Comparing two types of dental implant prostheses for missing teeth

Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Two-unit Cantilever Implant Prostheses Made of Monolithic Zirconia on Titanium Base Abutments or Porcelain-fused to Metal on Gold Abutments

NA · University of Geneva, Switzerland · NCT04713800

This study is testing which type of dental implant prosthesis works better for people with missing teeth: one made from zirconia or another made from porcelain and metal.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment38 (estimated)
Ages22 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Geneva, Switzerland (other)
Locations1 site (Geneva)
Trial IDNCT04713800 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the survival rates and technical outcomes of two types of cantilever implant-supported fixed denture prosthetics: one made from monolithic zirconia bonded to a titanium base using a digital workflow, and the other made from porcelain fused to metal with a gold abutment using a conventional workflow. The study will also assess biological outcomes, wear patterns, patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs), and time efficiency. The researchers will test the hypothesis that the type of reconstruction does not affect the survival rate and technical outcomes of the implants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 22 and older with good oral hygiene and specific types of edentulous gaps in the posterior maxilla or mandible.

Not a fit: Patients with severe bruxism, inadequate oral hygiene, or those who smoke excessively may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into which type of dental prosthesis offers better longevity and performance for patients with missing teeth.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar approaches in dental prosthetics, but this specific comparison of materials and workflows is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Minimal age of 22 years old.
* No general medical condition which represents a contraindication to implant treatment
* Good oral hygiene (PII ≤ 20%), and healthy periodontal tissues (BOP≤ 20%)
* Two adjacent-teeth gap in posterior maxilla or mandible arch (first premolar, second premolar, first molar, second molar) with an osseointegrated regular or wide-diameter bone-level implant in a prosthetically correct position to allow occlusal screw-retention. Free-end edentulous gaps can also be included
* Presence of antagonist occlusal units

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe bruxism or clenching habits
* Patients with inadequate oral hygiene or persistent intraoral infection
* Women who are pregnant or breast feeding at the day of inclusion
* Smokers exceeding 15 cigarettes / day, or equivalent; patients chewing tobacco
* Unable or unwilling to cooperate for the trial period
* Estimated cantilever crown mesial-distal length \> 10 mm
* Estimated implant crown height (from implant platform to occlusal contact points) \> 15 mm

Where this trial is running

Geneva

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Jaw, Edentulous, Partially, Missing Teeth, Dental Implants, Cantilever, Titanium base, Dental abutment, Fixed dental prosthesis, Monolithic zirconia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.