In vitro fracture resistance of mandibular incisors restored with modified partial-coverage ceramic restorations.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the impact fracture resistance of anterior teeth that had been fractured and restored with modified partial-coverage ceramics using the edge-up technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 178 extracted human mandibular central and lateral incisors were included in this study. The incisors were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 89) teeth were cleaved and restored with modified partial-coverage ceramics using the edge-up technique; Group 2 (n = 89) consisted of intact teeth that served as control. Impact strength was tested in a modified impact testing machine (pendulum type), and the severity of crown fracture after fracture resistance test was registered. RESULTS: Impact strength was insignificantly lower in restored teeth (median 5.39 and range 0.81-14.12 kJ m(-2) ) than in intact teeth (median 5.45 and range 0.31-16.47 kJ m(-2) ), although no statistically significant differences were observed. Regarding the severity of crown fracture, restored teeth showed a lower rate of severe fractures (20.22%) compared to intact teeth (25.84%), but no statistically significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Restoration of cleaved mandibular incisors with modified partial-coverage ceramics using the edge-up technique shows fracture resistance and severity of crown fracture following traumatism similar to intact teeth. In this way, this technique can be used successfully for the treatment of fractured anterior teeth.