3D-printed Ceromer Crowns Versus Stainless Steel in Posterior Primary Molars

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Dental Caries in Children; Caries, Dental; Caries; Dentin

• Registration Number: NCT07091331
• Lead Sponsor: Universidad Autonoma de Baja California

Brief Summary

The aim of the study is to compare preformed metal crowns and 3D-printed ceromer crowns in primary molars of 4-9 years old children. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* How does 3D-printed ceromer crowns compare clincally to stainless steel crowns when restoring posterior molars?

* What is the level of satisfaction of the patient with both materials?

* What is the level of parental satisfaction with both materials?

Study methodology:

This study is a split-mouth clinical trial where participants will receive at least one of each materials in different quadrants of the mouth.

Detailed Description

This randomized clinical trial is designed following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines and will adopt a prospective, split-mouth approach. The objective is to compare the clinical performance of crowns fabricated with three-dimensional (3D) printed ceromer material against conventional preformed stainless steel crowns in extensively decayed primary posterior teeth. The unit of observation will be gingival inflammation in the area surrounding the restorations, evaluated at specific time points over a 12-month follow-up period (3, 6 and 12 months).

Each eligible participant will receive both types of crowns, with assignments made to contralateral quadrants of the mouth to allow for within-subject comparison. This methodology minimizes inter-individual variability and strengthens internal validity. The ceromer crowns will be fabricated via additive manufacturing (3D printing), while the stainless steel crowns will follow the conventional selection and crimping technique.

Written informed consent will be obtained from their guardians or parents. An expected total of 50 primary molars of healthy participants will be restored.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-07
• Study First Submitted: 2025-07-22
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-07-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-07-22
• Study First Posted: 2025-07-29
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-29
• Study Start: 2025-07-30
• Primary Completion: 2025-12-30
• Study Completion: 2026-06-15

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

• Children aged 4 to 9 years with at least 2 primary molars affected by deep occlusoproximal caries.
• Teeth may require pulp therapy (pulpotomy or pulpectomy) and be suitable for full-coverage restoration.
• Teeth must have an antagonist and be located in opposing hemiarches.
• The affected primary molars must be expected to remain in the mouth for at least 12 months.
• The child must be in general good health.
• Parents or legal guardians must sign informed consent, and the child must provide assent.
• Patient does not come to control appointment or does not want to continue research.

Exclusion Criteria

• Children with systemic diseases or medical conditions affecting oral health.
• Uncooperative behavior (Frankl scale 3 or 4).
• Temporomandibular joint disorders or parafunctional habits (e.g., bruxism).
• Absence of antagonist or adjacent teeth in the selected quadrants.
• Children on long-term medication.
• Patient with allergy to local anesthetic, nickel or chromium.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
International Dental Federation (FDI) criteria used for clinical evaluation of indirect restorations	12 months	Functional, Biological and Esthetic properties, scored from 1-5 (higher score meaning worse result.
Plaque index (PI) (Silness and Loe, 1964)	12 months	0- No plaque in the area adjacent to the gingiva; 1. There is a thin film on the edge of the gingival margin. (detected with the help of a probe); 2. There is presence of plaque in the gingival pocket and gingival margin at a level that can be determined by eye. There is no plaque in the proximal area.; 3. A large amount of plaque layer is observed in the gingival pocket and gingival margin. Interdental area is filled with plaque.
Gingival Index (GI) (Loe & Silness, 1963)	12 months	0- Healthy gingiva, no inflammation; 1. Mild inflammation, discoloration and mild edema of the gums, no bleeding on probing.; 2. Moderate inflammation, redness and edema in gums, bleeding on probing.; 3. Advanced inflammation, redness, edema in gums, spontaneous bleeding is observed.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Patient satisfaction	6 months	A 5 question satisfaction questionnaire with 5 point lykert scale questions
Parental satisfaction	6 months	A 5 question satisfaction questionnaire with 5 point lykert scale questions

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Facultad de Odontología; 🇲🇽 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico