3D-printed resin versus zirconia for implant crowns and short bridges in the lower front jaw

Clinical Performance of 3D-Printed Resin Versus Milled Monolithic Zirconia in Implant-Supported Single Crowns and Short-Span Fixed Partial Dentures: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This trial tests whether 3D-printed permanent resin crowns and short fixed bridges work as well as milled zirconia for adults needing one or two implants in the lower front jaw.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Menoufia University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Shibīn al Kawm)
• Trial ID: NCT07522671 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, parallel-arm clinical trial comparing 3D-printed permanent resin (CROWNTEC) restorations to conventionally milled monolithic zirconia for implant-supported single crowns and short-span fixed partial dentures in the mandibular anterior region. All prostheses are produced using a standardized fully digital workflow (intraoral scanning, CAD design, and controlled fabrication) and delivered as screw- or cement-retained restorations. Participants are followed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months with planned extended follow-up, and the primary outcome is restoration survival over 12 months. Secondary outcomes include technical complications (fracture, chipping, screw loosening), peri-implant biological measures, marginal bone level changes on radiographs, and patient-reported satisfaction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) who have one or two osseointegrated implants in the mandibular anterior region with stable peri-implant tissues, good oral hygiene, and need a single implant crown or a short (≤3-unit) implant-supported bridge are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with severe parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism), uncontrolled systemic conditions affecting bone healing, peri-implantitis or unstable implants, or those needing long-span or non-mandibular-anterior prostheses are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a faster and potentially lower-cost alternative to zirconia with comparable short-term survival and patient satisfaction for implant restorations.

How similar studies have performed: Laboratory data and short-term clinical reports on 3D-printed resins show promising mechanical and esthetic results, but high-quality randomized clinical evidence for definitive 3D-printed implant restorations remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants must meet all of the following:
* Age ≥18 years.
* Have one or two osseointegrated dental implants requiring prosthetic restoration.
* Demonstrate stable peri-implant tissues with no signs of inflammation or implant mobility.
* Maintain good oral hygiene and controlled periodontal status.
* Require either:
* A single implant-supported crown, or
* A short-span (maximum 3-unit) implant-supported fixed partial denture (FPD) supported by two implants in the mandibular anterior region.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants are excluded if they have any of the following:
* Severe parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism).
* Uncontrolled systemic diseases affecting bone metabolism or healing.
* Peri-implantitis or compromised implant stability.
* Requirement for cantilever prostheses or long-span restorations, or FPDs in areas other than the mandibular anterior region.

Where this trial is running

Shibīn al Kawm

• Mohammed Elsawy — Shibīn al Kawm, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Mohammed A. Elsawy, PhD

Conditions Prosthesis User