Comparative Evaluation of the Marginal Fit and Internal Adaptation of Polymethyl Methacrylate Interim Crowns Fabricated using two different techniques- “Conventional” and “CAD-CAM Milling”: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Viswambaran M. , Gopi Anup , Banari Avina , Jeba E. Ritty 
Published: October 2024

Introduction Interim crowns provide valuable functional and esthetic information of the final outcome during the evaluation period and act as the blueprint for the design of definitive prostheses. The fabrication technique and material used are the key factors involved in the success of the prosthesis. However, marginal fit and internal adaptation of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) interim crowns fabricated using conventional and computer aided designing-computer aided machining (CAD-CAM) PMMA milling have not been well investigated. The inter-group statistical comparison of means of normally distributed continuous variables is done using independent sample t test. Material and Methods Typodont (Nissin, Japan) of the maxillary central incisor was scanned (Ceramill Map 600+, Amann Girrbach AG) and 3D printed (Form 4, Formlabs) to create the master die used in the study, while a Typodont of a prepared maxillary central incisor was scanned using a digital scanner (Ceramill Map 600+, Amann Girrbach AG) and a .STL file obtained was modified using Exocad software for designing the study models. Three equidistant points A, B and C passing from the center of the incisal edge to the root of the typodont were indented labially and A` B` and C` were indented palatally in the same plane using Exocad software for symmetrical sectioning while checking for marginal fit and internal adaptation. 50 3D printed (Form 4, Formlabs India) models of the prepared tooth were printed and 25 interim crowns were fabricated using Polymethyl Methacrylate (DPI Tooth moulding material, DPI India) by conventional and 25 interim crowns were fabricated using CAD-CAM PMMA (Ceramill a-temp, Amann Girrbach AG). They were then luted (Han Temp Cement eugenol free, NE Korea) to respective models and viewed under a stereomicroscope (Ziess) for marginal fit at 2 specific points and internal adaptation at 4 specific points. Results The mean SD of marginal fit measurements at buccal and site in Group A (conventional technique) and Group B (CAD-CAM milling) was 95.32 ± 7.78 µm and 66.92 ± 14.59 µm respectively. At lingual site in Group A and Group B was 94.84 ± 7.97 µm and 66.80 ± 10.93 µm respectively. The mean marginal fit measurement at lingual site is significantly higher in Group A compared to Group B (P-value%3C0.05). The mean SD of internal fit measurements at upper 1 site in Group A and Group B was 335.19 ± 94.70 µm and 226.76 ± 89.68 µm respectively. At upper 2 site in Group A and Group B was 368.88 ± 120.25 µm and 240.85 ± 93.72 µm respectively. At lower 1 site in Group A and Group B was 313.52 ± 99.92 µm and 262.49 ± 94.33 µm respectively. At lower 2 site in Group A and Group B was 367.93 ± 107.36 µm and 264.52 ± 86.97 µm respectively. The mean internal fit measurement is significantly higher in Group A compared to Group B (P-value%3C0.05). Conclusion The interim crowns fabricated using the conventional technique displayed a less favourable marginal fit and internal adaptation when compared to CAD-CAM fabricated interim crowns. Key Words CAD-CAM, Interim crowns, Marginal fit and internal adaptation