Five-year retrospective clinical study of indirect composite restorations luted with a light-cured composite in posterior teeth

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of indirect composite onlays-overlays bonded with a light-cured composite on vital molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients were restored with 79 indirect composite restorations. The restorations were studied for an observation time of 5 years. Marginal adaptation, marginal discolouration, secondary caries, colour match and anatomic form were clinically examined following modified United States Public Health Service criteria. Each restoration was also examined for fractures and debonding. Endodontic complications were registered. Survival rate, based just on failures that required a replacement, and success rate that included also failures that required a repair intervention were statistically determined using a restoration and a patient-related analysis. RESULTS: After 5 years, using each restoration as a statistical unit, the survival rate was 91.1 % and the success rate 84.8 %, with a high Kaplan-Meier estimated success probability of 0.852. Using the patient as the statistical unit, the survival rate was 90.2 % and the success rate 85.4 %, corresponding to a Kaplan-Meier estimated success probability of 0.857. On the basis of the criteria used, most of the restorations rated Alpha. Regarding marginal adaptation and marginal discolouration, 5 and 10.1 % of the restorations, respectively, revealed Bravo ratings CONCLUSIONS: Indirect composite restorations offer a predictable and successful treatment modality giving an optimal preservation of sound tooth tissue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The preparation, cementation and finishing procedures are considered key factors for the long-term success of the indirect composite restorations.