Load-bearing capacity of handmade and computer-aided design--computer-aided manufacturing-fabricated three-unit fixed dental prostheses of particulate filler composite.

OBJECTIVE: To compare handmade and computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM)-fabricated fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) composed of a particulate filler composite.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Handmade FDPs were made of restorative composite (Z 100) and CAD-CAM-fabricated FDPs were made of commercial CAD-CAM blocks (VITA Temp) and two experimental CAD-CAM blocks of particulate filler composite. Experimental CAD composite A was prepared by mixing 31.2 wt.% of dimethacrylate resin with 68.7 wt.% of filler particles of barium oxide silicate (BaSiO(2)). Experimental CAD composite B was prepared by mixing 25.6 wt.% of dimethacrylate resin with 74.3 wt.% of filler particles of BaSiO(2). Six groups were fabricated (n = 6 in each); FDPs were statically loaded until final fracture.
RESULTS: Experimental CAD composites A and B revealed the highest load-bearing capacity of the FDPs, while Z 100 showed the lowest.
CONCLUSION: FDPs made of experimental CAD composite blocks showed higher load-bearing capacities than handmade commercial composites and commercial blocks.