Comparison of Marginal Adaptation of Different Implant-Supported Metal-Free Frameworks Before and After Cementation

PURPOSE: To compare marginal adaptation before and after cementation of implant-supported metal-free frameworks fabricated from zirconia, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or composite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six CAD/CAM frameworks were constructed from zirconia, PEEK, or composite (n = 12 per material). Marginal gap was measured using a Video Measuring Machine (VMM) system, and repeated-measures analysis of variance was employed for data analysis (P < .05). RESULTS: Absolute marginal discrepancies of all frameworks decreased significantly after cementation (P < .05). Zirconia and composite frameworks' marginal gap values were clinically acceptable, while PEEK frameworks were judged as being on the borderline of acceptability. Zirconia demonstrated significantly better marginal adaptation than PEEK (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Zirconia showed the best marginal adaptation of the three tested metal-free frameworks.