Performance of resin materials for temporary fixed denture prostheses.

This study investigated the handling properties and clinical performance of two commercially available resin materials with slight differences in filler composition for the fabrication of fixed interim restorations. In a dental university setting, patients requiring prosthetic treatment were supplied with fixed interim restorations fabricated from two commercially available resin materials. To clarify the handling properties of the resin materials, dentists and undergraduate students completed a questionnaire. Prior to insertion of the definitive restoration, the interim restorations were analyzed by calibrated examiners using a modification of the United States Public Health Service criteria. Eighty-two fixed interim restorations with a mean clinical service period of 44.5 (±28.3) days were included, including 39 single crowns, 30 fixed denture prostheses, 10 blocked crowns, and 3 partial coverage restorations. No significant differences between the two materials in the rating of their handling properties were identified, with the exception of the parameter "surface". Failures due to fractures were observed in 13% of the interim restorations. No significant differences between the materials in the rating of the clinical performance were identified. These results indicate that slight changes in the filler composition of commercial formulations account for few differences in handling properties and clinical performance.