Retention and Durability of the Anterior Zirconia Wing Bridge

This study is a clinical trial to determine the retention and durability of the anterior zirconia wing bridge. The type of zirconia-wing bridge the investigators are researching in this study has two wings which generally have three countersunk holes (meaning that the circumference of the outer portion of the hole is larger than the inner part of the hole). Composite resin (dental filling material) is placed in the holes as well as under and around the wings.

Twelve patients will have bridges placed and be evaluated every 6 months (ideally) to determine if the bridge is staying in place (retention) and if it is resistant to fracture (durability).

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Partial-edentulism; Missing Teeth
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: zirconia wing bridge

Detailed Description

For patients missing an anterior tooth, the treatment options available include a dental implant, a removable partial denture, or a bridge. Some patients may not desire an implant due to the surgical nature, the limited bone available or the high cost. Removable partial dentures are relatively inexpensive but are undesirable for many patients due to the limited esthetics, trouble speaking and annoyance of an oral prosthesis. Traditional bridges use adjacent teeth as abutments and replace the missing tooth. However, these require the removal of 1-2 mm of tooth structure on adjacent teeth provide room for the porcelain of the bridge.

Decades ago, the option for a conservative bridge was primarily found in the Maryland bridge, which had two metal wings that were cemented or bonded on to two abutments. Though conservative, the Maryland Bridge did not enjoy a high reputation because of the high rate of debonding (falling off).

In the last several decades, the use of zirconia as a restorative material in dentistry has dramatically risen due to its toughness, resemblance in color to natural teeth, and affordability. Also, composite resin bonding agents (adhesive for dental fillings) have increased in strength and effectiveness. With these two advancements, the possibility of overcoming the some of the previous shortcomings with the Maryland Bridge is more of a reality.

The type of zirconia-wing bridge we are researching in this study has two wings which generally have three countersunk holes (meaning that the circumference of the outer portion of the hole is larger than the inner part of the hole). Composite resin (dental filling material) is placed in the holes as well as under and around the wings.

In summary, the zirconia-wing bridge presents a desirable alternative to traditional options for missing anterior teeth. With the advancements in resin-bonding and zirconia, this study seeks to examine how these combined elements can be used in the zirconia-wing bridge to maximize durability and retention in clinical scenarios.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 8

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Utah
    • South Jordan, Utah, United States, 84095
      • Roseman University of Health Sciences

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients of both genders, ages 18 and above with one missing anterior teeth that has periodontal pockets of no more than 4 mm with abutment teeth being non-restored or minimally restored.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Registered patient at Roseman University of Health Sciences in South Jordan, Utah who has undergone a health and dental screening
• One missing anterior tooth
• Adjacent teeth to the missing tooth must be non-restored or minimally-restored in with gums that have pockets of 4 millimeters or less
• Fluent in English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are not registered at Roseman University of Health Sciences in South Jordan, Utah
• Patients who are unable to attend 6-month recall appointments

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Number of participants with bridges still bonded to the teeth (retention)	Determines how long the bridge stays bonded to the patient's teeth	2 years observation

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Number of participants with bridges that have no fractures (durability)	Determine if there is any fracturing of the zirconia	2 years observation

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Roseman University of Health Sciences
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: David G McMillan, DDS, Roseman University of Health Sciences

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): May 5, 2017
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 20, 2030
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 20, 2030

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 4, 2020
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 6, 2020
• First Posted (Actual): May 7, 2020

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 11, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 9, 2024
• Last Verified: April 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Congenital Abnormalities; Stomatognathic Diseases; Periodontal Diseases; Mouth Diseases; Tooth Diseases; Stomatognathic System Abnormalities; Tooth Abnormalities; Tooth Loss; Anodontia
• Other Study ID Numbers: 1164902

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No