Complete rehabilitation of patients with bruxism by veneered and non-veneered zirconia restorations with an increased vertical dimension of occlusion: an observational case-series study

Purpose: To assess the clinical performance of the complete rehabilitation of a series of patients with bruxism treated by teeth- and implant-supported veneered and non-veneered zirconia restorations with an increased vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO).

Methods: Ten patients with bruxism, aged 62-70 years, were treated with 108 veneered and 142 non-veneered zirconia restorations and attended the recall appointment. The mean observation period was 28.2 (±16.8) months. The patients were identified from records, and clinical details were retrieved from their files. In the recall appointment, the restorations were evaluated using modified California Dental Association (CDA) criteria. The periodontal probing depth, bleeding index, presence of caries and implant survival and success rate were recorded.

Results: No biological complications were recorded for any restorations. The success and survival rate of all implants was 100%. The overall mean survival and success rate of all restorations was 99.6%. In the veneered group, the predominant complication was minor veneer chipping (13.9%) on the incisal edge, which required only polishing (grade 1); in the non-veneered group, the predominant failure was open proximal contacts between the implant restoration and adjacent teeth (9%); only one implant restoration needed repair. One restoration was replaced due to a horizontal tooth fracture.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, we conclude that the survival and success rate of monolithic zirconia restorations installed in patients with bruxism was excellent, although the veneered zirconia restorations showed a high rate of minor veneer chipping, which required only polishing.