods For E-RDPs, electroplating is used to produce precisely fitting gold copings on telescopic primary crowns. These copings are bonded intra-orally to the denture framework. Fifty-six participants in need of 60 removable restorations were randomly allocated one of two materials for the primary crowns: cobalt–chromium alloy or zirconia. OHRQoL was assessed by use of the 49-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) and by additional patient self-rating at baseline before treatment, and after 6 and 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed by use of one- and two-sample t -tests and analysis of covariance. Results Mean OHIP sum score at baseline was 53.4 (SD 37.4, 95 % CI 41.3–62). At follow-ups, it decreased significantly (after 6 months: mean 20, SD 26, 95 % CI 13–27.1; after 12 months: mean 16.4, SD 17.9, 95 % CI 11.6–21.2). The mean reduction in OHIP sum score after 12 months was 25 (SD 31.2, 95 % CI 13.1–36.9) for cobalt–chromium alloy and 44.4 (SD 32.3, 95 % CI 31.1–57.8) for zirconia. However, no statistically significant difference of the two materials on OHIP change or patient self-rating was detected. Conclusions Although OHRQoL was improved by using both cobalt–chromium alloy and zirconia primary crowns for E-RDPs, post-treatment differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Clinical relevance Zirconia E-RDPs enhance OHRQoL. However, zirconia primary crowns do not outperform cobalt–chromium alloy crowns regarding patient satisfaction—despite their tooth-like color.